Why camera and flashlight labels get in the way - and can they be turned off?
The lock screen on Xiaomi’s MIUI-enclosed smartphones has two default shortcuts: the camera (usually in the lower right corner) and the flashlight (lower left). For many users, these buttons seem convenient — you can quickly take a picture or turn on the light without unlocking the phone. However, not everyone likes this arrangement: random taps lead to the camera activation in your pocket, and a flashlight can turn on in your bag, draining the battery.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi doesn’t provide a direct option to disable these shortcuts in standard settings, but there are a few workarounds, from hidden MIUI features to third-party tools. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to remove the camera and flashlight from the lock screen on 2020-2026 models (including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 13, and others).
It’s important to keep in mind that some methods require superuser rights or the installation of additional applications, and if you’re not ready for this kind of manipulation, focus on the first three methods that work without making any deep changes to the system.
Method 1: Disable via Lock Screen Settings (MIUI 14 and later)
The latest versions of MIUI 14 (and partly MIUI 13) have the ability to hide camera and flashlight labels through the standard menu, a method that is the simplest and doesn't require third-party software installation.
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Scroll down to the Shortcuts section (or Quick Actions in some firmware).
- Click on the "Management of shortcuts" item.
- Uncheck the boxes in front of the Camera and the Lantern.
- Confirm the changes by clicking Ready.
If your MIUI version doesn't have a "Manage shortcuts" option, then the manufacturer has blocked this option for your model, in which case move on to the following ways.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C POCO M4 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 this item may disappear.This is due to Xiaomi's policy to limit customization on budget models.
Method 2: Using Unlabeled Mode Through ADB
If the standard settings don't work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which doesn't require root permissions, but requires you to connect your phone to your computer.
1. Enable debugging over USB:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
- 🔧 Press 7 times on the version MIUI, activate the developer mode.
- 🔄 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- 🔌 Activate Debugging on USB.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the commands:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_shortcuts 0This command will disable all the shortcuts on the lock screen, including the camera and flashlight. If you want to return them, use:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_shortcuts 1Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|
Download the platform ADB (for example, Minimal ADB and Fastboot)|
Enable debugging over USB on your phone |
Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable-->
If you have the shortcuts left after you run the command, try restarting your phone. In rare cases, the changes only apply after the reboot.
Method 3: Removal through third-party launchers (without root)
Some alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) allow you to customize the lock screen, including removing standard shortcuts.This method is suitable for those who do not want to mess with ADB, but are ready to change the shell.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Launch the launcher and install it as the main one (when the system is requested).
- Go to the Nova settings → Lock screen.
- Turn off the option to show MIUI shortcuts.
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
The downside of this is that the launcher will control not only the lock screen, but also the main screen, and if you want to keep the standard MIUI interface, this option will not work.
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Before installing a third-party launcher, back up your home screen through Settings → Applications → Launcher → Backup. This will help you quickly return to a standard look if something goes wrong.
Method 4: Editing system files (root required)
For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a radical way to remove shortcuts by editing system files, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires caution: incorrect changes can lead to system failure.
Instructions:
- Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
- 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 for some models).
- Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: key 114 CAMERA key 115 VOLUME_UP Replace. CAMERA on WAKE_DROPPED (That'll turn off the camera call).
- Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the phone.
To turn off the flashlight, you have to edit the framework-res.apk file in the /system/framework/ folder, which is much more complicated. We do not recommend doing this without experience with APK decompilation.
⚠️ Warning: Editing system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable phone operation.Before making changes, make a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
Method 5: Reset the lock screen settings (last option)
If no methods worked, you can try resetting the lock screen to factory settings, which won’t delete your data, but will return all display parameters to standard (including wallpaper, fonts and shortcuts).
How to reset:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → System and device → Resetting settings.
- 📱 Select Reset the lock screen settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- 🔐 Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
Once reset, the camera and flashlight shortcuts may disappear, but this doesn't work on all devices. If the problem persists, go back to the ADB or root methods.
What if the labels are returned after resetting?
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | No. | It's working on MIUI 14. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | They may be reset after the update. | It works on most models. |
| Third-party launcher | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | Change the interface | It always works. |
| Editing system files | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | High (brick risk) | It works on all versions. |
| Resetting settings | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | Wallpaper and fonts will drop | It works on some models. |
For most users, the best solution will be a combination of the first and second ways: first try to disable shortcuts through the settings, and if you do not succeed, use ADB. Root methods should be left for an emergency.
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If you're unsure of your ADB or root skills, it's better to settle for a third-party launcher or put up with shortcuts.The risk of damaging the system isn't worth removing two buttons.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove the camera and flashlight, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Make sure that debugging is enabled USB And you have Xiaomi drivers installed. Try another cable or port. USB.
- 🔄 Labels are back after update: MIUI sometimes resets the settings ADB. Repeat the command after the update.
- 📱 Does not work on custom firmware: Some builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu) already remove these default shortcuts.
- 🔐 Asked for password after reset: This is normal - enter your own PIN or a graphical key to confirm the action.
If you are using Poco Launcher or MIUI Launcher in Light mode, some settings may not be available.Switch to the full shell version in the launcher settings.