How to completely remove the watermark on Xiaomi: official and informal methods

Watermark with model name and version MIUI On the screen, Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco is a standard firmware feature that interferes with many users, and it appears in shooting mode, when watching videos or even on the desktop, overlapping important interface elements. The manufacturer added this feature to demonstrate the technical characteristics of the device, but in practice it is more often annoying than helping.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove watermarks, from official settings to deep modifications to the system. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which can affect the warranty and security of the device, and we will also analyze the risks of each approach and offer alternative solutions for those who do not want to interfere with system files.

Before you make any changes, make sure you understand the implications. For example, on devices with a locked bootloader and no root rights, the watermark can only be partially removed — it will appear in some applications (for example, in the camera).

1. Official method: disabling through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in system options, and unfortunately, it doesn't work on all models and versions. MIUI, But it's worth a try. It doesn't require superuser rights, and it doesn't affect the warranty.

The instructions are relevant for the firmware MIUI 12-14 on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices (except some budget models with reduced functionality:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Slip a few times on the line version MIUI, until you have been notified you have become a developer!.
4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → Settings for developers.
5. Scroll down and find the option to Show watermark (or WaterMark in English firmware).

If you don't have that option, your model doesn't support the official shutdown, and you'll have to use the alternative methods described below.

⚠️ Note: On some devices, after the watermark is turned off through the settings, it may continue to appear in the Camera app. MIUI saves a watermark in the metadata of the photos separately from the system display.

2. Watermark removal through ADB (rootless)

If the official method didn’t work, you can try to disable the watermark using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but will require connecting the smartphone to the computer.

ADB — It's a debugging tool for Android devices that lets you execute commands directly on the system, and we're going to use it to change the hidden parameters. MIUI, watermarker.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (including ADB) on your computer.
2. Turn on your smartphone to debug by USB in the settings for developers (see the previous section).
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
6. Execute the command to turn off the watermark: adb shell settings put global persistent_watermark_enabled 0
7. Reboot your smartphone.

If the watermark remained after the restart, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global watermark_switch 0

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global versions) MIUI) These commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, and in this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-Also check if file transfer mode is on (MTP) plug-in.

3. Complete removal of the watermark with root rights

Removing the watermark from all screens (including the camera and screenshots) will require super-user rights (root), a method suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to unstable system operation.

Before you go on, consider:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader and getting root resets all data on the device.
• 🛡️ The guarantee is lost (if it is still valid).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA They can break the root or bring back the watermark.
• 🚨 Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of errors.

If you are prepared for these consequences, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and device binding).
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root with Magisk.
3. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
4. Cross the path: /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/ and delete files with watermark names* (e.g, watermark_portrait.png, watermark_landscape.png).
5. Also check the folders: /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/ and /system/framework/ - the presence of files associated with the watermark (names may differ depending on the version) MIUI).
6. Reset the device.

If the watermark still appears after deleting the files, it may be registered in the system settings, in which case you will need to edit the build.prop file:

1. Open /system/build.prop in the root-rights text editor.
2. Find the lines from ro.miui.ui.version.watermark or persist.sys.watermark and replace them with 0.
3. Save the changes and restart the device.

Alternative methods: workarounds

If you don't want to risk the stability of the system, but the watermark is in a big way, you can use workarounds, which don't remove the watermark completely, but make it less visible or hide it in most scenarios.

Here are a few working options:

For most users, a custom launcher combination + The watermark only remains in system screenshots that can be processed manually.

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If you want a clean watermark screen for screenshots only, the easiest way is to use Screenshot Touch or Screen Master. They let you take screenshots without system overlays.

5. Risks and consequences of watermark removal

Before tampering with system files or unlocking the bootloader, it is important to assess the possible negative consequences. Even if you managed to remove the watermark, it can lead to other problems.

Main risks:

• 🔄 Stability disruption MIUI: Deleting system files can lead to accidental reboots, lags or errors in the operation of the interface.
• 🔒 Update problems: After receiving root or changing system files OTA-Updates may not be installed or break the device.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: bootloader unlocks and root opens access to system partitions, increasing the risk of malware infection.
• 📱 Application incompatibility: Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and games (e.g, Pokémon GO) Refuse to work on root devices.
• 🔧 Renovation difficulties: Xiaomi service centers may refuse warranty service if they find traces of interference in firmware.

If you do make a big change, here’s what will help minimize the risks:

• 📌 Use Magisk instead of the classic root (it supports hiding rights from apps).
• 🔄 Regularly do backups through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
• 🔒 Install only verified modules for Magisk (e.g, MIUI Watermark Remover).
• 📱 Before the update MIUI Always check user reviews with the same model.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, which came to replace) MIUI) In HyperOS, the watermark is integrated deeper into the system, and removing it will require dedicated modules for Magisk or custom firmware.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you try to remove a watermark, you often have typical problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them.

If neither method worked, your Xiaomi model might be using a unique watermark implementation, leaving two options:

1. Search for dedicated modules for Magisk on forums (e.g, XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that does not have a watermark by default.

7.Castom firmware without watermark

If you're willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware is the surest way to get rid of the watermark forever. Popular firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS doesn't contain watermarks or other "chips» MIUI, Which can annoy users.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🧹 Clean Android without unnecessary imposed features.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.
• ⚡ Better performance on older devices.
• 🎨 Possibility of deep customization.

There are, however, downsides:

• 📱 There may be problems with the camera, sensors, or wireless modules (unless the firmware is optimized for your model).
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge (on some firmware).
• 🔄 Absence OTA-Updates (must be installed manually).

If you decide to try custom firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait on new devices).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download the firmware for your model from a trusted source (e.g, XDA Developers).
4. Make a full backup of the current firmware through recovery.
5. Sweat the custom firmware, following the developer's instructions.
6. If necessary, install GApps (Google services) and Magisk (root).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi devices:

• Pixel Experience is a pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• LineageOS is a stable firmware with a minimalist design.
• ArrowOS is the balance between customization and performance.
• MIUI EU — modified MIUI without advertisements and watermarks (but with weekly updates).

⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware on devices with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11, Poco) M4 Pros are more complex than Snapdragon, and often require special tools like SP Flash Tool and the risk of “bricking” is higher.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions