How to permanently turn off the flashlight on Xiaomi when incoming call

The flashlight on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is often a source of irritation: it automatically turns on when a call is made, even if you are in a dark room or just don’t want to attract attention. This is especially true for owners of models with bright LEDs – for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, where a flash can blind you at the most inopportune moment.

The problem is compounded by the fact that in the latest versions MIUI 14/15 The developers hid the direct setting to disable this feature, and as a result, users are forced to look for workarounds, from editing system files to using the system. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings, third-party utilities and radical methods for power users.

It's important to understand that turning on the flashlight automatically when you call is not a bug, it's a feature. Xiaomi has positioned it as a "convenience" for finding a phone in the dark. But in practice, it's more likely to get in the way of something like an important call at a movie theater or a meeting, and fortunately, you can turn it off -- you know where to look.

Why does the flashlight turn on when you call and can it be fixed?

The automatic flashlight feature, which was introduced in MIUI 10, has since become a “branded” solution for most Xiaomi smartphones. The logic is simple: when the phone rings, the light sensor detects low light levels, and the system activates the flash so that the user can find the device faster.

However, the algorithm does not work perfectly:

  • 🔦 The flash works even with sufficient light (for example, in an office with artificial light).
  • 📱 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) flashlight flashes into the rhythm of the ringing melody, which distracts.
  • 🔋 Frequent flash activation drains the battery (especially noticeable on budget models with a small battery).

Can I officially turn it off? Older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) had a direct setup in the Settings menu → Display → Flashlight. Now it's been removed, but there are alternative methods left, from hidden settings to system edits.

📊 How often do you get annoyed by the automatic flashlight?
Constantly.
Sometimes.
I used to be annoyed, but I'm used to it.
I'm not worried about it.

Method 1: Disconnect via hidden MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest method is to use the Hidden Settings hidden MIUI menu, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones without the need for root rights or a PC connection.

  1. Open the phone application (standard call).
  2. Dial the combination: ##6484## (this is a universal code for accessing the MIUI test settings).
  3. Select Manual Test → Sensors → Light Sensor from the menu that appears.
  4. Scroll down and find the Flashlight during call option (or similar in Chinese - use a screen translator).
  5. Switch the switch to the Off position and confirm the changes.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 15 for the global version) this item may not be available. In this case, try the alternative code: ##36446337## - it opens the Engineering Mode menu, where sometimes the flashlight settings are duplicated.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup copy of important data

The battery should be at least 30% charged.

Do not interrupt the process of changing settings-->

If the hidden menu didn't work, move on to the next one, and note that when you update the firmware, you may reset your settings, and you'll have to reset them.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If the hidden settings don't work, you can turn off the flashlight when you call through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to your computer, but does not require root rights.

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → For Developers. Activate Debugging on USB.

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB Tools

adb

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell settings put global flashlight_on_call 0

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If the flashlight still turns on after the command, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put secure flashlight_on_call_disabled 1

This command runs on some MIUI 14 firmware for the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X5.

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-On Windows, sometimes it helps to disable the driver signature.

Method 3: Disconnect via launcher applications (for MIUI 13/14/15)

Some third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) allow you to manage system functions, including a flashlight, which is suitable if you are already using an alternative shell or are not afraid to install it.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Launch the launcher and go to its settings (Long Click on the Desktop → Settings).
  3. Select the Laboratory → Gesture management.
  4. Find the flashlight option when you call and turn it off.
  5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

🔹 Pros of the method: does not require root or ADB, It works on most models (Xiaomi). 12T, Redmi Note 10 Pro and others.).

🔸 Cons: the launcher consumes additional RAM, and on some firmware, the setting may reset after the update.

Why can launchers control a flashlight?
Some launchers (like Nova) gain enhanced rights through the Accessibility Service, which can intercept system events, including incoming calls, and block flashlight activation at the software level, but this doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, depending on the firmware's security policy.

Method 4: Edit system files (root only)

If you have root rights, you can turn off the flashlight when you call by editing system files, which is the most reliable method, but also the most risky one, because doing the wrong thing can cause the system to crash.

Instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/csc/others.xml or (for newer MIUI versions): /system/csc/feature.xml
  3. Find the line with the FlashlightOnCall option or CscFeature_FlashLight_EnableDuringCall.
  4. Change the value from true to false:
  5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (r-w-r--r---) and restart the phone.

🔹 How to set up MacroDroid:

  1. Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
  2. Create a new macro: Trigger → Phone → Incoming call.
  3. Add the action: System → Flashlight → Turn off.
  4. Save the macro and activate it.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Tasker or MacroDroid may conflict with battery optimization MIUI. To keep them stable, add them to the exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find it. MacroDroid/Tasker → No restrictions.

💡

Third-party applications are the most versatile way, but they consume an extra battery and can conflict with other services. Use them if system methods don't work.

What to do if nothing helps

If neither of these methods worked, it may be the customized firmware or regional MIUI settings that are the problem.

  • 🔄 Resetting your phone's settings (not data, just settings!) sometimes returns hidden settings. Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network/sound/display settings.
  • 📦 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) that does not automatically turn on the flashlight when you call.
  • 📞 A call for Xiaomi to report the issue via an official chat or forum - sometimes they give internal instructions for specific models.

💡 Last tip: If you use a magnetic lock case (like the Xiaomi 13 Lite), try closing the case when you call - on some models this blocks the flashlight activation.

If the problem is critical and system methods don’t work, consider switching to another firmware. Xiaomi.eu (an unofficial European build of MIUI) often offers more customizations, including flashlight control.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi

🔦 Why does the flashlight flash in the rhythm of the ringing melody?
This is a feature of MIUI firmware for some models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 9) that is synchronized with the rhythm of the melody for additional visual alert.
📱 Will it work? ADB-post-refreshment MIUI?
No warranties after major updates (e.g., with MIUI 14 on MIUI 15) You have to repeat the command adb shell settings put global. flashlight_on_call 0 freshly.
⚡ Does Frequent flashlights affect the battery?
Yes, but not critical. LED flash consumes about 200-300 mA per hour. If the flashlight turns on for 10-20 seconds every time you call, it can eat up to 1-2% of the total battery life in a year. On budget models (Redmi 10A), the impact is more noticeable.
🔧 Can I turn off the flashlight only for specific contacts?
No, there's no system tools for that, but you can use MacroDroid or Tasker to make rules like, "If Mommy calls, Mommy calls." → Do not turn on the flashlight. This will require you to configure the filter by the number in the macro trigger.
🛠️ Why does the light switch off again after the light switch off?
Probable reasons: The MIUI update resets the settings; a third-party app (like Google Phone) override the settings; a light sensor malfunction (try to wipe the top of the phone); check logs through adb logcat if the problem recurs.