Watermarks in photos with Xiaomi are a standard feature that the manufacturer adds to protect copyright. However, many users want to get rid of inscriptions like Shot on Redmi Note 12 or the Mi logo in the corner of pictures. The reasons are different, from the desire to get clean shots to the need to use the photo for professional purposes.
It is important to understand that removing a watermark is an interference with system applications. Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device. In this article, we will look at both legal ways to disable the watermark through settings, and technical solutions for advanced users.
Note that the procedure differs depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 algorithm is different than the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5.
1. Disconnecting Watermark through camera settings
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Camera app options, which works on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the standard Camera app
- 🔧 Touch the gear badge (⚙️) top-right
- 📝 Scroll down to the Watermark or Photo Settings section
- 🔘 Translate the slider Add the watermark to the off position.
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) This option can be called a Camera Signature or Device Mark. If the option is not in the main menu, check for additional settings (Moreover) → Photo settings).
💡
On devices with MIUI 13+, the watermark can automatically turn on when shooting in 50MP or Professional.
2. Removal of watermark through editing
If you have already taken a photo with a watermark, and you do not want to turn off the function for the future, you can manually remove the inscription. Both standard Xiaomi tools and third-party applications will suit this.
Editing methods:
- 🖼️ Xiaomi Gallery: Open the photo → Edit → Pruning → trim the edge with a watermark (suitable for logos in the corner)
- 🎨 Snapseed: Stamp or Correction tool for point removal of inscriptions
- 🖌️ Adobe Photoshop Express: Replace backgrounds for complex cases
- 🤖 AI-Tools: Remini or Fotor automatically remove watermarks with AI
For text watermarks (such as Shot on POCO X5), it is better to use vector editors like Inkscape on PC, which allow you to accurately match the background color for a remote inscription.
How to remove watermark without loss of quality?
3. Technical methods: ADB and system files
For users with an unlocked bootloader, advanced methods of removing watermark at the system file level are available, which work even if the option is not available in the camera settings.
Important: Before starting, create a backup using the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP. Wrong actions can lead to loss of camera functionality or complete flashing of the device.
Method 1: Disconnecting through ADB
adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0Method 2: Edit the build.prop file (requires root):
- Open build.prop in the root directory through Root Explorer
- Add the line: persist.camera.watermark.enable=0
- Save the file and restart the device
Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press)
Install Mi USB Driver drivers on PC
Download Platform Tools from Google (for ADB)
Create a backup through Mi PC Suite
-->
4 Modified firmware and patches
If standard methods don't work, you can install custom firmware without watermarks or apply special patches.
| Method | Root is required. | Compatibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi.eu firmware | ❌ No. | All models. | Loss of loss OTA-update |
| NoWatermark Patch for Magisk | ✅ Yes. | MIUI 12-14 | Conflicts with other modules |
| Pixel Experience | ✅ Yes. | Limited list of devices | Unstable camera operation |
| Editing by libmiui.so | ✅ Yes. | Only for the experienced. | High risk of brick |
To install the NoWatermark patch through Magisk:
- Download the module with XDA Developers
- Open Magisk Manager → Modules → Install from storage
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation
- Reset the device
💡
Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may result in the blocking of your Mi Account. Use only official builds from trusted sources.
5. Alternative watermarked chambers
If you don't want to interfere with system files, install a third-party app to shoot.
- 📸 Google Camera (GCam): Ported versions for Xiaomi with support for all sensors. download only from trusted sources (Celso Azevedo, XDA)
- 🎥 Open Camera: Open source software with manual settings. RAW and doesn't add watermarks
- 🔍 Footage: a professional application with the ability to disable metadata
- 📱 ProCam X: a paid alternative with a built-in editor
For GCam, it is important to choose the right version for your model, for example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, a modification from BSG is suitable, and for Xiaomi 12 Lite, from Shamim.
Advantages of third-party cameras:
- ✅ No forced watermarks
- ✅ Advanced settings (video bitrate, manual focus)
- ✅ Support for formats DNG and ProRes on some models
Standard MIUI Camera|Google Camera (GCam)|Open Camera|Other third-party |I don't know what it-->
6. Legal aspects and risks
Removing watermarks from photos is a gray area from a legal perspective, and the manufacturer adds them to:
- 📜 Copyright protection (according to Xiaomi rules, all photos taken on their device belong to the user, but with the source specified)
- 🔍 Marketing goals (brand promotion through user-generated content)
- 🛡️ Fraud prevention (fake photo for warranty cases)
In most countries, removing a watermark for personal use is not legal, but distributing the edited photos for commercial purposes (such as selling on stock sites) may lead to claims from Xiaomi.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable Some Watermark Removal Methods (especially through ADB) This can trigger anticheats in banking applications, and this is due to changes in system parameters that SafetyNet checks.
If you are a professional photographer, it is better to immediately disable the function in the settings or use GCam. For ordinary users, standard editing in the Gallery or Snapseed is enough.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you try to remove the watermark, users face typical problems, and we've collected the most common and corrective ways to do this:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The option "Watermark" is not in the settings | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional firmware | Update the software or use it. ADB-team |
| After the switch is off, the sign remains. | Camera cache not cleared | Go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache |
| GCam issues a launch error | Incompatible version or no library | Set the right one. XML-configuration for your model |
| After editing, artifacts remain | Incorrect use of the Stamp tool | Use AI filling in Photoshop or Fotor |
If after all the manipulations the watermark continues to appear, check:
- 🔄 Is the Professional or Professional Regime included? 50MP (On some models, the sign is added forcibly)
- 📁 Have you installed updates for the Camera application through the Play Market?
- 🔧 Are hidden settings activated via the engineering menu (#4636##)