Xiaomi’s camera sounds are one of the most annoying features for many users. A shutter click, autofocus squeak, or a loud “click” when shooting a video can spoil an important moment, attract unnecessary attention in a public place, or simply annoy with frequent use. Fortunately, almost all Redmi, POCO, and Mi models allow you to turn off or reduce these sounds — but the methods vary depending on the MIUI version and the firmware region.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current techniques, from standard settings to hidden engineering menu features, learn how to remove the shutter sound on the Xiaomi 13T, turn off the focus beep on the Redmi Note 12, or make noise-free videos on the POCO X5 Pro. And why on some models the sound can not be turned off completely (and what to do about it).
Why does Xiaomi’s camera make sounds and can it be removed?
The camera’s sound signals have two main functions:
- 📸 Confirmation of shooting – clicking the shutter helps to understand that the photo is taken (useful when shooting blindly or with a delay).
- 🔊 Legal requirements – in some countries (Japan, South Korea) the law requires smartphones to make sound when taking photos to prevent hidden shooting.
- 🎯 Feedback – AF squeak signals that the subject is in focus (especially important for macro photography).
On most Xiaomi models, the shutter sound can be turned off through settings, but there are nuances:
- ⚠️ On firmware for Japan and Korea (MIUI JP/KR) Shutter sound cannot be turned off software - this is a limitation at the software level.
- ⚠️ Some older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) The option is hidden in the engineering menu.
- ✅ On global and European firmware (MIUI Global/EEA) The sound is usually turned off by standard means.
Method 1: Turn off shutter sound in standard camera settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in Camera app options. It works on most modern models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 and later) with the current version of MIUI.
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the gears. ⚙️ in the upper right corner (or swipe from the right edge of the screen to the center on some models).
- Go to Camera Settings → Camera Sounds (or Sound Effects)
- Turn off the sliders: 📷 Shutter sound – click when taking photos. 🔍 Focusing sound – squeaking when pointing at the object. 🎥 Video sound – signals at the beginning/end of recording (if any).
If the camera sound item is not on the menu, then your model does not support turning off the sound through the standard settings, in which case move on to the following ways.
Is the Camera app open"?|Is there a "Camera Sound" option in the settings"?|Is the firmware updated to the latest version?|Have you tried restarting your phone?-->
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) after shuttering the sound, it may reappear after the phone is restarted. MIUI — Check the settings after each system update.
Method 2: Using the No Sound Mode (DND)
If the camera settings do not have the option to turn off the sound, you can use Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, but has a limitation: the shutter sound will only be turned off during active DND mode.
How to do this:
- Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
- Activate the slider Enable now.
- Select Settings → Media and turn off Media Sounds.
- Return to the Camera app – the shutter sound should disappear.
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If the shutter sound is still heard in DND mode, try to further reduce the media volume to zero using side volume buttons.
Method 3: Turning off sound through the engineering menu (for advanced)
On some Xiaomi models (especially older or custom firmware) the shutter sound can be turned off via an engineering menu, which requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the camera.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (some models may run ##4636## → Phone information → Select a camera test).
- In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing → Camera.
- Find audio-related options (such as Shutter Sound or Camera Sound Enable).
- Turn them off by setting Disable or 0.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Engineering menu is designed to test the device, modify other parameters (e.g, AF Calibration can cause the camera to lose focus.Do not change anything but the sound settings!
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 4: Use of third-party cameras (Google Camera, Open Camera)
If the built-in camera Xiaomi does not allow you to turn off the sound, you can install an alternative application.
- 📸 Google Camera (GCam) is a ported version of Google’s camera with advanced settings. On most Xiaomi models, the shutter sound in GCam is turned off by default.
- 🎞️ Open Camera is open source with flexible settings, and it allows you to turn off all camera sounds in the Settings menu. → Other camera settings → Sounds.
- 📱 Footage – application for professional shooting with manual sound control.
How to install GCam on Xiaomi:
- Download the appropriate version of GCam for your model from the Celso Azevedo website (for example, the version from BSG or Shamim will suit the Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- Install. APK-File (Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
- Open the GCam and check the shutter sound – it must be turned off.
| Annex | Xiaomi support | Shutting down the sound | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Camera | ✅ (requires the correct version) | ✅ (default) | HDR+, Night Sight, Astrofoto |
| Open Camera | ✅ (universal) | ✅ (customized) | Manual ISO settings, shutter speeds |
| Footage | ✅ (fee) | ✅ (full control) | LOG-profiles, LUT |
| Stock MIUI Camera | ✅ (built-in) | ❌ (never) | AI-shooting, filtering |
Method 5: Manual removal of audio files (root access)
For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, there is a radical method of removing the camera's system audio files, which will permanently remove the shutter sound, but requires caution.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Click on /system/media/audio/ui/ or (on some firmware): /system/product/media/audio/ui/
- Find the files: camera_click.ogg — shutter. camera_focus.ogg — VideoRecord.ogg - Beginning/Ending sound.
.bak
camera_click.ogg.bak
Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Deleting system files may cause the camera or other features to crash.Before making changes, back up the folder /system/media/audio/ui/! Also after the update MIUI The sounds may come back, and you will have to repeat the procedure.
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Deleting audio files is the only way to completely and permanently remove the shutter sound on firmware in Japan/Korea, where standard methods are blocked.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the shutter is turned off, Xiaomi users face problems.
- 🔄 Sound returns after reboot - reset camera settings or bug MIUI. Solution: Check the settings after each update or use Autostarts (autostart control app) to block the camera settings reset.
- 🎵 Shutter sound is only heard in certain modes, such as Portrait or Night mode. Solution: Turn off the sound separately for each mode in the camera settings.
- 📵 There is no Camera Sounds item in the settings - your model does not support shutting down sound by standard means.Solution: use third-party cameras (Method 4) or engineering menus (Method 3).
- 🔇 Focusing sound does not turn off – on some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra is a hard-wired autofocus squeak, so you can either minimize the volume of the media or use headphones (sound will go through them).
If none of these methods helped, check:
- 📱 Firmware region - on Japanese/Korean versions MIUI Shutter sound cannot be turned off without root.
- 🔄 Version MIUI — on older versions (below) MIUI 12) option may not be available.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware – some builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu) allow you to turn off sound even on Asian models.