Xiaomi watermark in photos and videos β a standard firmware feature MIUI, It automatically adds the device model name, date, even coordinates to the images, and for some users, it's a convenient way to sort media files, for others, it's an annoying element that spoils the aesthetics of the frames. The problem is especially relevant for owners of flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+), where watermarks can cover important details in professional photographs.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove watermarks, from standard camera settings to advanced methods using ADB and modified firmware. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty, and we will also analyze the risks of each approach and give recommendations on security.
Why Xiaomi is adding watermarks and whether they can be officially turned off
The watermark feature appeared in MIUI 12 as part of the brand's policy to protect users' copyrights, which the company says helps:
- π Prove that content is theft or unauthorized use
- π Quickly sort photos by date and device model
- π Geolocation (optional) for travelers
Officially, only some regional versions of MIUI (e.g. Europe or India) can disable the watermark, and in global and Chinese firmware, the option is often hidden, and even after the watermark is turned off, the sign can appear when shooting in Pro, Night or when using a telephoto lens.
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and the newer watermark are embedded in the firmware-level image processing algorithms, and its removal may require a complete flashing of the device.
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Official shutdown | Required. root/ADB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | 13-14 | Yeah (in camera settings) | No. |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 14 | Partially (only for the main camera) | For the telephoto lens, yes. |
| POCO F5/F4 | 13-14 | Yes. | No. |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 13-14 | No. | Yes (ADB or custom firmware) |
Method 1: Disconnect via standard camera settings
The simplest method, which works on most devices with MIUI 13 and later, is suitable for Redmi, POCO and some Xiaomi lines (except flagships with a telephoto lens).
Instructions:
- Open the Camera app.
- Put it on the gear. βοΈ in the upper right corner (or swipe from the right edge of the screen).
- Go to the camera settings section β Watermark.
- Turn off the slider Add a watermark.
- For models with multiple camera modules (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra): Repeat the action for each lens separately in the Additional Settings section.
If there is no Watermark on the menu:
- π Try to update the Camera app through Google Play.
- π Check regional settings: sometimes the option is only available when selecting a country India or Europe in the system settings.
- π± Install an alternative camera app (such as GCam) where there are no watermarks by default.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Update the Camera app to the latest version
Make a backup of important photos
Restart your phone before changing your settings-->
β οΈ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 11T Pro, Redmi K50) after disabling the watermark, it may appear accidentally when shooting in the format RAW or when using manual settings ISO/In this case, only the method of ADB (see method 3).
Method 2: Using third-party editing applications
If a watermark is already added to a photo, it can be removed with the help of specialized editors, which does not require changes in the system, but is only suitable for post-processing.
Top.-3 watermarking applications:
- ποΈ Snapseed (Google) β Healing or Selective tool allows you to gently wipe text.
- π¨ Adobe Photoshop Express β Spot Heal features can handle small signs.
- π€ Remove Watermark (from Bingo) β Automatically detects and removes text tags.
Step-by-step instructions for Snapseed:
- Open the photo in the app.
- Select the Healing tool (the patch icon).
- Increase the scale of the watermarked area.
- Swipe your finger through the text β the algorithm will automatically fill the area with close pixels.
- For complex backgrounds, use Selective β Brightness/Contrast to visually βhideβ the remaining artifacts.
Advantages of the method:
- β No need to root or modify the system.
- β Works on any device (including iPhone or other brands).
- β Allows you to maintain original image quality when properly processed.
Disadvantages:
- β It takes time to process a large number of photos.
- β On complex backgrounds (for example, the sky with clouds) may remain traces of editing.
- β Not suitable for video - you will have to process each frame separately.
Through camera settings
Third-party editors (Snapseed, Photoshop)
ADB-team
Custom firmware
I don't delete, I leave it as it is.-->
Method 3: Removing watermark through ADB (without root)
The method for advanced users who donβt want to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware requires connecting the phone to a PC and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
Pre-launch warnings:
- π Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the additional β For developers).
- π» Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- π± Backup data β incorrect commands can cause the camera settings to reset.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to disable the watermark: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0
- For models with multiple cameras (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) add: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_ultrawide 0 adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_telephoto 0
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after the MIUI update, the settings are reset. To record the changes, create a local.prop file with the command:
adb shell
su
echo "persist.camera.watermark.enable=0" >> /data/local.prop
chmod 644 /data/local.prop
rebootβ οΈ Attention: MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi blocks changes in some parameters through ADB. If the watermark remains after the commands are executed, try to turn off the watermark first. MIUI Optimization in the settings for developers (Settings) β Additionally. β For developers β Turn off optimization MIUI).
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 4: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)
Radical method, which is guaranteed to remove the watermark, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing an alternative firmware. Suitable for devices where other methods do not work (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Mix Fold 2).
Popular firmware without watermarks:
- π± Pixel Experience β pure Android without unnecessary features Xiaomi.
- π LineageOS β stable firmware with open source.
- π― Xiaomi.eu β modified MIUI China-bound.
- πΈ DerpFest - firmware with improved camera and no watermarks.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox) for your model.
- Download firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) from xiaomi.eu.
- Transfer the firmware file (.zip) to your phone.
- Download to recovery (Off β Power + Vol+) and run Wipe β Format Data (this will delete all data!).
- Install the firmware via Install β Select the file β Swipe to confirm.
- Restart the device (the first start can take 10-15 minutes).
| Firmware | Camera support | Watermark | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi.eu | Full (all modules) | β No. | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | Partial (primary camera) | β No. | Tall. |
| LineageOS | Basic (GApps required) | β No. | Tall. |
| DerpFest | Extended (GCam built-in) | β No. | Medium |
β οΈ Warning: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and may lead to problems with Widevine L1 (lack of HD into Netflix/Disney+). On some models (Xiaomi) 13 Pro) also stops wireless charging. Before installing, check the firmware reviews for your model on the XDA-Developers forum.
π‘
Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup section) to restore the original MIUI if something goes wrong, and it is especially important to keep the EFS and Modem folders that are responsible for IMEI and network.
Method 5: Modifying the camera files (requires root)
For users with unlocked bootloader and superuser rights, there is a way to disable the watermark by editing system files, which works on MIUI 12-14 and does not require complete flashing.
Tools required:
- π± Root access (Magisk or SuperSU).
- π οΈ File Manager with support for root (Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
- π Text Editor (QuickEdit or Nano via Termux).
Instructions:
- Open the file manager and go to /system/vendor/build.prop.
- Find the line: ro.camera.watermark.enable=true and replace it with: ro.camera.watermark.enable=false
- Save the file and set the rights to 644 (to avoid download errors).
- Go to /system/vendor/overlay/ and delete the files: MiuiCameraOverlay.apk MiuiCameraOverlay.odex (if any).
- Clear the Camera Cache: Settings β Apps β Camera β Storage β Clean the Cache
- Reset the device.
For models with Leica cameras (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra, 14 Pro) additionally need to edit the file /system/vendor/camera/camera_features.xml:
- Find the line: <feature name="watermark" value="true" />
- Replace value="true" with value="false."
β οΈ Note: Incorrect editing of files in /system This can lead to bootloop.Before you change, backup the system partition through TWRP. If the camera stops working after the modification, restore the original files or re-flash the device.
π‘
Editing system files is the most reliable way to remove watermarks forever, but it requires root and accuracy. If you're not sure about your skills, use ADB or custom firmware.
How to return a watermark if you need it
If you removed the watermark but then decided to return it (for example, to prove authorship), you can do this in several ways:
For standard methods (via settings or ADB):
- Enable the option back to the camera menu (Settings β Watermark).
- Or do it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 1
For custom firmware devices:
- Install the Magisk MiuiCameraMod module, which adds original Xiaomi features, including watermarks.
- Or return to stock MIUI via Fastboot (instructions on Xiaomi's official website).
For manual addition of watermark on the finished photos:
- π² Use Watermark Remover apps (there is a text add mode).
- π₯οΈ Lightroom or Photoshop with Watermark Creator plugin.