How to remove the camera from the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14/15

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO lock screen displays a camera shortcut all the time?This icon not only takes up space, but can also accidentally activate when you take your phone out of your pocket. Depending on the MIUI version and device model, the way you delete the camera is different — a couple of clicks are enough somewhere, and in some cases you will need to edit system files.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for removing the camera from the lock screen, including official settings, hidden developer settings and even manual editing of configuration files (for advanced users), paying special attention to the nuances for MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, as well as the differences between Android 13 and Android 14 devices.

Why does the camera appear on the lock screen and can it be removed?

The camera icon on the lock screen is a standard MIUI feature designed to speed up access to the footage, but many users consider it unnecessary for several reasons:

• 📸 Accidental positives – if you handle it sloppy, your phone can take a photo or video without your knowledge.
• 🔒 Security risk – if the phone falls into the wrong hands, access to the camera can be used to shoot without unlocking (on some models).
• 🎨 Aesthetics – the label spoils the minimalistic look of the lock screen, especially on wallpaper with a dark background.
• ⚡ Energy consumption – on older models (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9) the active icon can consume an additional battery.

Can you remove the camera completely? Yes, but the way you do it depends on:

• 📱 Versions MIUI (12/13/14/15).
• 🤖 Android versions (11/12/13/14).
• 🔐 Root rights (whether you have them or not).
• 📦 Device models (flagships Xiaomi 13 vs budget Redmi) 10A).

On the newer devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the manufacturer has limited the ability to remove the camera through standard settings, but the workarounds still work.

Method 1: Disconnect via lock screen settings (MIUI 14/15)

The simplest method that works on most modern Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14 and newer is suitable for models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13T/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5.
• 🤖 Android 13/14.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Scroll down to the Shortcuts (or Quick Access) section.
3. Click on the Camera (or Camera Label).
4. In the window that opens, select No or Disable.
5. Confirm the action if necessary.

Camera tag visible on lock screen |

MIUI version 14 or later |

Settings are not blocked by the device administrator |

The device is not in kiosk mode (kiosk mode)-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for Redmi Note 11) the shortcuts item may not be available.In this case, try Method 3.

If you turn off the camera icon, you can restart the device, and 90 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

Method 2: Using Developer Mode (for MIUI 12/13)

On older versions of MIUI (12-13), there may not be a standard switch to remove the camera, in which case activation of the developer mode and editing system parameters will help.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings

Additionally.

For developers

Quick setups

Systemic UI-setting

Show the camera on the lock screen

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable system operation. Do not edit other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

If this method doesn’t work, move on to the next method, which is universal for all versions of MIUI.

Method 3: Removal through ADB (Universal Method)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for any Xiaomi device, including those where standard settings don’t work. You’ll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (activate Developer Mode if not already done). Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell settings put global lockscreen_camera_disable 1

Reboot the phone.

If after the reboot the camera icon disappeared, but after a while appeared again, repeat the command and additionally execute:

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_camera 0

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause a system to crash.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) post-refresh MIUI setting ADB They're reset. In which case, you'll have to repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Editing System Files (for Advanced)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is manual editing of system files, which requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users.

What will be required:

• 📱 Device with unlocked bootloader and root access.
• 💻 PC or file manager with superuser rights (e.g., Root Explorer).
• 🔧 Backup of the system (required!).

Instructions:

1. Open a file manager with root access.
2. Go to /system/usr/keychars/ or (for newer MIUI versions): /vendor/usr/keychars/
3. Find the file qwerty.kl or Generic.kl (name may vary).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the line: key 212 CAMERA
5. Please comment on the line by adding #: key 212 CAMERA
6. Save the file and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop.If you are not sure about your actions, use alternative methods.

💡

Editing system files is the most reliable way, but also the riskiest way, and only use it if other methods have failed and you have a backup.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (without root and ADB)

If you don’t want to mess with the settings or are afraid of breaking something, there are a few workarounds:

• 🔄 Change launcher — install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allows you to configure the lock screen, including hiding system elements.
• 🖼️ Using masked wallpaper – choose wallpaper where the camera icon will blend in with the background (for example, dark wallpaper for the camera). AMOLED-screen).
• 🔒 Disabling Camera Gestures - in the Lock Screen settings → Gestures can be banned from running the camera swipe.
• 📱 Installing a third-party blocker – apps like Lock Screen & Widgets replace the standard lock screen.

The downside of alternatives is that they don't remove the icon completely, they just mask it or block access, but for most users, that's enough.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers and blockers may conflict with MIUI, Especially on Android 14 devices. Check your model compatibility reviews before installing.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully removing the camera from the lock screen, problems can occur.

If none of these methods worked, your firmware may have a hard-to-lock camera attached to the lock screen (often found on MIUI for China), in which case you can either accept the icon or reflash the device to the Global version of MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions