Watermarks and automatic photo signatures are a standard feature of many Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones that can annoy users, and these tags (date, device model or logo) appear on photos without a request, spoiling the composition and complicating subsequent processing. This is especially important for owners of devices with MIUI 12-15, Where the camera settings are often hidden in the deep menu.
In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to delete signatures β from disabling the function in the camera settings to software processing of already ready photos. You will learn how to remove date from photos on Xiaomi without loss of quality, which applications will help automate the process, and what to do if the watermark is βprintedβ in the app. EXIF-And also, why do signatures sometimes come back after firmware updates, and how do you avoid them.
Why does Xiaomi add captions to the photo?
The auto-signature feature appeared in MIUI as a marketing ploy and branding element.
- π’ Brand Advertising: Watermark with the model name (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Poco X5 etc.) shared with the photo on social media.
- ποΈ Sorting convenience: the date and time of the shooting help you quickly navigate the gallery.
- π Copyright: Signature makes it harder to steal a photo (although it's a weak protection).
- π Statistics: Xiaomi tracks the popularity of models among users.
But for most owners, these βplusesβ turn into disadvantages: captions spoil the aesthetic of photos, interfere with printing or professional processing, and the feature is activated by default on many devices, and users only learn about it after taking the first photos.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) Watermarks are added not only to the main camera, but also to ultra-wide lens or telephoto shots. Check all camera modules after the function is disabled!
Method 1: Disabling the signature in the camera settings
The easiest method is to deactivate the function directly in the Camera app. The interface may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version and the smartphone model, but the overall algorithm is the same:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the badge. βοΈ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down to the Watermark or Photo Signature section.
- Switch the slider to the off position.
- Save the changes (if required).
On some devices (such as the Poco F5 or Redmi Note 11), the path may look like this: Camera settings β Additional β Date tag/watermark.
βοΈ Verification of deactivation of signature
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If after disconnection watermarks continue to appear, the reason may lie in:
- π Camera cache β clear the application data in Settings β Annexes β Camera. β Warehouse.
- π± Updates to the firmware - after the update MIUI settings can be reset.
- π Third-party camera modules (such as GCam) that have their own settings.
Method 2: Delete the signature through editing EXIF-data
If a watermark is already added to the photo and there are no source codes without it, you can try to remove it software. Xiaomi signatures are often stored not as part of the image, but in EXIF metadata.
| Annex | Platform | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXIF Eraser | Android | Deletes all metadata, including geotagged | Google Play |
| Photo Exif Editor | Android/iOS | Allows you to edit individual EXIF fields | App Store |
| ExifTool (GUI) | Windows/macOS | Professional tool for mass processing | Official website |
| Metadata Remover | Online | It works through the browser, does not require installation | Verexif |
Instructions for EXIF Eraser (Android):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select a photo from the gallery.
- Press Delete EXIF.
- Save the processed image (the original will remain intact).
β οΈ Attention: Removal EXIF-It erases all meta-information, including the date of the shooting, geolocation and camera parameters. If that data is important, save a copy of it beforehand!
What if the signature remains after the EXIF is deleted?
Method 3: Use of third-party cameras (GCam, Open Camera)
Xiaomiβs stock Camera app isnβt always flexible in settings. Alternative cameras (like Google Camera or Open Camera) allow you to have full control over the shooting process, including the absence of watermarks.
Advantages of third-party cameras:
- π« No forced signatures β no date, no device model.
- πΈ Advanced settings: manual focusing, RAW-filming, night mode.
- π§ Module support (e.g. GCam works better with Xiaomi telephoto lenses).
How to install Google Camera:
- Download the compatible version of GCam for your model (for example, from the Celso Azevedo forum).
- Install. APK-file (allow installation from unknown sources in security settings).
- Open GCam and go to Settings β Camera Settings β Watermark (turn off the option).
Important: Not all versions of the GCam support Xiaomi multi-module cameras (e.g., the 200MP sensor in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+). Check compatibility on thematic forums (4PDA, XDA Developers) before installing.
Method 4: Photo editing in graphic editors
If the watermark is printed into the image itself (rather than the metadata), it can be removed with editors.
| Editorial | Difficulty | Suitable for | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Easy. | Removing text by the Healing tool | Google Play |
| Adobe Photoshop Express | Medium | Spot retouching and cloning | Google Play |
| Inpaint | Easy. | Automatic removal of objects | Official website |
| GIMP | Difficult. | Professional processing (similar to Photoshop) | Official website |
Step-by-step instructions for Snapseed:
- Open the photo in Snapseed.
- Select the Healing tool (the patch icon).
- Swipe around the watermark with your finger.
- Click Ready and export the image.
For complex cases (such as a signature on a textured background), use cloning in Photoshop Express:
- Choose Spot Heal or Clone Stamp.
- Set the appropriate size of the brush.
- Swipe the watermark by copying the neighboring pixels.
π‘
If you have a signature on a homogeneous background (sky, wall), use the color replacement tool in Snapseed β it will quickly remove text without traces.
Method 5: Massively delete signatures using scripts
If you have hundreds of watermarked photos, manual editing will take too long, and Python scripts or specialized programs can help automate the process.
Example of a script for removal EXIF-Data (Python 3 and Pillow library required):
from PIL import Image
import os
folder = "path to folder s photo"
for filename in os.listdir(folder):
if filename.endswith((".jpg", ".png", ".jpeg")):
img = Image.open(os.path.join(folder, filename))
data = list(img.getdata())
img_without_exif = Image.new(img.mode, img.size)
img_without_exif.putdata(data)
img_without_exif.save(os.path.join(folder, f"clean_{filename}"))To launch:
- Install Python.
- Install the Pillow library with the command: pip install pillow
- Save the script to the file remove_exif.py.
- Run it from the command line, pointing the way to the folder with the photo.
For mass removal of visible watermarks, Inpaint is suitable in batch mode:
- Add all the photos to the program.
- Mark the signature areas (the Marker tool).
- Run the processing for the entire folder.
β οΈ Note: Automatic scripts can delete all metadata, including useful ones (e.g. color profile!
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after disabling the signature in the settings, users are faced with the return of watermarks. Let's consider typical situations and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Signature returns after reboot | Resetting camera settings due to MIUI error | Clear the camera cache in Settings β Apps |
| Watermark is only in the photo from the telephoto lens | Separate settings for each camera module | Disable the signature in the settings of each lens |
| The caption remains when filming in RAW | RAW-Files are processed separately | Use a third-party camera (such as an Open Camera) |
| The date appears only in the gallery, not in the file manager. | Overlay Gallery MIUI adds caption when viewing | Disable the display of metadata in the gallery settings |
If none of these methods worked, the reason could be:
- π± Castile firmware - some assemblies MIUI modify camera settings.
- π§ Operator policy β on firmware from mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) there may be additional restrictions.
- πΈ Hardware features β on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi) A3 With Android One, watermarks are added at the processor level ISP.
π‘
If the watermark appears even after the phone is reset to factory settings, the problem is most likely the firmware. Try updating MIUI to the latest version or installing a global/European build.