How to hide camera icons and flashlight on the lock screen Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a protection against accidental clicks, but also a convenient tool for quick access to key functions. However, the camera and flashlight shortcuts located in the lower corners are not always appropriate: They take up space, they accidentally activate in their pocket, or they just annoy them because they're not useful, and this is especially true for owners of devices with a computer. AMOLED-screens where every pixel counts.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to remove these icons, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features and third-party solutions. It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

Why do camera and flashlight icons appear on the lock screen?

Camera and flashlight labels are part of MIUI's branded shell, which aims to maximize the user experience.

• 📸 Speed up camera launch – one tap instead of unlocking and finding an app.
• 🔦 Facilitate access to the flashlight in dark or emergency situations.
• ⚡ Reduce the number of actions for frequent scenarios (e.g. scanning) QR-code).

However, in practice, these icons often become a source of problems:

• 🚫 Accidental positives in a pocket or bag, draining the battery.
• 🎨 Violation of the aesthetics of wallpaper or dark theme AMOLED.
• 🔒 Security risk: An attacker can quickly take a photo or turn on a flashlight even if the phone is locked.

Interestingly, in some regions (e.g. Europe), these shortcuts are disabled by default due to strict privacy requirements, and in Russia and the CIS, they are active out of the box, but can be deactivated.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings (for MIUI 12–14)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in shell options. It works on most modern Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5, Xiaomi 12/13/14 series.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section (or Lock and Password in older versions).
3. Select Lock Screen Shortcuts (may be called Quick Actions).
4. Uncheck the boxes in front of the Camera and the Lantern.
5. Confirm the changes if necessary.

If you don't have Lock Screen Shortcuts on your menu, your firmware doesn't support this option directly, so move on to the following ways.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup copy of important data

The battery should be at least 30% charged.

Turn it off. VPN (It can block system settings)-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO M4 Pro, Redmi 10A) After disabling the shortcuts, the camera can be quickly launched with a double press of the power button. To return this function, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Quick camera launch.

Method 2: Using Unlabeled Mode (Hidden MIUI)

In the firmware MIUI 13 and later, there is a hidden option that allows you to completely clear the lock screen of all labels, including the camera and flashlight, activate it through the codes of the engineering menu or ADB-team.

Method 1: Through code ##

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (Sensor Test Code).
3. In the menu that appears, select Lockscreen settings.
4. Activate the No Shortcuts mode option.
5. Reset the device.

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

If the engineering menu is not available, use the command:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_shortcuts_disabled 1

To return the shortcuts, replace 1 with 0.

Method 3: Installation of a third-party launcher with lock screen customization

If the system methods didn't work, you can go around and install an alternative launcher that allows you to configure the lock screen.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher + Nova Lockscreen plugin (paid, but with trial period).
• 🎨 Action Launcher – Supports Hiding System Elements.
• 🔧 Smart Launcher 6 – has built-in options for customization of locks.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and Nova Lockscreen from Google Play.
2. Launch Nova Settings → Lockscreen.
3. Choose Hide Shortcuts or Custom Shortcuts.
4. Turn off the camera and flashlight display.
5. Apply the changes and install Nova as the default launcher.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with branded features MIUI, Check compatibility with your model on forums before installing it (for example, check compatibility with your model on forums, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

💡

If after installing the launcher, notifications on the lock screen disappear, go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Notifications and manually enable access for the desired programs.

Method 4: Edit system files (root users only)

This method is suitable for advanced users who are willing to risk system stability for the sake of complete customization. Changing system files without root rights or through unverified tools can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

The editing will require:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 💻 PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 📂 Backup copy of section /system (necessarily!).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the ADB terminal.
2. Enter the command to mount the system in write mode: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system
3. Go to the folder with the lock screen resources: cd /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk/res/layout
4. Find the file. keyguard_bottom_area.xml and edit it by removing the lines responsible for displaying the camera and flashlight (use ADB Pull/Push or a root explorer).
5. Save the changes, remount the partition to ro mode and reboot the device.

Example of editable code (remove these blocks):

<com.android.keyguard.KeyguardIndicationButton


android:id="@id/keyguard_camera_button"




android:visibility="gone" />





<com.android.keyguard.KeyguardIndicationButton




android:id="@id/keyguard_flashlight_button"




android:visibility="gone" />

💡

Editing system files without backup can cause data loss or a device “brick.” If the phone doesn’t turn on after the changes, try reflashing it through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 5: Reverse firmware or switch to custom (extreme case)

If neither method worked and camera and flashlight shortcuts are critically intrusive, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu). These builds often offer flexible lock screen settings without unnecessary restrictions.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Full control of the interface, including the lock screen.
• ✅ Lack of advertising and unnecessary system applications.
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ❌ Risk of Firmware Errors (Experience Required).
• ❌ There may be problems with the camera or sensors (on some models).

Instructions for installing Xiaomi.eu (on the example of Redmi Note 10 Pro):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download the latest version of Xiaomi.eu for your model from the official website.
3. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, make a full backup (Backup → select all partitions).
5. Squeeze the firmware (Install) → pick up the downloaded ZIP-file).
6. Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.

After installation, go to Settings → Lock screen and disable unnecessary shortcuts – in custom firmware, this option is usually available without restrictions.

Alternative solutions: how to quickly start the camera and flashlight without shortcuts

If you have removed the icons from the lock screen, but want to keep quick access to the camera and flashlight, use these methods:

For maximum convenience, we recommend combining several methods, for example:

• 📷 For the camera: double pressing the power button + lock-screen gesture.
• 🔦 For flashlight: widget on the main screen + voice-team.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove the camera icons and flashlight, users often face problems. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

1. No "Lock screen shortcuts" in the settings

Reason: Outdated version of MIUI (below 12) or regional firmware with limited options.

Decision:

• Update the system to the latest version through Settings → Software Update.
• Install global firmware (MIUI Global) through the Mi Flash Tool.

2.After disabling the shortcuts, the camera's quick launch disappeared

Reason: In some firmware, these functions are related.

Solution: Turn on double-pressing the power button in Settings → Special features → Quick camera start.

3. ADB-The team is not working ("device unauthorized")

Reason: USB debugging is not enabled or phone access is not confirmed.

Decision:

• Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times click on version, then return to Additional → For Developers).
• Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access in the pop-up window.

4. After editing system files, the phone does not turn on

Reason: An error in modified files or a breach of system integrity.

Decision:

• Download to Fastboot Mode (clip Power + Volume down).
• Sweep through the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), disable shortcuts through ADB or root may cause these applications to be blocked due to the SafetyNet trigger.

💡

Before any system manipulation, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup or TWRP. This will save your data even if it crashes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions