Xiaomi smartphone owners often face copyright issues, such as watermarking screenshots, restrictions on playing protected content (such as Netflix in HD), or blocking some camera features. In this article, we will discuss what exactly is meant by “disabling copyright” on Xiaomi, what methods exist for this, and how to apply them without risking damage to the device.
It’s important to understand that you can’t completely remove DRM- protection at the hardware level — it’s part of Android security. However, you can remove visual interference (watermarks), bypass some software restrictions, or even unlock Widevine L1 to view content in high resolution. The methods differ across models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and firmware versions (MIUI 14, MIUI 15, HyperOS).
We warn you beforehand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable system operation. If your goal is simply to remove the inscription "Made on Xiaomi" from screenshots, standard settings are enough. If you need to unlock Netflix at 1080p or install custom software, you will have to dive into the technical details.
What are Xiaomi Copyrights and Why They Get Into Hand
By “copyright” on Xiaomi smartphones, it is usually understood:
- 📸 Watermarks on screenshots are an inscription with a device model or logo MIUI that is automatically added when a screenshot is created.
- 🎬 Widevine restrictions – blocking high-resolution content playback (e.g., Netflix or Disney+ only show video in 480p).
- 🔒 DRM- Media protection is the inability to copy or write protected content (e.g., screenshots in banking applications).
- 📱 Lock OEM – Restrictions on installing third-party firmware or system modifications.
These limitations are built into MIUI firmware and hardware, such as watermarks added by com.miui.screenshot, and Widevine's level of protection depends on the device's Google certification. Newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) are tighter than older models (Redmi Note 9, POCO X3).
Why does it matter? For example, Widevine L3 (low security) doesn't allow you to watch Netflix in Full HD, and watermarks spoil the look of screenshots for work or communication. Fortunately, most restrictions can be circumvented without deep technical knowledge.
How to remove watermarks from screenshots (without root)
The most common problem is that the screenshots are automatically written, and you can delete them in a number of ways without having to unlock the bootloader.
Method 1. Disconnection through MIUI settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Additional Settings → Screenshots (on some models, the path may differ: Special features → Screenshots).
- Turn off the watermark option or add device information.
Method 2: Use of third-party applications
If your MIUI version doesn’t have this option, install an alternative screenshot app, such as:
- 📱 Screenshot Easy (allows you to disable watermarks in settings)
- 🖼️ Screen Master (supports editing screenshots before saving)
Method 3: Post-creation editing
If a watermark is already added, it can be removed in any graphics editor (such as Snapseed or Photoshop Express) using the Cloning or Background Replacement tool.
☑️ Preparation for the removal of watermarks
How to unlock Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD
If your Xiaomi plays Netflix or Disney+ only at 480p, the problem is Widevine's level of protection. By default, many models (Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro) have an L3 level that limits resolution. To get L1 (Full HD and HDR), you need to:
Method 1. Updating firmware
Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) get the Widevine L1 after upgrading to MIUI 14 or HyperOS. Check for updates in Settings → System Update.
Method 2. Reset to factory settings
Sometimes resetting helps restore Widevine certificates.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose Delete all data (hard reset).
- After the reboot, check the Widevine level in the DRM Info app (available on Google Play).
Method 3: Manually modifying certificates (requires unlocking the bootloader)
For power users: if the reset didn't help, you can manually replace the widevine certificate files via TWRP or Fastboot.This method is risky and can lead to a device blink if executed incorrectly.
What happens if you change Widevine manually?
How to check the current level of Widevine?
Install the DRM Info app from Google Play. The Widevine CDM section will show you the level of protection you need.
- 🟢 L1 — Full HD, HDR, Dolby Vision.
- 🟡 L3 is a maximum 480p.
- 🔴 Unsupported — DRM is not working.
Disable DRM- Protection for screenshots in banking applications
Many banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) block the ability to take screenshots of sensitive information, which is done to protect data, but sometimes hinders users, and the following ways can be used to circumvent this restriction:
Method 1. Use of the second device
The safest way to take a picture of the screen is with another phone or camera, which does not violate bank rules or require modification of the system.
Method 2: Screen recording
Enable screen recording in Notification Panel → Screen recording, then take a screenshot of the video. Some applications (such as AZ Screen Recorder) allow you to save frames in high quality.
Method 3: Disable protection via ADB (requires PC)
For advanced users: you can disable screenshot protection through the ADB command:
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1This command unlocks hidden Android APIs, but it can disrupt some applications, and when the device is restarted, the protection will return.
💡
If you need to save data from a banking application (such as details), use the "Export" function inside the application itself. Most banks allow you to save PDF extracts without restrictions.
Unlocking the bootloader and removing DRM at the system level
If standard methods don't work, the radical way is to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.
- 🔓 Remove all system restrictions of Xiaomi.
- 📱 Install firmware without MIUI (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🛠️ Get root permissions for deep customization.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP - custom recovery for firmware modified software.
- Sweep through custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu – the version of MIUI without restrictions).
- Remove the DRM- modules via Magisk (Widevine Fix or DRM Disabler).
Risks:
- ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
- ⚠️ Possible breech (turning the phone into a brick)
- ⚠️ Some functions (NFC, camera) may not work smoothly.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware is the only way to completely remove all Xiaomi restrictions, but it is also the riskiest method. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to settle for standard methods.
Comparison of methods of disabling copyright
| Method | What's removed | Difficulty | Risks. | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabling watermarks in settings | Screenshots of the inscriptions | ⭐ (simple) | No. | No. |
| Reset to factory settings | Recovery of Widevine L1 (sometimes) | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Loss of data | No. |
| Installation of custom firmware | All limitations of MIUI | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Brick, loss of warranty | Yes. |
| ADB-team | Blocking screenshots in applications | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Unstable operation of some applications | No. |
| Replace Widevine manually | Increased protection level to L1 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Loss of DRM completely | Yes. |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to disable copyright, users often make critical mistakes, and here are the most common ones:
Error 1. Unlocking the bootloader without backup
Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased without recovery. Always back up photos, contacts and apps through Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
Error 2: Installation of inappropriate firmware
The firmware for the Redmi Note 11 won’t work for the POCO X5, even if they have the same processor. Always check the device model in Settings → About Phone → Model.
Error 3: Using informal unlocking tools
Only Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool guarantees secure unlocking.Side programs (such as Fastboot Tools) can contain viruses or damage the bootloader.
💡
Before any manipulation of the system, check whether your Xiaomi account is blocked. If the device is tied to an account with unpaid services (for example, Mi Credit), unlocking may not be possible.
⚠️ Warning: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), some of the DRM disabling methods may not work. Before experimenting, check compatibility on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.