Xiaomi watermark in photos and videos is a standard brand feature that automatically adds the manufacturer’s logo to the bottom corner of the images. For some users, it is a marketing ploy that emphasizes the quality of the equipment, for others, an annoying element that spoils the frames. Especially relevant problem for owners of smartphones Redmi, POCO and flagship Mi lines, where the watermark can occupy up to 10% of the screen area.
In this article, we will discuss all working ways to remove the watermark, from official camera settings to deep modifications to the system through ADB and unlock the bootloader. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and can lead to the inability to update the software through MIUI OTA. We will specify the risks for each option and offer alternatives for users who are not willing to sacrifice the stability of the system.
Why Xiaomi is adding a watermark and whether it is possible to turn it off legally
Xiaomi has introduced watermarks into MIUI since MIUI 12 (2020) for official reasons:
- 📢 Marketing: brand promotion through user-generated content in social networks.
- 🛡️ Protection against counterfeiting: authentication of photos taken on original devices.
- 📊 Analytics: tracking the prevalence of models by geotagged images.
The watermark can only be legally removed on selected models through camera settings. For example, in the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the function is disabled in the Camera Settings → Watermark menu. However, on most devices (especially the Redmi and POCO budget lines), the option is blocked or missing.
⚠️ Warning: On smartphones with regional firmware (for example, for India or China), the watermark can appear even when the option in the settings is disabled.
If there is no legal way, there are still informal methods, from editing system files to completely flashing them, which we will look at next, with the risks and requirements of the device.
Method 1: Disconnect the watermark through camera settings (official method)
The safest way is to check if the switch-off option is available in your model, and the instructions are current for MIUI 13/14 and later:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the gears (⚙️) top-right.
- Go to Watermark (or Settings of the image → Additional on some models).
- Move the slider to the off position.
If the item is not on the menu, try updating your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Xiaomi periodically adds the option to disable new models.
☑️ Check before disconnecting the watermark
| Xiaomi model | Supports the watermark shutdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Option in the Camera Settings menu → Watermark |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | Upgrade to MIUI 14.0.4+ is required |
| POCO F5 | ❌ No. | Watermark is hard sewn into firmware |
| Redmi 10C | ❌ No. | Only through ADB or modified software |
Method 2: Removing the watermark through ADB (without root)
If there is no option to disconnect, you can use ADB-Android Debug Bridge works on most devices with MIUI 12–14, but requires the inclusion of debugging by USB and driver installation.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the Mi Account password if needed.
USB debugging
Settings → Additional → For Developers
Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
ADB Tools
adb.exe
adb shell settings put global watermark_enabled 0After you've done the command, restart the device. Watermark should disappear. If not, try an alternative command:
adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.WATERMARK_STATE_CHANGED --ez state false⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) after the update MIUI The watermark may come back, and then you'll have to repeat the procedure or use methods that unlock the loader.
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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers via the Mi Unlock Tool or using the Mi PC Suite program.
Method 3: Unlocking the bootloader and modifying system files
For devices where ADB does not help, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which will allow you to edit the system files responsible for the watermark.
- Unlock bootloader: Apply for unlocking through Xiaomi's official website. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off). Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
Installation of custom recovery
TWRP
build.prop
- In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Find the file /system/build.prop.
- Add the line: ro.miui.watermark.enabled=0
After the changes, wipe the cache (Wipe) → Cache) and restart the device. Watermark will be disabled at the system level.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device and cancels the warranty.In addition, some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.
What if the bootloader is not unlocked?
Method 4: Use of modified firmware (castomy ROM)
If standard methods don't work, you can install custom firmware without a watermark.
- 📱 Pixel Experience: pure Android without branded bells and whistles Xiaomi.
- 🔧 LineageOS: Stable open source firmware.
- 🚀 Xiaomi.eu: modified MIUI without watermarks and Chinese services.
Installation instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Download the firmware for your model from the official website (e.g. xiaomi.eu).
- Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
- In recovery, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
- Wipe the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/Cache) and reboot.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- ✅ No watermarks and unnecessary applications.
- ✅ Regular security updates.
- ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Loss of guarantee.
- ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on model).
- ❌ Lack of support for Mi Account and branded features (e.g. Mi Share).
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Custom firmware is the most reliable way to get rid of the watermark forever, but it requires technical skills and readiness for possible compatibility issues.
Method 5: Post-processing photos and videos (without changing the system)
If you do not want to modify the smartphone, you can remove the watermark after shooting with the help of specialized applications:
| Annex | Type of content | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Photo Photo | Replacement or Healing Hand Tool for Point Removal. |
| Adobe Photoshop Express | Photo Photo | The function "Delete object" with automatic background filling. |
| CapCut | Video | You can apply a sticker or blur on the area with the watermark. |
| Remove Watermark | Photo/Video | A specialized tool with an AI background replacement. |
For video, the process is more complicated: most applications require manual processing of each frame, the alternative is cropping, but this will reduce the resolution.
⚠️ Note: When removing watermark from other people's photos / videos, you can violate copyright. Xiaomi does not prosecute users for editing their own content, but disposing of other people's photos without permission is prohibited.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove the watermark, users often face problems. Consider typical mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 Watermark returns after update MIUI: Reason: Xiaomi resets user settings in major updates. The solution is to repeat the disabling procedure (via the service). ADB or system files) or install a Magisk module that blocks the update of the relevant components.
- 🚫 ADB Does not see the device: Check if drivers are installed (use Mi) PC Suite? Is debugging enabled USB In the developer settings. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔐 Unlock the bootloader: The "Couldn't unlock" error occurs if: Mi Account is not tied to the device for more than 7 days. The device does not support unlock (check the list here.
If neither method worked, consider buying a smartphone without a watermark. For example, in the POCO F and Xiaomi Civi lines, the function is disabled by default.
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Before any system manipulation, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or TWRP (if installed).