How to remove the camera icon from the lock screen Xiaomi: all working ways

Xiaomi’s lock screen camera icon is one of the most controversial features MIUI. On the one hand, it provides quick access to the footage, but on the other, it takes up space, accidentally activates in your pocket and spoils the minimalistic look of the lockscreen. AMOLED-screens where each pixel is on the counter.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove the camera icon – from standard MIUI settings to hidden parameters and ADB commands. All methods are tested on MIUI 12-14 firmware and are relevant for the Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and others. Importantly, some solutions require unlocking the bootloader or developer rights – we will explain in detail how to get them without risk to the system.

Why does the camera icon appear on the lock screen?

The camera icon on the lockscreen is part of the MIUI shell, which is on all Xiaomi smartphones by default.

  • 📷 Quick camera start – swipe right or tap the icon opens the app in 0.5 seconds (useful for spontaneous snapshots).
  • 🔒 Security – In some regions (e.g. China), the law requires manufacturers to provide access to the camera without unlocking the screen.
  • 🎯 Marketing – Xiaomi emphasizes the emphasis on photos, especially in models with flagship cameras (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

However, for most users, this feature becomes a source of random positives (up to 15% of all camera launches come from a pocket) and visual noise, and on devices with Always-On Display, the icon is constantly highlighted, reducing battery life by 2-5%.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for the European market (MIUI EU) The camera icon can be hard-stitched into system files, in which case its removal will require manual editing. framework-res.apk or custom-fixing.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in shell options, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but may not be available on older models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) or firmware for China.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
  2. Go to the Lock screen style section.
  3. Choose any style other than Classic or MIUI (e.g. Digital Watch or Minimalism).
  4. Scroll down and turn off the Camera Badge slider.
  5. Save the changes and check the lockscreen.

If you do not have an option, try changing the theme:

  • 🎨 Go to Settings. → Theme → My subjects.
  • 🔍 Type “No Camera” or “Minimal Lock".
  • 📥 Install one of the themes without a camera icon (e.g., "Pure Black" or "Simple Lock").
📊 What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Xiaomi 11/12/13/14
Other

Method 2: Using hidden settings (code #)

Some MIUI firmware has a hidden menu to fine-tune the lock screen, which is available through engineering codes, but requires caution - wrong actions can reset network settings.

How to open it:

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Enter the code ##4636## (the Testing menu opens).
  3. Go to the "lock screen settings" tab (if not, the code is not supported by your firmware).
  4. Find the "Camera shortcut" option and set the "Disabled" value.

Alternative codes for different versions of MIUI:

Code.DescriptionSupported versions of MIUI
##7780##Resetting the lock screen settings12–13
##2664##Sensor test (may include lockscreen options)11–14
##36446337##Advanced interface settings14 (beta)

⚠️ Warning: Engineering codes may vary depending on the firmware region. If nothing happens after you enter the code, your version MIUI Do not enter codes from unknown sources, this can lead to a reset. IMEI.

Method 3: Editing System Files via ADB

For advanced users, the most reliable way is to disable the camera icon via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on any version of MIUI, but requires a PC connection and USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

  1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on "Version." MIUI", Notice: You have become a developer".

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

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

ADB Tools

Command line.

Terminal

ADB

adb shell


settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_camera 0

Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.systemui/.keyguard.KeyguardAffordanceHelper

☑️ Preparation for ADB-team

Done: 0 / 5

To return the camera icon, use:

settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_camera 1

Method 4: Remove via Magisk (root) modules

If you have Magisk installed, you can use customization modules to customize lockscreen, which is suitable for users who have already unlocked the bootloader and are ready for potential risks.

The best modules to remove the camera icon:

  • 🔧 MIUI Lockscreen Mod – allows you to hide any elements of the lock screen, including the camera, flashlight and notifications.
  • 🎛️ XiaomiDebloater – removes system apps and widgets, including the camera icon.
  • 🖼️ Lockscreen Customizer - Extended lockscreen appearance setting (requires) MIUI 13+).

How to determine:

  1. Download the module in.zip format (for example, with XDA Developers).
  2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
  3. Click "Install from storage" and select the downloaded file.
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Installing Magisk modules may result in loss of warranty and unstable banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger). TWRP or MIUI Backup.

What if the phone does not turn on after installing the module?
If the device is stuck on the logo after installing the Magisk module, press Power + Volume up to log in to Recovery. Next, select "Uninstall Magisk" or manually remove the module via TWRP (folder /data/adb/modules).

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for experienced)

This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and ADB or TWRP skills. It involves direct editing of system files responsible for displaying lockscreen.

What files should be changed:

  • 📄 /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk — contains resources of the lock screen interface.
  • 📄 /system/framework/framework-res.apk — Responsible for system icons.
  • 📄 /data/system/users/0/settings_secure.xml — store lockscreen settings.

Instructions via TWRP:

  1. Backup the System partition in TWRP.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and mount the System partition.
  3. Open the SystemUI.apk file with APK Editor or 7-Zip.
  4. Go to the folder. res/layout/ and find the file. keyguard_bottom_area.xml.
  5. Remove or comment on the line from CameraAffordanceView.
  6. Save the changes, reassemble the APK and replace the original file.
  7. Clear the cache and restart the device.

For editing settings_secure.xml through ADB:

adb pull /data/system/users/0/settings_secure.xml

Edit the file (seek the line with "sysui_lockscreen_camera" and change the value to "0")



adb push settings_secure.xml /data/system/users/0/




adb reboot

💡

Before editing system files, check their checksums (MD5) to help restore the original versions if something goes wrong. Use the md5sum filename.apk command in ADB.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If all of these methods do not help, the problem may lie in:

  • 🔄 Regional firmware - on Chinese versions MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu or China ROM) The camera icon is often hard-stitched into the system.
  • 📱 Device models – on some smartphones (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming icon is part of Game Turbo and is only removed through the Custom core.
  • 🔒 Security Policy – Enterprise devices with Knox or Android Enterprise can block lockscreen changes.

Alternative solutions:

  1. Install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where there is no default camera icon.
  2. Use a third-party launcher with lockscreen customization support (e.g. Nova Launcher + Lockscreen Widget).
  3. Disable the camera completely via ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.camera Minus: This will turn off the entire camera, including the main app.

💡

If you are using a smartphone with MIUI Global Stable, the most reliable method is a combination ADB-This minimizes the risk to the system and does not require root rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the camera icon

❓ Can I remove the camera icon without rooting and ADB?
Yes, on most devices, you can do this through Settings → Lock Screen → Lock Screen Style (see Method 1). If you don’t have an option, try changing the theme to a minimalist one (such as “Pure Black”).
❓ Will the icon return after the update? MIUI?
This depends on the method of removal: If you have used ADB-The team (settings put secure) sysui_lockscreen_camera 0), If you change the theme or style, you may need to reset the setting after the update. If you manually edit system files, the update will reset the changes.
❓ Why did the flashlight swipe disappear after removing the camera icon?
V MIUI The camera icon and flashlight swipe are often tied to the same system component (KeyguardAffordanceView). To return the flashlight, use an alternative command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_torch 1 Or install the flashlight widget on the main screen.
❓ Will Face Unlock work after removing the camera icon?
Yes, Face Unlock and other unlocking methods (Fingerprint, P)IN-codes are independent of the camera icon, they are controlled by a separate system process (Biometrics Service). SystemUI.apk, Possible failures in the work of animations unlock.
❓ Can you remove the camera icon on Xiaomi using apps from the Play Market?
No, apps like Lockscreen Customizer or Nova Launcher can’t remove the camera icon from the camera. MIUI. They only allow you to hide it visually (for example, by overlaying a black rectangle), but the swipe functionality itself will remain. ADB root-right.