Watermarks in photos from Xiaomi β one of the most discussed features of firmware MIUI. Many users are faced with automatically added labels like βShot on Redmi Note 12β or βMi 11 Ultraβ, which spoil the appearance of the images, especially when posted on social networks or printed. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove such labels β from standard camera settings to advanced methods for experienced users.
It is important to understand that watermarks are not accidental: they are part of Xiaomiβs brand marketing strategy, but the final choice of whether to leave them or not should be left to the user. MIUI 14/15 The company has made it much more difficult to disable this feature, so some methods may require additional manipulation of the system.
We have tested all of the methods described below on current models (Xiaomi). 13T Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5) And we'll tell you which ones work on specific versions of the firmware. If you're using custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some of the instructions may not work, and we'll talk about that separately.
1. Disabling the watermark through camera settings
The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use the Camera appβs built-in options, but there are nuances: depending on the model and the region of the firmware, the menu may differ, and in some cases, the option may not be available at all.
To check for the presence of the function:
- π± Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi.
- π§ Click on the gear icon (βοΈ) Swipe up/left to open the settings menu.
- π Scroll to the section "Watermark" (or "Photo signature").
- π« Move the slider to the off position..
If the item "Watermark" is not on the menu, it means one of three:
- Your Xiaomi model does not support shutdown via settings (relevant for budget devices like Redmi). 10A or POCO M4 Pro).
- You have a global firmware installed (MIUI Global where the function is hidden by default.
- Version. MIUI 12.5 or older, in which case the option could be moved to another location.
For owners of devices with MIUI 13+ there is an alternative way:
- Open the camera. β Go to "Photo" mode".
- Touch the icons "βοΈ Settings" in the top corner.
- Select "More" β "Watermark settings".
- Turn off the option or select "No signature".
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If you still have a watermark after you shut down, try restarting your smartphone, and sometimes the changes only apply after you restart.
2.Use of the "Pro" mode for clean shots
Many users are unaware that watermarks are not added to photos taken in manual mode (Pro Mode), a method that works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version. MIUI, But there is a limitation: you will have to manually adjust the shooting parameters.
How to take a photo without a watermark through Pro Mode:
- πΈ Open the Camera app.
- π Scroll down to "Pro" (or "Manual").
- ποΈ Set up the parameters (ISO, shutter speed, white balance) or leave them in the "Auto" position".
- π· Take a picture - the watermark will not appear.
Cons of this method:
- β Basic photography knowledge is required to adjust correctly.
- β In some models (e.g. Redmi). 9A) Pro Mode is missing.
- β Photos are saved in format DNG (RAW), which increases the size.
How to save a photo in JPG Pro Mode?
If you need to take a quick shot without a watermark, but Pro Mode seems complicated, try using Portrait or Night mode β in some firmware, they also bypass the restriction.
3. Removal of watermark using third-party applications
If standard methods didnβt work, you can use third-party photo editing tools, and we tested some popular apps and selected the ones that do the best job of removing Xiaomi text tags.
Top.-3 watermarking applications:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | πΉ Accurate removal with the "Healing" tool"πΉ Maintains image quality | β Requires manual processing of each image | Google Play |
| Adobe Photoshop Express | πΉ Automatic removal of text labelsπΉ Supports batch processing | β In the free version leaves its own watermark | Google Play |
| Remove Watermark | πΉ Specialized tool for removing labelsπΉ Simple interface | β The paid version for HD-quality | Google Play |
Step-by-step instructions for Snapseed (recommended option):
- Open the app and upload a photo with a watermark.
- Select the "Healing" tool.
- Increase the scope of the problem area and swipe through the text.
- Save the result to the gallery.
Increase the brightness (if the label is dark)
Create a copy of the original
Check the resolution (do not edit thumbnails)
Save it in format. PNG better quality-->
β οΈ Attention: When removing a watermark with editors, the image quality in the tag area can deteriorate, especially if the text is overlaid on a complex background (such as the sky or grass.
4. Modification of system files (for experienced users)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with system files. MIUI It allows you to completely disable the addition of watermarks at the firmware level, but it requires caution - the wrong actions can lead to malfunctions in the camera.
What you'll need:
- π± Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader.
- π§ Root access (for example, via Magisk).
- π» PC fitted ADB and Fastboot.
- π Backup copy of the system partition.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the ADB terminal.
- Enter the command to mount the system partition in write mode: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system
- Go to the folder with the camera configuration files: cd /system/vendor/etc/camera
- Find the file. watermark_config.xml (or similar) and edit it by replacing the line: <watermark_enabled>true</watermark_enabled> on <watermark_enabled>false</watermark_enabled>
- Save the changes, restart the device.
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Before editing system files, be sure to create a backup through TWRP Or another custom recap, and if you make a mistake, you can restore the camera to work.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Pro) the configuration file may be located elsewhere, for example: /vendor/etc/camera/watermark_settings.xml or /system/system/etc/camera. Use the find command / -name "watermark" search for.
If the camera stopped working after the changes, return the original file or reset the settings via Settings. β System system β Resetting settings (select "Resetting camera settings").
5. Installation of custom firmware without watermarks
A Radical but effective way is to switch to alternative firmware, where the watermark function is disabled by default.
- π LineageOS β pure Android without unnecessary add-ons.
- π Pixel Experience β firmware with Google Pixel features.
- π MIUI EU (Xiaomi.eu β modified version MIUI Advertising free and with extended settings.
- π Havoc-OS or Evolution X β custom firmware with flexible settings.
Advantages of this method:
- πΉ Complete absence of watermarks and other restrictions MIUI.
- πΉ The ability to fine-tune the camera through Magisk modules (e.g. GCam).
- πΉ Improved productivity and battery life.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
- β Risk of "bricking" if installed incorrectly.
- β Some camera functions, for example, AI-regimes) may not work properly.
How to install custom firmware:
- Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (link).
- Install a custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- Download firmware from the XDA-Developers forum or the official project website.
- Swipe through the Recovery, following the instructions for your model.
Which firmware supports all the features of Xiaomiβs camera?
6.Alternative cameras: GCam and others
Installing a third-party camera app is another way to get around the restrictions MIUI. The most popular solution is the Google Camera (GCam), ported to Xiaomi devices, which not only removes watermarks, but often improves the quality of images due to Google's processing algorithms.
How to install GCam:
- Download the GCam version for your model from the Celso Azevedo forum.
- Install. APK-file (permission to install from unknown sources may be required).
- Open the application and set the settings (for example, enable). HDR+ Night Sight).
- Take a test shot - there will be no watermark.
Recommended versions of GCam for popular models:
| Xiaomi model | Recommended version of GCam | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | BSG 8.1 or Shamim 8.6 | Supports all major camera modules, including telephoto. |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Wichaya 8.7 | Optimized for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. |
| POCO F5 | LMC 8.4 | Stable work with IMX766 (sensor). |
β οΈ Note: Some versions of the GCam may not support the ultra-wide module or macro camera on Xiaomi's budget models.
Alternatives to GCam:
- πΈ Open Camera β Open source with manual settings.
- πΈ Footej Camera - Supports RAW and DNG.
- πΈ ProCam X β a paid application with advanced features.
7. circumvention of restrictions through ADB-teams (without root)
If you do not have root access, but want to disable watermarks, you can try using the watermarks. ADB-This method does not work on all models, but in some cases it allows you to disable the function without deep interference with the system.
Instructions:
- Install ADB on PC (instruction: official website).
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB" on a smartphone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then enable debugging in Settings β Additionally. β For developers).
- Connect the device to the PC and type the command: adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0
- Reboot your smartphone.
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.camera/.settings.CameraSettings
adb shell input tap 500 1000 # Watermark button coordinates (may differ)
adb shell input tap 300 500 # Switch coordinatesβ οΈ Note: Taps coordinates depend on your device's screen resolution. Use the Screen Coordinates app from Google Play for precise definition.