How to remove the signature of Xiaomi from the photo: official and informal methods

Xiaomi’s watermark in photos is a standard feature of the brand’s smartphones that automatically adds the manufacturer’s logo and device model to the bottom corner of the images. For many users, this signature becomes an annoying element, especially if the photos are planned to be published on social networks, printed or used for professional purposes. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove this watermark – both through the official camera settings and using third-party tools.

It is important to understand that signature deletion methods depend on the smartphone model, the MIUI firmware version, and even regional settings. For example, on devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), the option to disable the watermark may be hidden or absent. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from simple changes to the camera menu to advanced methods for advanced users, including editing system files.

If you’re looking for a way to remove a signature without loss of quality or using third-party apps, start with the first two sections. For those who are prepared for more complex manipulations (including getting ROOT- rights), look at the latest methods. We’ll also look at how to avoid watermarking new photos and what to do if the standard methods don’t work.

1. Disabling the watermark in Xiaomi camera settings

The most obvious and safe way to do this is to disable automatic signature addition directly in the Camera app, which works on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later, but on some budget models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3) this option may not be available.

To check for the presence of the function:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper right corner or swipe up the screen to open the settings menu.
3. Find the Watermark section (or Xiaomi Signature in English).
4. Switch the slider to the off position.

If the option is not in the main menu, try:

• 🔍 Go to Additional Settings → Photo settings.
• 📱 Update the Camera app via Google Play (sometimes newer versions add hidden features).
• 🌐 Replace the device region to India or Global (in settings of the Settings system → Additionally → Region).

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g., Xiaomi 11T Pro or POCO F4), the option to disable the watermark only appears after the first shot is taken. Try taking a test photo first, then re-entering the settings.

2. Use of Pro mode or third-party cameras

If a standard camera does not have the option to disable the watermark, you can bypass the restriction using alternative shooting modes or third-party applications.This method does not require ROOT- rights and is suitable for most devices.

Method 1: Pro mode in a standard camera

In professional mode (Pro or Manual), a watermark is not usually added to use:

1. Open the Camera and switch to Pro (or Manual) mode.
2. Take a picture – Xiaomi will not be signed.

The disadvantage of the method: in Pro mode there are no automatic settings (for example, HDR or AI- optimization), which can affect the quality of the photo in difficult lighting conditions.

Method 2: Third-party Camera (Google Camera, Open Camera)

Third-party apps don't add Xiaomi watermarks. Popular options:

• 📷 Google Camera (GCam) – requires you to install a ported version for your model (see the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
• 🎥 Open Camera is open source software with manual settings (available on Google Play).
• 🖼️ Footiej is a camera with advanced features for enthusiasts.

⚠️ Warning: When using GCam on some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the main camera may not work or artifacts may arise.

3. Photo editing: removing the watermark manually

If you've already added a watermark to a photo, you can remove it with editors, which is a method that works for single shots, but it's not effective for processing large numbers of photos. Consider the best tools for Android, iOS and PC.

Mobile applications:

• 🖌️ Snapseed (Google) – Healing tool or Stamp allows you to carefully remove the logo.
• 🎨 Adobe Photoshop Express is an Auto Fill Fix function.
• 🧹 Remove Watermark (specialized watermark removal software).

Desktop programs:

• 💻 Adobe Photoshop is a Spot Healing Brush (J) tool or Content-Aware Fill.
• 🖥️ GIMP (free analogue of Photoshop) is a Resynthesizer plugin for filling areas.
• 🌐 Online services (e.g. Inpaint or Fotor) – upload a photo, watermark and download the result.

Step-by-step instructions for Snapseed:

1. Open the photo in the app.
2. Select the Healing tool (the patch icon).
3. Increase the scale and circle the watermark with your finger.
4. Click the tick – the algorithm will automatically fill the area.

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If the watermark is located on a complex background (for example, on grass or cloudy sky), use the Clone Stamp tool in Photoshop or GIMP. It allows you to manually copy texture from adjacent areas.

4. Removal of watermark through ADB (without ROOT)

For advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a method to disable the watermark via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require ROOT- rights, but requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with the terminal.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Execute the command to disable the watermark: adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0
5. Reboot your smartphone.

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative (for some versions of MIUI):

adb shell am start -n com.android.camera/.settings.WatermarkSettingsActivity

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 13+ and HyperOS, this method may not work due to changes in the system configuration structure, in which case ROOT or firmware modification will be required.

5. Removal of watermark through ROOT (for power users)

If previous methods have failed and watermarking is a major obstacle, a radical way remains: editing system files, which requires ROOT- rights and can lead to unstable camera performance or resetting. On devices with a bootloader unlocked and installed Magisk or SuperSU, the chances of success are higher.

Steps to remove the watermark through ROOT:

1. Install a file manager with ROOT support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/vendor/build.prop or (for newer versions of MIUI): /system/system/build.prop
3. Find the line: ro.miui.has_watermark=1 and replace it with: ro.miui.has_watermark=0
4. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
5. Reset the device.

If the build.prop file doesn’t contain the right string, try editing:

/system/vendor/overlay/framework-miui-res/apk/assets/watermark_config.xml

In this file, look for the option enabled="true" and change to false.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can result in bootloop (loop boot) or loss of camera functionality. Before making changes, back up files via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.

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Editing system files via ROOT is an extreme method, and if you are not sure about your actions, you should use alternative methods (third-party cameras or manual photo editing).

Alternative methods: workarounds

If none of these methods work, consider workarounds, which don't remove the watermark directly, but avoid it or hide it.

Method 1: Photo framed

If the watermark is in a corner, it can be cut without losing its basic content.

• 🖼️ Use the standard Gallery app (Pruning tool).
• 📏 Manually select the area without the logo (hold your finger on the screen and drag the boundaries).
• 🔄 Save the new version of the photo.

Method 2: Overlaying another watermark

If you can't delete Xiaomi's signature, you can cover it with your logo or text.

• 🏷️ Watermarkly is the addition of custom signatures.
• 🖋️ Photomyne is an overlay of text or graphics.
• 🎨 Canva is a design template for social media.

Method 3: Shooting in RAW

RAW photos (like.dng) don't have watermarks, because they store raw data from the matrix, so you can include the image in RAW:

1. Open the → Pro-Mode.
2. Find the format or RAW option and activate it.
3. Take a picture - the watermark will only be added to the JPEG- version (if it is stored in parallel).

7. Frequent problems and solutions

When removing the Xiaomi watermark, users face typical difficulties, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the watermark returns after the MIUI update, repeat the deactivation procedure (settings may be reset).
• 📲 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), the watermark is added only in AI- camera mode. Turn off AI in settings.
• 🌍 If you are using China ROM, consider switching to the Global or EEA firmware version, which are more often available as a shutdown option.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions