How to remove a watermark from the camera Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Watermarks in photos and video from Xiaomi camera – a standard feature MIUI, It automatically adds the name of the device model, date or 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 cover important details of the frame.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to remove watermarks, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features and technical methods using ADB. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty. We will also analyze why Xiaomi does not provide a one-stop solution for all regions and how this relates to firmware localization.

Why Xiaomi is adding watermarks and can they be removed legally

The watermark feature was introduced in MIUI since version 10 and was originally marketed as a copyright protection tool, but the real reasons go deeper:

• 📱 Marketing move: the Xiaomi logo in photos – free advertising of the brand in social networks.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In China, watermarks are mandatory under local laws (to track the distribution of content), and in global firmware they are often left "inherited".
• 🔒 Protection against counterfeiting: on flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra watermark confirms authenticity of the photo taken with the original Leica camera.

The only way to legally remove the watermark is through the camera settings, but it doesn't work on all devices. For example, in the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the option is hidden in deep menus, but in the POCO F5, it doesn't exist at all. The manufacturer doesn't provide a universal solution, so users have to use workarounds.

Interesting fact: on some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), the watermark only appears when shooting in 48 MP or using a telephoto lens, which is because Xiaomi wants to emphasize the uniqueness of the hardware in premium devices.

Method 1: Disabling the watermark through camera settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the Camera app’s built-in settings, but it only works on MIUI 12.5+ global firmware and not all models, like Xiaomi 13T, which is available, but Redmi 10C is not.

Open the Camera app.

Go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner)

Scroll to the "Watermark" section

Try to turn off the "Add watermark" slider

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If there is no “watermark” item on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Open the camera. → Settings → Additionally.
2. Tap the application version (for example, 14.0.12.0) 5 times in a row – this will open the hidden developer menu.
3. In the menu that appears, find Watermark settings and turn it off.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) this method can cause the camera settings to reset. Before manipulation, back up via Settings → Memory. → Backup.

If neither of these options worked, move on to the following ways, and your model probably requires more in-depth interventions.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands without root)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method allows you to disable the watermark without getting root permissions, but requires an unlocked bootloader and developer mode enabled. This is a semi-official way that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
5. Execute the command to disable the watermark: adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0

After restarting the device, the watermark should disappear. If the command does not work, try an alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a com.xiaomi.camera.watermark.OFF

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 China) these commands are blocked by the system, in which case a custom Recovery will be required (TWRP) or modified firmware.

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If, after the execution, ADB-When you have the watermark, check if the camera settings are reset after you reboot, then add the command to the autoboot via Tasker or a similar app.

Method 3: Editing system files (requires root)

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a method of direct editing system files, which is suitable for devices where a watermark is sewn into the firmware of the camera (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).

Algorithm of action:

1. Install Magisk and get root access (see XDA Developers for instructions for your model).
2. Using a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) go to /system/product/overlay/MiuiCamera or (for older versions of MIUI): /system/vendor/overlay
3. Find files with names watermark_* (for example, watermark_config.xml) Rename them by adding.bak at the end.
4. Reset the device.

If the camera stops running after renaming the files, restore the original names. In some cases, you may need to install a modified APK camera (such as the ANX Camera or GCam).

Method 4: Installation of an alternative camera (GCam, ANX Camera)

If standard methods don't work, the most reliable solution is to install a third-party camera app.

• 📸 Google Camera (GCam): Supports most Xiaomi models, but requires the right configuration (XML-file for your model. There are no watermarks by default.
• 🔧 ANX Camera: A modified version of the standard camera MIUI with advanced settings (including disabling the watermark).
• 🌟 Open Camera: Open source software with support RAW manual settings, but less optimized for Xiaomi hardware capabilities.

For the installation of GCam:

1. Download the right version for your model (for example, GCam 8.4 by BSG will suit Xiaomi 12T).
2. Install. APK-File (Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
3. Download the configuration file (XML) for your model and upload it via double-click on the black area next to the down button.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) GCam may not support all cameras (wide-angle or telephoto lens). Check compatibility on Celso Azevedo forums before installing.

The advantage of this method is the complete absence of watermarks and additional features (for example, Night Sight or Astrophotography).However, the quality of the images may differ from the standard MIUI camera, especially in artificial intelligence modes.

Method 5: Post-shoot processing (for those who don’t want to change settings)

If you need to remove the watermark from the already ready photos, you can use:

• 🖼️ Photo editors: Snapseed, Lightroom or Photoshop Express (tool "Platch" or "Cloning").
• 🤖 Automatic services: Remove.bg (remove watermarks on a monotonous background), Inpaint (artificial intelligence for retouching).
• 📱 Android apps: WaterMark Remover or ToolWiz Photos (there are free versions with restrictions).

To remove the watermark in Snapseed:

1. Open the photo in the app.
2. Choose the Healing Brush Tool.
3. Swipe around the watermark and click Apply.
4. If necessary, adjust the brightness and contrast in the retouch area.

The disadvantage of this method is the loss of quality during processing, especially if the watermark is superimposed on a texture background (for example, grass or sky). For video, you will have to use specialized programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or CapCut with masking function.

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Removing the watermark by post-processing is only suitable for single shots. If you are shooting a lot, it is better to set up the camera in advance or use alternative applications.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove a watermark, users often face typical problems:

• 🔄 Watermark returns after update MIUI: This is because you reset the overlays settings, and the solution is to repeat the procedure with the overlays. ADB or root after each update.
• 📵 The camera stops working, usually due to damage to system files, restore them from the backup or reflash the device.
• 🔒 ADB-commands not executed: check if debugging is included USB and whether access is allowed for your PC (a request will appear on the phone when you first connect).
• 📱 On some models (for example, Xiaomi Civi 2) the watermark "baked" in the EXIF-data: in this case, it is not visible in the photo itself, but it is displayed when viewing the properties of the file. EXIF Eraser).

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the watermark is usually absent by default, but the hardware processing of photos may not work on such firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, AI-Super Resolution or Super Resolution).

Before experimenting with the system, be sure to back up through Settings → Memory → Backup, or TWRP. This will allow you to restore the device in the event of a failure.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions