How to disable the watermark in the photo Xiaomi: official and alternative methods

Why Xiaomi Adds Watermarks to Photos and Can They Be Safely Removed

The watermarks in Xiaomi smartphone photos are not just a marketing ploy, but part of MIUI’s firmware. The company adds them automatically starting with the MIUI 12 versions on most models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12T and POCO F4. The main goal is to promote the brand and protect against unauthorized use of images. However, for many users, this becomes an annoying factor, especially when the sign covers important details of the frame.

It’s important to understand that removing a watermark does not violate Xiaomi’s license agreement if you use images for personal purposes. But when publishing in commercial projects, you should consider copyright. In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways – from official settings to advanced methods for power users. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and tested on models from 2020-2026.

Before you start, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI. Some methods only work on certain builds. Also note that after the system update, the camera settings may reset — they will have to be configured again.

Method 1: Disabling the watermark through camera settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the Camera app’s built-in options, which is suitable for most modern devices, but may not be available on budget models or older versions of MIUI.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Camera app on your smartphone.
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) in the upper right corner or swipe up to open the settings menu.
3. Go to the Watermark section (on some models it may be called Photo Signature or Xiaomi Label).
4. Move the slider to the off position. or uncheck the option Add watermark.
5. Close the settings and take a test shot to check the result.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) If you don't find it on the menu, try updating the Camera app through Google Play or using alternative methods from this article.

Update the Camera app to the latest version

Check the MIUI version in your phone settings

Make a backup of important photos

The battery should be at least 30% charged.

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Method 2: Using Pro mode in the camera (bypass)

If you don't have the standard settings to remove the watermark, you can use the professional shooting mode, which usually doesn't add a sign, but you need to manually adjust the settings.

How it works:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and select Pro mode (or Manual on some models).
• 🔧 Set up white balance, ISO, shutter speed and other parameters manually (you can leave the default values).
• 📸 Take a picture - no watermark will be added.
• 💡 Note: In Pro mode, photos are saved in format DNG (RAW), which increases the size.

This method is suitable for advanced users, because it requires understanding the basics of photography. If you don't want to understand manual settings, move on to the next one.

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To quickly switch between camera modes, add the Camera shortcut to the home screen and use the swipe up gesture to select Pro mode.

Method 3: Removing watermark through photo editor

If the sign is already added to the finished pictures, it can be removed with the help of the built-in or third-party editor. Xiaomi offers its own solution - the Gallery app with basic retouch tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the photo in the Gallery app.
2. Click Edit (Pencil icon) ✏️).
3. Choose the Pruning or Covering tool.
4. Cut the edge of the photo where the watermark is located (usually in the lower right corner).
5. Save the changes by selecting Save as a copy so you don’t lose the original.

For more accurate removal, you can use third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: When cropping a photo, part of the image is lost. If the watermark covers important details, it is better to use the cloning tools in Snapseed or Photoshop Express to restore the background.

Method 4: Change settings through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can disable the watermark via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Execute the command to disable the watermark: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0
5. Reboot your smartphone.

Important: After the MIUI update, the settings may reset. To return the watermark, use the same command, replacing 0 with 1.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware without watermarks, which is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

Popular firmware without watermarks:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without branded bells and whistles Xiaomi.
• 🔄 LineageOS – stable firmware with open source.
• ⚡ Xiaomi.eu – modified version MIUI watermarked.

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware can lead to:

• Loss of warranty (if the loader is unlocked).
• Unstable operation of the camera or other modules.
• Problems with security updates.

If you decide to do this, follow the official instructions on the XDA Developers forum for your model. Before you run the firmware, make sure to back up your data via TWRP Recovery.

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Custom firmware removes watermarks forever, but requires technical skills. For most users, there are only 1-3 options.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing watermarks, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1.The watermark remains after disconnection in the settings

This is because of the Camera app cache.

• Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → App management → Camera → Clear the cache.
• Reboot your smartphone.

2.The sign appears only in HEIC photos

Xiaomi sometimes adds watermarks only to HEIF/HEIC images.

• Switch the format to JPEG in the camera settings: Settings → Save Format → JPEG.

3.After the MIUI update, the watermark is back

System updates can reset user settings.

• Re-disable the sign via the camera settings or ADB.
• Reverse to the previous version of MIUI (if the sign is critical).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions