How to remove watermark from photos on Xiaomi: from switching off in settings to editing EXIF

Watermarks in photos from Xiaomi smartphones – a standard feature MIUI, It automatically adds information about the device model, the date of the shooting or the brand logo, and for some users, it's a convenient way to label images, for others, it's an annoying element that spoils the composition. The problem is especially relevant for owners of flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+), where the watermark can occupy up to 10% of the frame area.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to remove watermarks - from the official settings MIUI It is important to understand that some methods require root rights or changes to system files, which may affect the warranty.We will also analyze hidden camera settings in the engineering menu that are not documented in the official instructions of Xiaomi.

Before you start deleting, check the version. MIUI: In the latest updates (beginning with the MIUI 14.0.5) The watermarking algorithm has changed, and this affects the effectiveness of some of the methods described below. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

1. Disabling the watermark in standard settings MIUI

The easiest and safest way is to use the camera's built-in options. MIUI The path to settings may vary slightly, but the general logic remains.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) top-right.
3. Go to the camera settings section → Watermark.
4. Turn off the slider Add a watermark.
5. For dual camera models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) repeat the action for each module separately.

On some devices (especially regional firmware), the item may be called Watermark or Camera Mark. If the option is not in the main menu, try the path: Camera Settings → Additionally. → Image information.

Make sure you have the latest version of the Camera app (update to Google Play)

Check the presence of the item "Watermark" in the settings (on some models it is hidden)

Take a test shot after the shutdown - the watermark should disappear

- For models with Leica optics (Xiaomi 13 Pro) requires a separate deactivation of the Leica logo-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The watermark option may be blocked, in which case a change in the firmware region or the use of alternative methods described below will be required.

2. Removal of watermark through engineering menu (MTK/Qualcomm)

If standard settings don't work, you can try turning off the watermark through an engineering menu. This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices, but requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to camera crashes. The procedure is different for MediaTek and Qualcomm chips.

For MediaTek (most of Redmi and POCO):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337## (or #4636### for older models).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Camera section.
4. Find the Watermark Enable setting and set the Disable value.
5. Save the settings and restart the device.

For Qualcomm (Xiaomi) 12/13 series, some Redmi K50):

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
2. Choose Testing → Camera Debugging.
3. Scroll to camera.watermark.enable.
4. Change the value from 1 to 0.
5. Press Set and restart the camera.

3. Editing EXIF-Data (for already taken photos)

If the watermark is already in the photo, it can be removed by editing metadata. EXIF. This method does not affect the image itself, but only removes watermark information from the file's service data.

The best Android apps:

• 📱 EXIF Eraser – removes all metadata in one tap, supports batch processing.
• 🖼️ Photo Exif Editor – allows you to selectively edit tags, including Watermark and Software.
• 🔍 Metadata Remover - cleanses EXIF without loss of quality, integrates with the file manager.

Step-by-step instructions for EXIF Eraser:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the gallery directly from the app or select files through Explorer.
3. Press Select All (or select the photos you need manually).
4. Tap Remove EXIF and confirm the action.
5. Save the processed files to a new folder (the originals will remain intact).

For PC, we recommend using ExifTool (console utility) or XnView. MP (GUI command to mass remove watermarks via ExifTool:

exiftool -Watermark= -Software= -overwrite_original *.jpg

💡

Before mass removal EXIF Some social networks (such as Instagram) may rank images without metadata worse, considering them "suspicious".

4. Software removal of watermark (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn't work, you can use system file modifications, which require root rights and are only suitable for advanced users, and we'll look at two options: editing the camera configuration file and installing a patch through Magisk.

Method 1: Editing camera_config.xml

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with superuser rights.
3. Cross the path: /system/vendor/build.prop or /system/etc/camera/camera_config.xml.
4. Find the line with the option watermark.enable=True and replace it with false.
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (r-w-r--r---).
6. Reset the device.

Method 2: Installation of a Magisk module

To automatically turn off the watermark, you can use the ready-made module Disable Xiaomi Watermark:

1. Download the module from the forum XDA Developers.
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
4. After installation, restart the device.
5. Check the camera, the watermark must disappear.

⚠️ Warning: Modifying system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable camera performance. on some models (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) also disables format support RAW Pro Mode function: Back up the partition before making changes /system through TWRP.

5. Alternative methods: pruning and retouching

If the watermark is small and located on the edges of the frame, it can be removed with standard editing tools, which is suitable for single photos where it is important to maintain original quality.

Pruning annexes:

• 📏 Google Photos – built-in pruning tool with preservation of proportions.
• ✂️ Snapseed – supports accurate trimming in 1 pixel increments.
• 🖌️ Adobe Lightroom – allows you to trim with perspective.

Retouch annexes:

• 🎨 TouchRetouch – specializes in removing small objects (including text).
• 🖼️ Remove Object – uses AI to restore the background under the watermark.
• 🔧 PhotoRoom – replaces the watermark area with a generative background.

For accurate removal without loss of quality, follow the algorithm:

1. Open the photo in Snapseed.
2. Select the Trimming tool and set the Free ratio.
3. Increase the scale and trim the edge with the watermark, leaving the stock 5-10 pixel.
4. If the watermark is in the center, use the Healing Brush in TouchRetouch:

💡

The cropping is only suitable for watermarks around the edges. If the sign is located in the center of the frame, it is better to use editing. EXIF or software removal through root.

6. Features for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances with watermarks, and we collected data on popular models based on firmware analysis and user feedback.

For models with joint optics Leica (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi) 12S The watermark consists of two parts: the standard text of Xiaomi and the Leica logo:

1. Standard watermark - through the basic settings of the camera.
2. Leica logo - in the camera settings section → Collaboration with Leica → Leica watermark.

On devices with China ROM (The option to turn off the watermark is often hidden:

• 📲 Change of the firmware region to the global (risk of loss) OTA-update).
• 🔧 Use of the ADB-commands (requires included debugging by USB).
• 🛠️ Installation of custom firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu).

7. Legal aspects of watermark removal

The legal consequences are important before watermarks are removed: In most countries (including Russia, the EU and the United States), watermarks are considered part of copyright metadata, and their removal and subsequent distribution of images can be qualified as:

• 📜 Infringement of copyright (Article 1270 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation) – if the photo is used commercially.
• 🕵️ Unfair competition – if the watermark is removed to mask the source.
• 💸 Violation of the license agreement – if photos are uploaded to stock sites.

However, for personal use (storage in the gallery, printing for yourself, publishing in closed chats), the removal of Xiaomi watermarks is not punishable by law. Xiaomi officially allows you to turn off watermarks in the settings, which confirms the legitimacy of this action.

Exceptions:

• 🚫 It is forbidden to remove watermarks from photos taken in Pro Mode if they are intended for commercial use.
• 🚫 On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro) in agreement EULA Removal of the Leica logo voids optics warranty.

⚠️ Note: When posting processed photos in social networks (Instagram, VK) Algorithms can recognize the traces of a remote watermark and limit the reach of a post, which is related to the platforms' policies to combat stolen content. To avoid problems, add the hashtag #ShotOnXiaomi to the description, which signals to the algorithms that the source is legitimate.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing watermarks on Xiaomi