How to remove date and time from photos on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Date and time shots in the corner are a classic feature of old digital cameras that somehow still happens on Xiaomi smartphones. For some users, this stamp is a convenient way to sort photos, for others, an annoying artifact that spoils the composition. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not always provide an obvious way to disable this feature through camera settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of deleting date from photos on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, from standard options to hidden tricks and post-processing.

It's important to understand that a date/time stamp can appear on images for two reasons: either it's a setup of the camera itself (embedded in the image when you shoot), or EXIF metadata, which is displayed when viewed in some galleries. We'll look at both cases. Also note that the MIUI interface is regularly updated - if your version of the menu looks different, try alternative methods.

1. Disabling the date stamp in the camera settings

The most logical way is to deactivate the feature directly in the camera app. Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi models support this option out of the box, but on most devices with MIUI 12-15, the path looks like this:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Touch the badge. βš™οΈ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
  3. Go to Watermark Settings or Stamp Settings (the name may differ).
  4. Turn off the Date/Time or Watermark Date option.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

  • πŸ“· In some firmware, the option is hidden in Additional settings β†’ Tags in the photo.
  • πŸ” On Poco models (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro) look for Settings β†’ Watermark β†’ Type of watermark and select No.
  • ⚠️ On devices with MIUI For the global market (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) This paragraph may not be available – see the following sections.
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model supports disabling date in camera settings?
Yeah, there's a point.
No, I didn't.
I don't know, I haven't.
I have a different brand.

If your version of MIUI doesn’t have an option, don’t despair: we’ll look at workarounds, including system file editing and post-processing.

2.Date removal through photo editing

If the stamp is already applied to the image, it can be removed using built-in or third-party tools. Xiaomi offers a basic editor in the Gallery app, but it is better to use specialized programs to accurately remove it.

  1. Open the photo in the Gallery app.
  2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Choose the Trimming tool or Retouch tool.
  4. If the date is in the corner, cut the edge (but that will change the composition).
  5. For point removal, use Cloning or background replacement (not available on all models).

Method 2: Third-party applications

For better results, install one of these applications:

  • 🎨 Snapseed (Google) – Healing tool perfectly removes small artifacts.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Adobe Photoshop Express – Spot Heal feature).
  • πŸ“± TouchRetouch – specialized for removing objects from photos (paid, but there is a trial version).

πŸ’‘

Before editing, make a copy of the original photo so you can go back to the source if something goes wrong.

The downside of post-processing is the loss of quality when you edit hard, and if you're on a dark background, it's easier to remove than it is on light or texture.

3. Change system settings through ADB (for advanced)

If your firmware doesn’t have the option to disable the date, but you’re ready to dig through the system files, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings β†’ About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
  4. Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
  5. Enter the command to disable the date stamp: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0
  6. Reboot your smartphone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

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


adb shell input tap 500 1000 # Coordinates of the item "Watermark" (to be specified under your screen)




adb shell input tap 300 1500 # Switch coordinates

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Check if the debugging is included USB phone-on. 2. Install official Xiaomi drivers from the site [en.miui.com/a/adb](https://en.miui.com/a/adb). 3. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 4. Restart your PC and phone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB We recommend backing up the data before experimenting, and on some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11), this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

4.Reset camera settings to factory

Sometimes the date stamp appears after the MIUI update or reset, in which case the reset of the camera settings will help:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Camera app and select it.
  3. Press Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  4. Confirm the action. The camera settings will reset to the factory.

After reset, check if the option to turn off the date appears in the camera menu. If not, move on to the next method.

Save important photos to the cloud or PC

Remember the current camera settings (resolution, HDR, night mode)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)

Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account at reset time-->

5. Deletion of EXIF metadata (if the date is displayed as information)

Sometimes, the "date in the photo" is not a stamp, but EXIF metadata, which is displayed in some galleries (for example, in Google Photos).

Method 1: Through the properties of the file

  • πŸ“ Open the photo in Explorer (for example, Mi File Manager).
  • πŸ“ Click on the file for a long time. β†’ Properties β†’ Details.
  • πŸ”„ Find a field with a date and time – if there is one, it’s metadata, not a stamp.

Method 2: Remove EXIF through applications

Install one of these metadata cleanup applications:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ EXIF Eraser – removes all metadata in one tap.
  • πŸ“Š Photo EXIF Editor – allows you to edit individual fields.
  • πŸ–₯️ On PC: IrfanView (free) or ExifTool (for advanced users).

After EXIF is cleared, the date will no longer appear in the galleries, but the image itself will remain unchanged.

6. Alternative cameras without a date stamp

If Xiaomi’s built-in camera is persistently adding a date, try third-party apps for shooting, which not only lack this bug, but often offer advanced features:

AnnexFeaturesCons
Google Camera (GCam)There is no date stamp, best HDR processing, night mode.Requires manual configuration for some models.
Open CameraOpen source, full control of settings.Less optimized for Xiaomi’s hardware capabilities.
ProCam XProfessional modes, manual setting of EXIF.Paid version for full functionality.
FootageMinimalist interface, no watermarks.Limited video capabilities.

To install GCam on Xiaomi:

  1. Download the compatible version for your model (for example, from the Celso Azevedo forum).
  2. Install. APK-file (allow installation from unknown sources).
  3. Configure the configuration to your model (instructions are available on 4PDA).

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the GCam may not support all camera modules (such as ultra-wide-angle or macro) on Xiaomi devices.

7.Prevention: How to avoid a date stamp in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ”„ Check your camera settings regularly after updates MIUI β€” they can drop off.
  • πŸ“± Use alternative camera launchers (see previous section).
  • πŸ“ Before an important shot, take a test shot and check it for a stamp.
  • πŸ”§ If you reset your settings frequently, create a backup camera configuration via Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root).

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ firmware, the date stamp can automatically turn on when shooting in Document or Scanner mode. Check active mode before taking a photo!

πŸ’‘

If none of these things worked, you'll probably have a date stamp stitched into your model's firmware, and then you'll just have to post-process or change the camera app.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I remove a date from a photo on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, most users have a built-in editor in the Gallery or third-party applications like Snapseed. Methods 1, 2 and 5 in this article do not require a PC, but for deep system changes (Mode 3), a computer is still needed.
Why did the MIUI update reappear in the photo?
MIUI updates often reset user settings, including camera settings. After the update, check the Camera Settings β†’ Watermark menu and re-activate the stamp if necessary. Clearing the Camera app cache can also help.
Is there a difference between the date deleting on Redmi and Poco?
Functionally, there is no difference β€” both Redmi and Poco run MIUI, so all of the methods described apply to both lines. However, on Poco (especially on pure Android models like the Poco F1), the path to settings may be slightly different.
Can I return the date to the photo if I removed it through the editor?
If you delete the stamp through a cropping or retouch, you can't restore the original date, you have to look for the original photo. If you just cleared the EXIF metadata, you can return the date through applications like ExifViewer, if you have a backup of the file.
Will it work? ADB-Xiaomi method with a blocked bootloader?
Yes, to disable the date stamp through ADB, you do not need to unlock the bootloader - just enable USB Debugging. However, some commands (for example, related to changing system files) may not be executed without superuser rights (root).