How to remove an extra person from a photo on a Xiaomi phone: from built-in tools to professional applications

Did you take the perfect shot on your Xiaomi or Redmi, but at the last moment there was a stranger in the frame? Or do old photos spoil random passers-by? Removing unnecessary objects from photos on Xiaomi Android smartphones is a problem that is solvable, and without a computer and complex programs. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from hidden MIUI functions to specialized applications with artificial intelligence.

It's important to understand that the result depends on the complexity of the background and the quality of the original image. On monochromatic surfaces (sky, wall) it is easier to remove a person than on a motley background with small details. We tested all methods on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 smartphones - the results are shown in the comparative table below.

1. Built-in MIUI Editor: Fast but Limited Way

Starting with MIUI 12, the standard Xiaomi gallery has a basic retouching tool that won't replace professional solutions, but it can handle small objects in a simple background.

  1. Open the photo in the Gallery app
  2. Click Edit (the pencil icon at the bottom)
  3. Select the Tools tab β†’ Cloning
  4. Circle the unnecessary object with your finger (enlarge the scale for accuracy)
  5. Click Remove and wait for processing

⚠️ Method limitations: the tool doesn't work well with complex textures (grass, foliage) and large objects. 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) processing takes 5-10 Seconds, on budget models (Redmi) 10C) β€” before 30 seconds.

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Before you delete the object, duplicate the photo: in the MIUI gallery, press the picture β†’ Copy. This will save the original if you fail to retouch.

2.Snapseed app: Professional retouching free of charge

Google’s Snapseed is one of the best free photo editing solutions on Android, and its Object Removal tool uses machine learning algorithms to deliver better results than the built-in MIUI.

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ“± Install Snapseed from Google Play
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Open the photo in the app and select Tools β†’ Removal of objects
  • 🎨 Round the person with a brush (adjust the size in the settings)
  • βœ… Tap the tick and wait for processing (on Xiaomi from 8)+ GB of RAM takes up ~15 seconds)

For better results:

  • πŸ” Increase the scale to 200-300% boundary-wiring
  • 🎨 Use a minimum size brush for precise work
  • πŸ”„ If the result is unsatisfactory, cancel the action and try to circle the object from a different angle.
πŸ“Š Which editor do you use more often?
The MIUI Built-in Gallery
Snapseed
Lightroom
Other annexes
I don't edit the photo.

3. Adobe Photoshop Express: AI-helper

For photos with complex backgrounds (urban landscapes, forest), it is better to use Adobe Photoshop Express. Its Generative Fill function analyzes the surrounding pixels and restores the background realistically. The application is free, but some features require a subscription (in this case, free functionality will suffice).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Download Photoshop Express
  2. Import photos and select Edit β†’ Generative Fill
  3. Round the person with the Selection tool (use Lasso for accuracy)
  4. Click Delete and select the option to fill (the app will offer 3 options)
  5. Save the result in high resolution (up to 12 MP in the free version)

On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra), generative filling is 40% faster than on devices with Dimensity 9000.

How to remove artifacts after retouching?
If you have blurred spots left after removing the object, use the Photoshop Express tool Healing Brush with the settings: - Stiffness: 30-50% - Non-transparency: 70-80% - Source: Connection of pixels This will help smooth transitions.

4.Apps with artificial intelligence: Magic Eraser and analogues

For users who want the most automated solution, AI-based applications are suitable. We tested 5 popular tools β€” the results in the table below.

AnnexQuality of removalProcessing speedLimitationsCost
Magic Eraser (Google)⭐⭐⭐⭐3-5 secondsIt only works on photos from Google Photos.Free of charge.
Remove Unwanted Object⭐⭐⭐⭐8-12 secondsWatermark on the free version190.β‚½/moss
TouchRetouch⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐10-15 sec.A complex interface for beginners390β‚½ (once-only)
Retouch⭐⭐⭐5-8 secondsRestriction on permission (max. 8 MP)Free of charge.
AI Object Remover⭐⭐⭐⭐7-10 secondsAdvertising in the free version99.β‚½/week-long

For Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (new shell instead of MIUI) we recommend TouchRetouch - it copes better than others with artifacts in photos taken on cameras with a resolution of 200 MP (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

High-resolution source photo (minimum 8 MP)

Good lighting in the original picture

Clear boundaries of the object to be removed

Backup copy of the original photo-->

5. Manual removal via Photoshop on PC (for perfect result)

If you need professional quality (for example, for printed photos or commercial use), it is better to transfer the picture to your computer and use full Adobe Photoshop.

  1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode)
  2. Copy the photo to a folder on your computer (we recommend the PNG format for quality preservation)
  3. Open the image in Photoshop and use: Tool "Patch" (J) - for large objects Tool "Recovery brush" (J) - for small details Function "Filling with contents" (Shift+F5) β€” homogeneous

⚠️ Note: When working with photos taken on Xiaomi with Leica cameras (models) 13/14 In the series, disable the option in Photoshop Color Profile: sRGB and use ProPhoto RGB β€” This will preserve the original color reproduction.

6. Alternative methods: when retouching does not help

Sometimes you can't remove a person from a photo without visible artifacts, and in such cases, consider alternative approaches:

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Cover: Cut the photo so that the person is out of the frame. MIUI Use the Pruning Tool with an Aspect Ratio Free.
  • 🎨 Overlay: In Snapseed or Photoshop Express, add another object (e.g., a tree, a cloud) on top of a person.
  • πŸ”„ Background Replacement: In the Background Eraser app, highlight the main object, remove the background and superimpose it on the new image.
  • πŸ“Έ Reshoot: If the situation permits, take a new shot without unnecessary objects. On Xiaomi, use Pro-Camera mode for more control.

For photos with people in the foreground (for example, family shots with an outsider in the background), it is better to combine methods: first remove the background in Background Eraser, then refine the details in Snapseed.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with 108+ MP cameras (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) before retouching, reduce the photo resolution to 12-24 MP. This will speed up processing and reduce the chances of artifacts appearing.

Comparison of methods: what to choose for your case

The choice of method depends on three factors:

  1. Complexity of the background (single, texture, colorful)
  2. Size of object to be removed (small, medium, large)
  3. Quality required (for social media, print, professional use)

Use this scheme to select:

  • 🟒 Simple background + Small object: Built-in editor MIUI retouch
  • 🟑 Medium Difficulty: Snapseed or Remove Unwanted Object
  • πŸ”΄ Complex background/major object: Photoshop Express (Generative Fill) or TouchRetouch
  • πŸ–€ Professional result: Manual editing in Photoshop on PC

On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) check the result of retouching at maximum brightness – so you can see artifacts and inaccuracies better.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing objects from photos on Xiaomi

Can you remove a person from a photo without losing quality?
100% lossless, no, because apps have to β€œthink out” the deleted pixels. However, with the right approach, the losses will be minimal. For best results: Use the source in maximum resolution Work with PNG format instead of JPEG Use retouch in several stages with a check of the result On Xiaomi smartphones with 50+ MP cameras, we recommend first reducing the resolution to 12-16 MP in the gallery (Export β†’ Change the size), and then proceed to edit.
Why are there blurred spots after the object is removed?
This is a typical problem when working with: Repeatable pattern backgrounds (tiles, brickwork) Objects at the border of light and shadow Photos with high noise (high ISO) Solutions: In Snapseed, use the Selective Correction Tool to smooth transitions In Photoshop Express, apply Gauss Blurring (radius 0.5-1.0 px) to the problem area Try another removal algorithm (for example, Filling with content in place of the Recovering brush)
Which app is better for Xiaomi with a weak processor?
On budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5) we recommend: Retouch - a light application with minimal requirements of Adobe Photoshop Express (turn off background auto-update) Built-in MIUI editor (the most resource-saving) Avoid TouchRetouch and Remove Unwanted Object - they heavily load the processors of the Snapdragon 4xx and Helio Gxx series.
Can I remove a person from a live photo on Xiaomi?
Yes, but with limitations. Live photos on Xiaomi consist of: Main frame (JPEG) Video file (MP4) length 1.5-3 Seconds You Can: Export the main frame (Gallery) β†’ Open Live Photo β†’ Save as a photo) and edit Use CapCut to remove an object from a video fragment (tool Remove objects in the Effects section) ⚠️ After editing, the live photo will become static – the animation function will be lost.
How to remove the shadow from a distant person?
Shadows are one of the most difficult parts of retouching. Action algorithm: In Snapseed, use the Correction tool (select a shadow zone and reduce exposure to the shadows). 0.3-0.5 EV) In Photoshop Express, apply a Recovery Brush with settings: Stiffness: 0% Non-transparency: 30-40% For complex cases in full Photoshop use the Color Range (Score) β†’ Color Range) for accurate shadow highlighting In photos taken on Xiaomi in mode HDR, shadows usually have a purple or blue hue - in Snapseed add a corrective layer with an increase in temperature on the side of the snap. +5-10 unit.