Why Xiaomi Adds Watermarks to Photos and Can They Be Safely Removed
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO automatically put a subtle label on the device model, such as Shot on Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Mi 11 Ultra, which was introduced in MIUI 10 but became mandatory with MIUI 12. The manufacturer is motivated by branding and copyright protection, but users often perceive watermarks as intrusive advertising.
Deleting the inscription is possible both by software methods (through camera settings or editing) and hardware (flashing). It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which will void the warranty. Others, such as cropping in the editor, are completely safe, but can spoil the composition of the frame.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing watermarks for MIUI 12-14, including hidden camera settings and alternative firmware.
Method 1: Disabling the watermark in the camera settings (MIUI 12β14)
The simplest and most official method is to deactivate the feature directly in the Camera app.It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 firmware and later, but the path to settings may vary depending on the model.
Instructions:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the badge. βοΈ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
- Go to the Watermark or Watermark Settings section.
- Turn off the switch next to Add a watermark.
- Confirm the action if a warning appears.
Take a test shot.|Open the photo in the gallery|Enlarge the image in the lower corner|Make sure there's no sign.-->
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The option can be hidden in the submenu of Additional settings β If you don't have a point, you're on your version. MIUI Does not support disabling through the interface.
Also, consider that after updating the firmware settings may reset. To avoid this, before the update, back up the camera configuration through Settings β System β Backup.
Method 2: Editing photos without loss of quality
If a watermark is already in the images, it can be removed after the fact with the help of editors, and the rule is, don't use blur or cloning tools, they spoil the details.
- π± Cutting (if the inscription on the edges of the frame)
- π¨ Color Replacement (for light signs on a dark background)
- πΌοΈ Overlay of texture (e.g. imitation of film grain)
The best applications for this task:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Precise removal of the tool "Replacement", support RAW | Difficult for beginners | Free of charge. |
| Adobe Lightroom | AI tool "Remove objects", saving EXIF | Requires subscriptions for full functionality | 299. β½/moss |
| PhotoRoom | Automatic removal of watermarks in 1 click | Leaves artifacts on complex backgrounds | Free (with watermarks) |
Step-by-step instructions for Snapseed:
- Open the photo in the app.
- Select the Replacement tool (icon with brush).
- Increase the scale in the watermark area.
- Carefully "paint" the inscription, choosing the appropriate background sample.
- Save the image in JPEG format (100% quality).
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If you have a watermark on a uniform background (sky, wall), use the "Correction" tool in Lightroom with the "Remove Spots" setting. Select the "Correct" type and size the brush slightly larger than the inscription.
Method 3: Removing watermark through ADB (for advanced)
If the camera settings do not have a shutdown option, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and basic command line knowledge, but does not violate the warranty (unless you change the system files).
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
- π± USB-cable (original)
- π§ Google's Platform Tools utility
- π Included Debugging by USB phone-on
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging.
- Open the command line (or Terminal) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
- Execute the watermark disable command: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_off 1
- Reboot the phone.
What to do if the team is not working?
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra after update MIUI To avoid this, create a script to automatically execute a command when you connect to a PC via Tasker or MacroDroid.
Method 4: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)
If none of the above methods worked, the radical solution is to install an alternative firmware, which is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader and requires root rights among popular firmware without watermarks:
- π± Pixel Experience (Pure Android without a Pixel Experience) MIUI)
- π§ LineageOS (supported by most Xiaomi)
- π― Xiaomi.eu (modified) MIUI brandless)
Step-by-step process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days for new accounts).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Download the firmware from the official website (for example, xiaomi.eu).
- Sweat through recovery, having previously made a backup.
Yeah, a few times.|Yeah, but back on MIUI|No, but I want to try.|No, and no planning.-->
β οΈ Note: Installing custom firmware will void Xiaomiβs warranty and may cause problems with banking applications (due to the lack of SafetyNet). XDA Developers.
The advantage of this method is not only the lack of watermarks, but also improved performance, no advertising in MIUI and more frequent security updates. However, be prepared for possible bugs (for example, a broken NFC or camera problems on some builds).
Method 5: Use of third-party cameras (Google Camera, Open Camera)
If Xiaomi's standard Camera app persists in adding watermarks, you can drop it altogether in favor of alternatives.
- πΈ Google Camera (GCam) β Ported versions for Xiaomi offer advanced features HDR+ and Night Sight without branding.
- π Open Camera β Open source software with support RAW manually.
- π₯ Footage β a camera for video shooting without watermarks.
How to install GCam:
- Download the compatible version for your model from the Celso Azevedo website.
- Install. APK-file (permission to install from unknown sources may be required).
- In GCam settings, turn off the Watermark option (if any) or just uninstall β there will be no default labels.
πΉ Important: Not all versions of GCam support all Xiaomi models, for example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, a modification from the same model will suit. BSG, and Xiaomi 11T Pro from Shamim. Check the forum reviews before installing.
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The side of the camera not only removes watermarks, but often improves image quality through better HDR processing and noise cancellation, but they may not support all camera modules (e.g., macro or telephoto).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove a watermark, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Watermark remains after disconnection in settings | The firmware ignores user settings | Use it. ADB-corps |
| After cutting, the photo loses quality. | Compression of JPEG while maintaining | Save to PNG or use Lightroom with the βExports without lossβ setting |
| ADB does not see the device | Not installed drivers or not included debugging | Install Mi PC Suite and check the developer settings |
| Castom firmware won't start | Model incompatibility or incorrect TWRP | Check the recovery version and firmware on XDA |
Another common mistake is using online watermark removal services, which are often:
- π« Upload your photos to third-party servers (risk of data leakage).
- πΌοΈ Add your own watermarks instead of removing them.
- π» May contain malicious code.
If you still need to use an online editor, choose proven services like remove.bg (to remove from a homogeneous background) or Pixlr (with manual correction).