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

The lock screen on Xiaomi’s MIUI-enclosed smartphones is often a question for users — especially when it comes to the camera icon. This interface element, designed to quickly access the shot, can accidentally activate in your pocket, lead to unwanted photos, or simply annoy with its constant visibility. Unlike other manufacturers, where turning off the camera on a locked screen takes a couple of clicks, in MIUI this option is hidden deeper — or not at all in the standard settings.

The problem is compounded by the fact that Xiaomi regularly changes the location of options in new versions of the firmware. MIUI 12, may not work in MIUI 14, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5) This is a camera icon that is soldered into the system, and in this article we will discuss all the current ways to remove the camera from the lock screen, from basic settings to advanced methods using the use of the camera. ADB We'll focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI smartphone models.

Why a camera on a lock screen can be dangerous

At first glance, fast access to the camera seems like a convenient feature — just swipe up or double press the power button, and you already take pictures.

• 📸 In 78% of cases (according to Xiaomi’s 2023 user survey), the camera is activated in a pocket or bag, filling the gallery with junk photos.
• 🔒 Privacy vulnerability: if the smartphone falls into the wrong hands, an attacker can take photos without unlocking (on some models, even with the shutter sound turned off).
• 🔋 Battery consumption: background activity of the camera module (especially on Redmi) K60 Xiaomi 13 can consume up to 5% of its charge per night.
• 🎯 UI inconvenient: The camera icon takes up space on the screen, interfering with notifications or weather widget.

And more importantly, on devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5 Pro) displaying the camera icon continuously can cause pixels to burn out, especially if you use static wallpaper, which is not critical for everyday use, but may become noticeable after 2-3 years.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for most models)

Let’s start with the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-14. However, let’s warn you right away: on some devices (for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5) this option may not be available – it all depends on the regional firmware and manufacturer’s policy.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Lock screen (or Lock and Password on older versions).
2. Scroll down to Lock screen shortcuts (in English firmware - Lock screen shortcuts).
3. Click on the camera icon (usually located on the right or bottom of the screen).
4. In the menu that appears, select No (or None).
5. Confirm the changes if necessary.

If you have a MIUI 14 on a Xiaomi 13 Ultra or a Redmi K50, the path may be slightly different.

Settings → Always display → Lock screen → Shortcuts → Camera → Disable

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make sure your smartphone is at least 30% charged

Backup important data (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Remember password/pattern lock (required to confirm changes)-->

Important: On some firmware, after the camera is turned off, its icon may remain on the screen but become inactive. This is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI - visually the icon will disappear only after the device is restarted.

Method 2: Disconnecting through Developer Mode

If the standard method didn’t work, try activating hidden settings through developer mode, which is suitable for Xiaomi on MIUI 13/14, where the manufacturer has removed the direct option to turn off the camera.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

Settings

Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Lock screen

Disable camera on lockscreen

Activate the switch and restart the device.

On some firmware (for example, on the POCO F4 GT), this parameter may be called differently:

• Lockscreen camera shortcut → Disable
• Quick launch camera → Off

Warning: Not all options in developer mode are safe, such as changing settings OEM Unlocking or USB Configuration can cause smartphone malfunctions. Never activate the "Stay awake" option unless you understand the consequences, which will lead to accelerated wear and tear. AMOLED-matrix.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB, enable debugging via USB (see the previous section).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should appear serial number of your device).
5. Use the command to turn off the camera on the lock screen: adb shell settings put global lockscreen_camera_disable 1
6. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

To return the camera back, use the same command by replacing 1 with 0.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.camera

But keep in mind: this will completely disable the camera system app, and you will have to install a third-party app (like Google Camera).-->

Attention. ⚠️: Use of the ADB may lead to:

• Reset some settings (for example, permissions for applications).
• Blocking Mi Account functions (on Chinese firmware).
• Lose warranty if the device was purchased less than 6 months ago.

Method 4: Delete through editing system files (root)

This is the most radical method requiring super-user rights (root), suitable for experienced users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty for the sake of full control of the device. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite), you will first need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk or another root rights manager.
2. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl or (for newer versions of MIUI): /vendor/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl
4. Find the key 217 CAMERA (or similar) string.
5. Replace it with #key 217 CAMERA (add # to the beginning for comment).
6. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
7. Reset the device.

For devices with MIUI 14, additional file editing may be required:

/system/customize/default.xml

Find the line:

<bool name="lockscreen_camera_enable">true</bool>

And replace true with false.

💡

Editing system files without a backup can lead to a device “brick” (completely inoperable) and always create a backup through TWRP or similar tools before making changes.

Attention. ⚠️: On devices with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) editing system files can lead to:

• Virtual memory failure.
• Loss of Game Turbo functionality.
• Automatically reboot every 5-10 minutes (if critical files are damaged).

Method 5: Alternative launchers and third-party applications

If you don't want to dig into settings or risk system stability, you can go around the corner by using third-party launchers or apps to lock the screen, which doesn't physically remove the camera, but makes it inaccessible.

Best options:

• 📱 Nova Launcher + Sesame Shortcuts: Install Nova Launcher from Google Play. In the launcher settings, select Lock Screen → Set up shortcuts. Replace the camera icon with an empty action or an app of choice.
• 🔒 LockScreen Customizer (requires root): Allows you to completely redefine lock screen elements. Supports camera hiding, changing notification locations, etc.
• 🛡️ AppLock (no root): Install AppLock and block access to the camera with a password.

For devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), Hex Installer, a module for Magisk, is suitable, which allows you to fine-tune interface elements, including the lock screen, but its installation requires an unlocked bootloader.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and make it the default launcher.
2. Press your finger on the home screen → Settings Nova → Lock screen.
3. Select Lock Screen Shortcuts → Left/right icon → No.
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

What to do if nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked, your device may have one of the following features:

• 📱 Chinese firmware: on devices for the Chinese market (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro China) ROM) Many settings are blocked by Xiaomi's policy, so you can reflash to the global or European version. MIUI.
• 🔐 Corporate policy: if the smartphone was issued by the employer, it can be installed MDM-profile blocking setting changes. Check in Settings → Accounts. → Accounts for work.
• 🛠️ Hardware lock: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 2), the camera on the lock screen is fixed at the firmware level and does not lend itself to software shutdown.

In such cases, two options remain:

1. Contact the service center: Official centers Xiaomi can turn off the camera on request (paid, ~500–1000 ₽). Please make sure that this does not result in loss of warranty.
2. Use physical lock: Stick opaque film on the camera lens (sold in privacy kits). Use a cover with a closing curtain for the camera.

Last tip: If you plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another person, be sure to check if the camera on the lock screen is turned off. Even if you don’t use this feature, the new owner may accidentally activate it and access your data (unless the factory reset is performed).

FAQ: Frequent questions