How to remove a watermark on Xiaomi: official and informal methods

Watermarks on photos and videos from Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco cameras are a standard feature of MIUI firmware, which automatically adds the name of the device model to the bottom corner of the images. For some users, this is a convenient way of marking, for others – an annoying detail, spoiling the frame. Especially a problem for owners of flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), where a watermark can overlap important elements of the composition.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove watermarks, from the official settings in the camera menu to advanced methods using ADB and modified firmware. Separately, we will discuss the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-15) and explain why some methods stopped working after the 2023-2026 updates. Importantly, not all solutions are universal — for example, resetting to factory settings will not help if the watermark is written at the kernel level.

Before you start, check the version. MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). This will help avoid errors when choosing a method.Also note that removing the watermark on some models (such as the Xiaomi Civi 3) can block access to branded camera features, such as: AI-retouching or Night mode.

1. Disabling the watermark through camera settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI Camera options, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-15 devices, but may not be available on budget models (e.g. Redmi 10A) or regional firmware for India/China.

Instructions:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and go to Photo or Video mode.
• 🔧 Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
• 🏷️ Find the Watermark section (or Device Mark in older versions).
• 🔘 Switch the slider to the off position..

If Watermark is not on the menu, your model does not support disabling through settings, in which case move on to the following methods. Also note that after updating the firmware, the setting may reset - check it after each update.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Poco) F5) Disabling the watermark through the camera settings blocks saving EXIF-Data (camera model, shutter speed, etc.) If you care about image metadata, use alternative methods.

2. Removal of watermark through ADB (no root rights)

If the standard method didn't work, you can turn off the watermark using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which does not require root access, but requires a computer and a developer mode enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification appears You became a developer!.

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.
• Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global watermark_support 0

Once you've completed the command, restart the device. The watermark should disappear. If not, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_on 0

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ some ADB-If you see an Operation not allowed error after you enter the command, try using Wireless. ADB (debugging over Wi-Fi) or move to the method with modified firmware.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download ADB Platform Tools from the official Google|Enable developer mode on your phone |Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable |Allow debugging over USB in the dialog window on your phone-->

3. Use of third-party cameras (Google Camera, Open Camera)

If you can't remove the watermark in the standard way, the most reliable solution is to install an alternative application for shooting.

• 📸 Google Camera (GCam) – supports all main camera features, but no watermarks. Requires the right configuration for a specific Xiaomi model.
• 🎥 Open Camera – open source software with manual settings, but without proprietary Xiaomi algorithms (for example, AI HDR).
• 🖼️ Footage – a paid application with support RAW Advanced color correction tools.

To install GCam on Xiaomi:

1. Download the GCam version optimized for your model (for example, a BSG modification is suitable for Xiaomi 12T).
2. Install. APK-File (Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
3. Configure the configuration file (XML) to work properly on all camera modules.

The downside is that some features (Night Mode, 50MP) may work worse than stock cameras, and GCam does not support maximum resolution video shooting on all Xiaomi models.

4. firmware editing (for advanced users)

If the watermark is sewn into the system files (relevant for Xiaomi on MIUI 13+ for China), it can only be removed by modifying the firmware, a method that requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (TWRP).

Main steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions in XDA or 4PDA).
3. Download modified firmware without a watermark (e.g. MIUI EU or PixelExperience).
4. Using TWRP, clean the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data partitions and flash the new firmware.

On models with a protected anti-rollback area (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), a firmware modification can lead to a "brick" (not being able to turn on the device).

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, you may stop working: Branded camera features (Ultra Night Mode, Magic Zoom); Contactless payments (NFC); Encryption of data (on some builds). We recommend backing up through TWRP before manipulation.

5. Removal of watermark in post-processing

If none of the above methods worked, the last option is editing the finished photos and videos.

• 🖌️ Snapseed (Healing tool for point removal);
• 🎬 CapCut (for video - Remove objects function);
• 🖼️ Photoshop Express (Automatic filling of the area).

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the photo in the editor.
2. Select the area with the watermark Lasso or Brush tool.
3. Use the Content-Based Filling function (in Photoshop) or Healing (in Snapseed).
4. Adjust the brightness/contrast to smooth the transitions.

For video, the process is more complicated: you will need personnel processing in Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. A free alternative is Shotcut with the Inpaint plugin. Note that when you remove the watermark from the video, you may experience deterioration in the processed area.

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If the watermark in the video is located on a static background (for example, a sky or a wall), use the motion tracking function in CapCut. It automatically repeats the deletion of the sign on all frames, saving time.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove a watermark, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is to try to remove a watermark by editing the build.prop file. On modern versions of MIUI, this method does not work, since the watermark is dynamically controlled through the services of miui.camera.watermark. Changing build.prop can lead to a system boot cycle.

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Before any firmware or ADB manipulation, back up your data. Use the built-in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions