Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter intrusive text in photos that is automatically added by the system when shooting. This watermark contains the name of the device model and the resolution of the shot, which can look unprofessional or simply interfere with the composition of the frame. Fortunately, the developers of MIUI and the new HyperOS shell have provided a regular option to disable this feature without the need for superuser rights.
The deactivation process takes only a few seconds and is available on most modern models, from the budget Redmi Note series to the flagship Xiaomi Mi and Ultra. In this article, we will discuss in detail the standard algorithm of actions, consider possible problems with accessing settings in different versions of firmware, and offer alternative solutions for cases when the standard menu is unavailable or hidden.
Sometimes users can’t find the right switch because of changes in the camera interface after the next system update, we will analyze the structure of the menu in the current builds and tell you where to look for the cherished tick, and also touch on the topic of third-party applications that can help if the standard methods for some reason do not work on your device.
Standard way to disable via camera settings
The easiest and most reliable method of removing a logo from photos is to use the built-in functionality of the Camera application, which does not require the installation of additional software and guarantees the stable operation of the system. First, you need to run the standard shooting application, which is installed by default on your smartphone.
When you open the app, you look at the top right corner of the screen, and there's a menu button, which is represented as three horizontal bars or a gear, depending on the version of the shell, and if you click on that element, you'll see the drop-down menu where you want to select Settings, and that's where all the camera module settings are concentrated.
In the settings list that opens, scroll down until you find the section associated with the design of the images. The item you're looking for is usually called "Watermark" or "Watermark Settings." Inside this menu, you'll find a switch that activates or deactivates the text application on the photo.
☑️ Verification of watermark settings
It is worth noting that on some global versions of firmware, the name of the item may differ slightly, for example, "Watermark Options." If you do not see this item right away, carefully check all the tabs inside the settings, since in HyperOS the menu structure has been slightly changed to improve ergonomics. After turning off the switch, try to take a test shot to make sure that the label is not written.
Features of the interface in MIUI and HyperOS
The camera interface on Xiaomi devices is constantly changing with the release of new versions of the operating system. Owners of devices based on MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 usually have no problem finding the right switch in the standard menu. However, with the advent of MIUI 14 and especially HyperOS, the logic of the grouping of settings may have changed, which causes confusion among users.
In newer versions of the shell, the watermark control point is sometimes moved to the "Additional Settings" subsection or combined with the date stamp settings. If you don't see a direct switch in the main camera settings menu, look for the "About Watermark" or similar item. Inside, there may be a separate menu where you need to check the "Model Phone" item.
Hidden settings in different regions
It is also important to consider the difference between shooting modes. In some cases, the watermark may be turned off globally, in others it may only be for the main mode "Photos". If you shoot in "Portrait", "Night" or "Pro" mode, check the settings within these modes separately, although most often the change in the main menu applies to all standard shooting scenarios.
Below is a table that will help you navigate the settings depending on the version of your system:
| Shell version | Location of the menu | Title of paragraph | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Three stripes. → Settings | Watermark | Direct switch. |
| MIUI 14 | Three stripes. → Settings | Watermark settings | Separate submenu |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Three stripes. → Settings | Watermark | Combined with date |
| Android Go | A gear. → Additionally. | Model of the device | Maybe not. |
If you've stopped finding a regular item after you upgrade, don't panic, often because you've caching old settings or a bug in a particular firmware build, and cleaning up the camera app's data through the app management menu in the phone's settings can help.
Using Google Cameras (GCam)
An alternative and popular solution among enthusiasts is to install a ported version of Google Camera. This app does not initially add Xiaomi watermarks to the pictures, as it is designed for Pixel devices. Using GCam allows not only to get rid of the logo, but also to significantly improve the quality of photos, especially in low light conditions.
For installation, you will need to find the right one. APK-A file adapted specifically for your smartphone’s processor (Snapdragon, MediaTek or Exynos) may not work correctly or run on all devices. Once installed and initially set up, Google Camera becomes the primary shooting tool, completely ignoring system limitations. MIUI.
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Use configuration files (XML) for GCam to unlock the full potential of your Xiaomi camera.They often contain fixes for telephoto lens and night mode.
However, it is worth considering that the GCam may not support all the additional camera modules of your phone. For example, a macro camera or depth sensor may not work stable or at all, and you may also have problems recording high-resolution video or using zoom if the port is not optimized properly.
An important advantage of Google Cameras is the lack of advertising and intrusive features characteristic of Xiaomi's stock app. GCam interface is minimalistic, and HDR+ processing algorithms often give a more natural color reproduction. If you're willing to take the time to find a stable build, this may be the best solution to the watermark problem.
Third-party editing applications
If for some reason you can't or don't want to change the system settings, there's always the option of post-processing. There are many applications that allow you to quickly remove a watermark from a finished image, this is true if the photo is already taken, and it was late or forgotten to delete text through the settings.
The easiest way is to use the framing function (crop). Since the watermark on Xiaomi is traditionally located in the lower left corner, simply cropping the bottom of the image solves the problem in seconds. It does not require the installation of additional software and is available in any gallery application.
For more complex cases where framing is not possible because of the composition of the frame, retouch tools can be used. Applications like TouchRetouch, SNAPSEED or embedded social media editors allow you to “paint over” the text by replacing it with neighboring background pixels, and filling algorithms often do this automatically.
- 📱 Google Photos: The “Cadration” or “Retouch” tool (available on the Google One subscription).
- 🎨 SNAPSEED: The tool “point” allows you to effectively remove small defects and text.
- ✂️ Adobe Lightroom Mobile: a professional tool for framing and cloning areas.
Using third-party editors takes longer than disabling the feature in settings, but gives you flexibility in processing.You can only selectively remove the logo from the photos you plan to publish, leaving the originals with technical data intact for the archive.
Problems with Developer Access and Rights
In rare cases, users are faced with a situation where the menu item “Watermark” is completely absent, even in the expected place, this may be due to the limitations of regional firmware or specific settings of the Mi Account.
Try to go to Settings → Additional Settings → Region and change country to India, Indonesia or Singapore. After changing region, reboot your device and check your camera settings again, often unlocking hidden features, including watermark management.
⚠️ Warning: Change of region may affect some system applications, widgets and voice assistant. Once the camera settings are checked, the region can be returned, but the watermark settings can remain available.
There is also a method of activating hidden capabilities through developer mode, although in recent versions of MIUI, the direct link between USB debugging and watermark is weak. However, resetting the camera application settings to factory values through the Apps menu sometimes returns missing menu items.
Frequent Questions and Challenges (FAQ)
Why does the watermark return after the system update?
Can I change the text of the watermark to my own?
Does the watermark affect the quality of the photo?
Is the watermark removed in Portrait mode?
Is it safe to use modified cameras to remove a sign?
⚠️ Note: When installing modified versions of the camera (GCam, mods) MIUI Camera) you act at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible unstable operation of the device or loss of data.
To sum up, removing a watermark on Xiaomi is a problem that is solved by the system’s regular means 95% of the time. Just look carefully at the settings of the camera application. If the standard path is closed, there are always alternatives in the form of third-party software or post-processing, allowing you to get a clean frame without unnecessary inscriptions.
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The most efficient and safe way is to turn off the camera's settings menu as standard, and alternative methods require more time or additional software.