Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI or HyperOS shells, have a huge number of privacy protection features. One of the most sought-after features is managing camera activity indicators. Users often wonder how to hide the camera on the shaomi so that the camera does not see the screen preview, the shutter sound is not emitted, or the app does not appear in the list of recent tasks.
This may be necessary to create hidden photos in the dark, to record video without attracting attention, or simply for the aesthetics of the interface. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to hide the visual and audio indicators of the module, and also consider methods of hiding the application itself from the menu.
It is important to understand that completely disabling the security indicator (green dot), which is implemented in Android 12 and later, software is impossible without a deep modification of the system. However, standard shell tools allow you to effectively mask the shooting process for a third-party observer. We will consider both standard settings and additional automation scenarios.
Settings for displaying previews in a standard application
The first and most obvious way to hide the visual part of the shooting process is to use the built-in Black Screen feature, which is designed specifically for situations where the bright glow of the display can give off the photographer or simply interfere with the process. To activate this mode, you need to launch the standard Camera app and go to the settings menu by clicking on the three bars in the upper right corner.
In the settings list that opens, you'll find Settings and you'll scroll to the "Advanced" section. That's where the Black Screen switch is located. When it's activated while you're shooting, the display goes out, but the photomatrix keeps working, so you can take pictures with your phone in your pocket or just flip the screen down.
Note that this function does not work in all modes, for example, in portrait mode or when using a wide-angle lens, the black screen may not activate due to technical limitations of real-time image processing, and MIUI may require confirmation of action when the feature is first turned on for security purposes.
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Use black screen mode in combination with volume buttons to control zoom to the touch, not turning on the display.
For users looking for more advanced solutions, there are third-party shells, but they require unlocking the bootloader. The standard means is best handled by the native black screen function, which does not require the installation of additional software and does not violate the device warranty.
Shutting down shutter and vibration sound
Audio is a major factor that can reveal the facts of photography. In global versions of Xiaomi firmware, the shutter sound can be turned off through the settings of the app itself. However, in devices designed for the markets of China, Japan and Korea, software to block sound with standard methods is often impossible due to legal restrictions of these countries.
For global versions (Global ROM), you just need to find a three-dot or strip icon in the camera menu, select Settings, and put the camera slider in an inactive position. Similarly, vibration is turned off when you touch, which makes the process completely silent. In some versions of MIUI, the shutter sound is also blocked if the phone is switched to silent or Do Not Disturb mode.
What to do if there is no sound?
Owners of Chinese firmware (CN ROM) devices may face a situation where sound is emitted even when the system is completely silent, in which case only installing a third-party camera app from Google Play or using magnetic cases, which some smartphone models perceive as a signal to turn off the sound (although this feature is rare).
Remember that when you record a video in 4K or use certain stabilization modes, the shutter sound may ignore the system settings and be forced to turn on. Always test it before an important event.
Hiding the camera app from the menu and desktop
Often, the "how to hide the camera" is a way for users to remove the app itself from public access, which is true if children are using the phone or if you want to hide certain features from prying eyes. MIUI has a built-in Hidden Apps tool that allows you to remove the icon from the desktop and from the menu of all programs.
To use this feature, open the Security app (green zipper icon), scroll down to the Tools section and select Hidden Apps. Click Add, select a standard camera. After that, the icon will disappear from the screen, you will need to unlock the phone and make a specific gesture (usually finger-to-side) on the desktop to access it.
The alternative is to use Second Space mode, which is basically creating a second profile on your phone with your apps and photos, so you can choose not to install the camera app in the second space, or you can leave it there, hiding the main profile from users.
Also worth mentioning is the App Protection feature, which doesn't hide the icon, but requires you to enter a password or fingerprint every time you run the camera, which will prevent unauthorized people from taking or viewing the gallery, even if they take the unlocked phone in their hands.
Using third-party applications for covert photography
If regular tools do not provide the necessary functionality, specialized applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. They often have more flexible interface settings, allowing you to completely remove all controls from the screen, leaving only a black image or an imitation of another application (calculator, notebook).
One of the popular solutions is to use calculator apps with a secret function, you type in a certain code, and instead of a calculator, you open up the camera interface, it looks like a normal computation to the public, and other applications allow you to assign a volume button or headphone button to instantly start recording without the appearance of an interface.
- 📸 Background Video Recorder – allows you to record video in the background while you use other applications or when the screen is off.
- 🕵️ Hidden Camera – an app that launches the camera on a schedule or when moving, taking pictures without sound and visual indications.
- 🔒 Calculator Vault – hides not only the camera, but also photos / videos inside the secure storage, masquerading as a conventional calculator.
When using third-party software, it is important to remember permissions: these applications require full access to the camera and microphone, which can be potentially insecure.
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Third-party applications offer more flexibility, but require caution when granting permissions and can drain the battery faster.
Features of the privacy indicator
Since Android 12, security has featured that displays a green dot in the top right corner of the screen every time an app uses a camera or microphone. Many users want to know how to hide the camera on the shaomi, implying this indicator.
Unfortunately, you can't remove this point with standard tools. This is a system protection that Google has implemented, and it works at the core level of the operating system. No setup in the MIUI menu will allow you to legally disable this indicator. It ensures that you always know when you're being filmed.
⚠️ Note: Attempts to disable the privacy indicator through ADB-commands or modifications to system files can cause the device's "brick" system to function unstable or other applications dependent on the camera to fail.
The only way to get around this limitation is to use devices on older versions of Android (below 12), where this feature did not exist yet. However, this exposes you to other security risks. In today's world, having a green indicator is the norm to get used to.
If you notice a green dot on fire when you're not using the camera, check the running apps. Often, instant messengers, video chat apps, or even augmented reality games in the background may request access to the camera.
Comparison of concealment methods and their effectiveness
To make it easier to choose the best method of hiding the camera on Xiaomi devices, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for your particular situation, whether it is hidden shooting or just wanting to remove unnecessary icons.
| Method | Hiding a preview | Takes away the sound | Difficulty | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black screen (staff) | Yes. | No (single-handed) | Low. | Tall. |
| Hiding the application | No. | No. | Low. | Tall. |
| Third-party APKs | Yes. | Yes. | Medium | Medium |
| Root rights/Mods | Yes (full) | Yes (full) | Tall. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the combination of a regular Black Screen and a disabled sound in settings is the optimal balance between functionality and security. Root rights open all doors, but it takes away warranty and can make the device vulnerable to malware.
☑️ Checking privacy settings
Remember to check the list of apps that have access to the camera regularly, and you can do this in Settings → Privacy Protection → Permissions Management → Camera. Disable access for those programs that do not need it for basic functionality.