How to disable the watermark on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways without root

The watermark on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 screen is a translucent label with the model name or brand logo that appears in the lower right corner when using the camera, recording video, or even in some applications. For many users, such a sign becomes an annoying element, especially if it interferes with view or spoils photos. Fortunately, the manufacturer and the enthusiast community have found several ways to remove it - both official and semi-official.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing the watermark on the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo), including changes in camera settings, the use of the device. ADB-Modifying system files through MIUI-It is important to note that not all methods are equally safe: some require unlocking the bootloader or can cause resets. We will describe in detail the risks of each method and give recommendations for system recovery in case of errors.

If you're ready to get rid of the pesky label once and for all, read on. But first check if your case is one of the exceptions where the watermark cannot be removed (for example, on some firmware for the Chinese market).

Why does a watermark appear and can it be removed legally?

The watermark on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is not a bug, but a feature that the manufacturer added deliberately.

• 📱 Brand advertising campaign: Xiaomi promotes its devices in this way, especially on budget models.
• 🛡️ Counterfeit protection: the sign helps to distinguish the original smartphone from the clone.
• 📸 Content labeling: In some markets (e.g. China) it is a requirement of local law to identify the source of media files.

Technically, the sign is embedded in the camera system app (com.android.camera) and activated at the firmware level, which means that simply removing the app or cleaning up its data won't help — the sign will return after the reboot. However, there are several legal and semi-legal ways to disable it:

1. It is also a hidden camera setting (not working on all versions of MIUI).
2. With help. ADB-commands (requires PC connection, but no root rights required).
3. Modifying system files through MIUI-Launcher (risky but effective).
4. Install an alternative launcher or camera (e.g. Google Camera).

⚠️ Note: On devices with firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The watermark can be protected by additional mechanisms, in which case its removal will require a complete re-flashing to the global version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disconnect via hidden camera settings (without PC)

The easiest and safest method is to use hidden options from the standard camera app, which works on most MIUI versions for the Redmi Note 8, but may not be available on the newest firmware (after MIUI 13).

Instructions:

1. Open the Camera app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Photo or Video mode (the sign appears in both).
3. Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
4. Scroll down and find the Watermark item (or Watermark in English firmware).
5. Switch the slider to the off position.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. In the camera settings, find the Additional or Advanced Settings section.
2. Slap on the line Device Information or Tags 5-7 times in a row.
3. After that, a hidden point Hide the watermark may appear.

Make a backup of photos|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|Connect to Wi-Fi (in case of downloading updates)-->

If this method doesn’t work, move on to the next method – it’s more versatile, but requires a connection to a computer.

Method 2: Removing watermarks via ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to disable the watermark by changing system settings without getting root permissions, one of the most reliable ways, but requires minimal technical skills.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version line until the notification You become a developer appears!. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm the action.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the Terminal on your computer and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list (a phone confirmation may be required).
4. Execute the command to disable the watermark: adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: If the watermark remains after the execution of commands, check if the settings have reset after the update. MIUI. Repeat the procedure or try the method with MIUI-launcher.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. Download the Mi Flash Tool and select the “Install Driver” option.

Method 3: Modifying system files through MIUI-launcher

This method is suitable for advanced users, because it requires changing system files, it is effective, but it is risky: incorrect actions can lead to a launcher failure or even a device "brick", we recommend backing up the data before starting.

Instructions:

1. Download and install the modified MIUI-launcher, MIUI Launcher Mod or Xiaomi EU Links can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.
2. Activate root access (if required): Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool. Install Magisk to manage root rights.

Open a file manager with root access

Root Explorer

Mixplorer

Cross the path.

/system/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.apk

(for new versions of MIUI):

/system/product/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.apk

Copy the file.

MiuiCamera.apk

7-Zip

Go to the file.

res/values/

strings.xml

Find the lines.

watermark

device_model

Save the changes.

Reset the device

On some MIUI 14+ firmware, strings.xml can be protected by a signature, and editing it will cause the application to crash, in which case the only way out is to install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) or use a third-party camera.

Method 4: Using third-party apps (Google Camera and others)

If the previous methods didn't work or seem too complicated, you can go around the way by installing an alternative application for shooting, which does not have a watermark by default.

• 📷 Google Camera (GCam): Ported version of the camera from Google with improved photo processing and no watermarks. Redmi Note 8 will fit modifications from the BSG or Urnyx05.
• 🎥 Open Camera: Open source with wide settings and no advertising or signs.
• 🖼️ Footage: an application for professional video shooting without overlays.

How to install Google Camera:

1. Download. APK-a file from a verified source (e.g., Celso Azevedo).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Install APK and open the app.
4. In GCam settings, disable all options related to tags or logos (usually in the Settings → Advanced section).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No need to root or modify system files.
• ✅ Often improves the quality of the photo compared to the stock camera.
• ✅ It works on any version. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some stock camera features (such as Documents or Clone) may not be available.
• ❌ Possible bugs when recording video on some firmware.

💡

The camera side is the safest way to get rid of the watermark, but it won't replace system apps entirely, for example, a sign might stay when you shoot it through Messenger or Instagram if they use the standard camera API.

What to do if the watermark returns after the update

One of the most common problems is that the watermark reappears after the MIUI update, because system settings are reset and modified files are replaced with original ones.

1. Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system. ⚙️ In the upper right corner, disable Automatic Download via mobile and Auto Update.
2. Use Magisk modules to block camera updates: Install Disable Force Encryption or MIUI Blocker via Magisk. Add com.android.camera to the blacklist.
3. Backup your modified files: Copy the modified MiuiCamera.apk on your PC. Restore it back (root rights will be required) after the update.

If the sign does come back, repeat one of the methods described above. ADB-How to execute the command sufficiently:

adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0

Risks and how to avoid them

Removing watermarks is a relatively safe procedure, but some methods can lead to undesirable consequences.

The most serious problems arise when editing system APK-If the phone has stopped loading after the changes:

1. Press the power button + volume up to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (If you have Magisk installed).
3. If this doesn’t help, run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, modification of system files can lead to activation of anti-Rollback protection. In this case, you can only restore the phone through an authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watermark on the Redmi Note 8