Why the camera button on the lock screen interferes β and how to turn it off
The camera quick start icon on Xiaomiβs lock screen is a handy feature for those who often take pictures, but for many users, it becomes a source of random taps, battery discharge (due to the moduleβs background activity), or even a privacy risk. In public places, for example, outsiders can quietly activate the camera if the smartphone is lying upside down.
Depending on the version MIUI (12 to 14) and device models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 et al.) the ways to remove the button vary: somewhere it can be disabled through standard settings, and somewhere you need to edit system files or use it. ADB-In this article, all the current methods, including those that work on the latest firmware in 2026, are covered.
Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser (root), which can affect the warranty and security of the device. If you are not sure about your actions, use only the official MIUI settings.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The simplest method, which works on most MIUI 12-14 devices (including Redmi and POCO), is suitable for users who donβt want to get into the technical details.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings β Lock screen.
- Select Lock Screen Style (or Additional Settings, depending on version).
- Find the shortcuts option on the lock screen or Quick Start.
- Turn off the slider next to the Camera (or uncheck if the interface is different).
- Save the changes and restart the device (sometimes required for use).
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) This item may not be available, so move on to the next one.
Make sure you have the latest version of MIUI| Backup settings | Battery charge at least 30% | Turn off two-way authentication (if used)
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Method 2: Using Developer Mode and ADB
If the standard settings do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) β It's a deep-tuning tool, and it doesn't require root rights, but it requires a computer and a computer. USB-cable.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification βYou are a developerβ appears.
USB debugging
Settings β Additional β For Developers
Xiaomi
adb devicesIf the device is displayed, you can continue.
adb shell settings put global lockscreen_camera_disable 1Reboot your smartphone.
To return the button back, use the same command by replacing 1 by 0.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.cameraBut keep in mind: this will completely disable the cameraβs system app, not just the lock label.
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Method 3: Editing system files (root required)
For advanced users who are ready to get root access, there is a method of editing MIUI configuration files. This is the most reliable way, but also the most risky β wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/usr/keylayout/ Find Generic.kl (or qwerty.kl, depending on the model).
- Open the file in the text editor and find the line: key 212 CAMERA Replace it with: #key 212 CAMERA (symbol # comments a line by disabling the function).
- Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device.
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Pro) this file can be protected from changes, in which case you need to disable dm-verity via Magisk.
What if the smartphone does not turn on after editing?
Method 4: Using third-party launchers
If you donβt want to interfere with system files, you can bypass the limitations of MIUI with alternative launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, which allow you to customize the lock screen, including removing unnecessary items.
How it works:
- π± Install a launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher Prime).
- π§ In the launcher settings, find the Lock Screen or Gestures section.
- π« Turn off the option to show shortcuts MIUI Add the camera to the blacklist.
- π Restart the device to apply changes.
The downside of this method is that not all launchers support deep customization of the lock screen on Xiaomi. For example, Nova Launcher can hide the shortcut only on the home screen, but not on the lock. Before buying a paid version, check the functionality in the free version.
Standard settings MIUI|ADB-team|Editing system files|Third-party launchers|I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.
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Method 5: Reverse firmware or switch to custom
If neither method worked, it could be because of the firmware of your model, leaving two radical options:
- Reverse to an earlier version of MIUI (if the camera button came after the update). To do this: Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website (Archive section). Use the Mi Flash Tool to install via Fastboot.
- Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will remove all MIUI restrictions completely, but will require: Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool); TWRP Recovery installations; Data backup (all data will be erased!).
Important: Sliding back or installing customized will result in a reset of all data and may disrupt some features (such as NFC or 5G broadband on some models).
| Method | Root is required. | Risk to the system | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | β No. | β οΈ Low. | MIUI 12-14 (not all models) |
| ADB-team | β No. | β οΈ Medium. | Most devices |
| File editing | β Yes. | β High-pitched | All models (at risk) |
| Third-party launchers | β No. | β οΈ Low. | Limited functionality |
| Custom firmware | β Yes. | β critical | All models (with full reset) |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you try to remove the camera button, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- π Settings are not saved after restarting β Check if settings are reset due to battery optimization. Turn off optimization for the Settings app in Settings β Annexes β Application management β Settings β Battery.
- π ADB can't see the device β Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB And you've got Xiaomi drivers installed. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- π± After editing files, the smartphone does not turn on β Load into Safe Mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down when turned on) and return the changes back.
- π It's not possible to root. β On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14) Unlocking the loader may take up to 7 days due to Xiaomi policy.Follow the official instructions on the website en.miui.com/unlock.
β οΈ Note: If you are using a corporate device with security policies (e.g., through Android Enterprise), some methods may be blocked by the administrator. IT-service.