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

Why Xiaomi’s lock screen has a camera icon and how to turn it off

The camera icon on the Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO lock screen is a standard element of the MIUI interface that allows you to quickly start the camera even without unlocking the device. For many users, this feature is convenient, but some consider it unnecessary or even potentially dangerous: accidentally tapping can lead to the capture of unnecessary photos or videos, and the icon takes up space on the screen, which is especially noticeable on devices with a small diagonal.

Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.), the ways to remove the icon may differ. In this article, we will look at all the current methods - from standard settings to hidden parameters and ADB commands. It is important to consider that some solutions require developer or unlocked bootloader rights, which can affect the warranty.

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of the camera icon on your model, check the MIUI version first in the Settings → About Phone menu.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in options. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, Xiaomi developers have removed the direct switch to turn off the camera icon, but on some devices it is still available.

• 📱 MIUI 12 and older: Go to Settings → Lock screen → You can set up more settings and find the camera quick start option. If you don't have one, try the next one.
• 🔍 Search by settings: Open Settings, tap the magnifier icon in the upper right corner, and type in "camera lock." The system can give you a hidden menu item.
• 🔄 Resetting screen settings: in rare cases, resetting lock settings in Settings helps → Lock screen → Restore default settings (does not affect user data).

On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and MIUI 14, the standard method is often not available – you need to use ADB or third-party utilities.

⚠️ Note: If in your version MIUI There is no direct option to disable the icon, do not try to change system files manually through Root Explorer - this can cause the lock screen to crash and the need for a complete reset.

Method 2: Using the Developer Mode and ADB-team

If the standard settings do not help, you can resort to ADB-This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling debugging. USB. Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
2. Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Find the USB debugging option and turn it on. Confirm your debugging permission when you connect to your PC.

Connect your smartphone to your computer:

• Use the original USB-Type C cable.
• On PC, install ADB Tools (or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
• Use the command to disable the icon: adb shell settings put global lockscreen_camera_hide 1 Once you've done this, restart the device. To return the icon back, use the same command with the parameter. 0 instead 1.

Developer mode enabled |Debugging by USB|Installed ADB Tools on PC|The smartphone is connected by the original cable-->

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

adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_camera 0

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom ones) may not work due to the system settings being changed. systemui.apk, What's risky without a backup.

Method 3: Hiding the icon through third-party launchers

If you don't want to mess around with ADB, you can disguise the camera icon with an alternative launcher, which doesn't physically remove the icon, but makes it less visible or hides it behind other interface elements.

• 🎨 Nova Launcher: Install Nova Launcher from Google Play. In the launcher settings, select Settings → Lock screen → Hide icons (available in the premium version). Activate the option "Transparent lock screen" - this will visually hide the icon.
• 🔄 Action Launcher: Download Action Launcher. Enable Quicktheme and select a theme with minimalist lock screen design.
• 🖼️ Castom wallpaper: Set wallpaper with a dark lower edge (for example, a gradient from black to transparent). The camera icon merges with the background and becomes less noticeable.

The downside is that the icon stays active, and if you accidentally tap the camera, it still opens, but it doesn't require root rights and is safe for the system.

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If you use Nova Launcher, try the free version of Nova Launcher Prime through promotional codes on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Method 4: Edit system files (for experienced ones only)

This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk (or other root rights manager).It involves editing the systemui.apk file, which is responsible for displaying elements of the lock screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Backup: Download MyBackup or use TWRP to backup /system partition.
2. Install a file manager with root access: Root Explorer or FX File Explorer is fine.

Find and edit the file:

• Go to /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk.
• Copy the file on your PC and open it with JADX (decompiler).
• Find a line with a mention lockscreen_camera and replace it with false.
• Compile the file back and replace the original file (retain 644).

⚠️ Note: On devices with DM-Verity enabled (e.g., Xiaomi) 11T Pro) editing system files will make it impossible to download. Before starting work, disable the check via the command: fastboot disable-verity

Method 5: Installation of custom firmware

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to reflash the device on custom firmware without a camera icon.

• 🌍 LineageOS: pure Android without unnecessary elements MIUI. Supports most Xiaomi models (compatibility list here).
• ⚡ Pixel Experience: firmware with Google Pixel interface, where the camera icon on the lock screen is not by default.
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu: A modified version MIUI with advanced settings where you can manually disable the icon.

The process of installing custom firmware includes:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-168 hours).
2. Installation of TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox.
3. Formatting data, system and cache sections.
4. The firmware of the selected build and GApps (if you need Google services).

Advantages: full control over the interface, no advertising and unnecessary MIUI features.

Disadvantages: loss of warranty, risk of “bricking” the device, possible bugs (for example, a broken NFC or camera).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed on your PC (download Mi) PC Try another one. USB-cable (original better) Include the option "Debugging by Debugging" in the developer settings USB (security parameters) and confirm the PC permission.
• 🔄 After the reboot, the badge returned: This means the team ADB Try adding it to the initialization script (init.d) or using the Magisk module of the Settings Database Editor.
• 📵 The lock screen stopped working: If after editing systemui.apk The lock screen does not appear, load in TWRP And restore the backup. Some devices are resetting via fastboot erase userdata!).

If you’re not sure about your actions, it’s best to seek help from profile forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers, where there are separate themes for each Xiaomi model.

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Before any manipulation of system files or firmware, be sure to create a backup using TWRP or Mi Flash Tool. This will save time to recover in case of an error.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions