How to permanently turn off the flashlight when calling on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Are you tired of the flashlight on your Xiaomi automatically turning on every call you make?This feature, designed to be convenient in dark rooms, often annoys users — especially when the phone is down screen or the flashlight is triggered in the daytime. Unfortunately, in standard MIUI settings, the option to turn off this feature is not obvious, and on some models it is not at all on the menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn off your flashlight when you call, from official settings to hidden commands and third-party apps. You’ll learn why the feature may not turn off on some firmware, how to bypass the limitations of MIUI 14/15, and what to do if the problem returns after the system update. Instructions are suitable for most models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

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

The automatic flashlight on incoming calls was introduced in MIUI 10 and was originally marketed as a smart add-on for comfortably taking calls in the dark. The logic is simple: when you pick up the phone, the proximity sensor picks up movement, and the system activates backlights so you can see the buttons on the screen.

• 🔦 The flashlight works even during the day or in bright lights.
• 📱 Turns on when the phone is lying on the table (false motion sensor alerts).
• 🔋 Quickly drains the battery due to frequent switching on.
• 😤 Irritates others in public places (cinema, theaters, meetings).

Technically, the feature is implemented through the interaction of Sensor HAL (hardware layer sensors) and com.android.phone. In some firmware, it can be disabled through settings, but Xiaomi periodically removes this option from the menu - especially on global versions of MIUI for Europe and India.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12), the option to turn off the flashlight when calling is hidden in the "Additional settings" menu. However, its location may vary depending on the model and regional firmware.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
4. In the search bar, enter the Phone and select the system application com.android.phone.
5. Slip on the Notifications. → Incoming challenges.
6. Scroll down and find the flashlight option when you call (or Flash on call in English firmware).
7. Move the slider to the off position.

If this item is not available, then your firmware does not support shutdown via the menu, in which case try the alternative methods below.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO M3) When you turn off this option, the flashlight can be activated again after you restart. ADB-commands (see Method 3).

Method 2: Use of Do Not Disturb (Backway)

If your firmware doesn't have a direct shutdown option, you can use Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, which doesn't remove the flashlight completely, but allows you to turn it off at certain hours or for specific contacts:

• 🕒 Set up a schedule. DND at the time when the flashlight interferes most (for example, from 22:00 to 8:00).
• 📵 Add important contacts to exceptions to avoid missing important calls.
• 🔕 Turn on alarm clocks only – this will turn off all notifications, including the flashlight.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Select a schedule and set the desired time period.
3. In the Exclusions section, add the contacts for which the flashlight should work.

Method 3: Disconnection through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If standard methods don't work, the most reliable way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to change hidden system settings, including turning off the flashlight when you call, and importantly, once you execute the commands, the function will be permanently disabled, even after you reset the settings.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 Cable USB (original for stable connection).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your phone, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (your device should appear).
4. Execute the flashlight shutdown command: adb shell settings put global flashlight_on_call 0
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F5) after updating the system of settings ADB To avoid this, record the command via adb shell cmd settings set global. settings_provider_model strict.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi USB Drivers or using a different cable, often with unoriginal cords.

Method 4: Third-party applications to turn off flashlight

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Flash Alerts 2 allows you to flexibly adjust the flashlight and vibration when calling.
• 🛠️ MacroDroid – Creates a rule “If an incoming call is made” → Turn off the flashlight".
• 🔧 Tasker – for advanced users (requires profile settings).

How to set up in MacroDroid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro with an Inbound Call trigger.
3. Add the action Turn off the flashlight (Flashlight → Turn Off).
4. Save and activate the macro.

The downside of this method: Applications need special features rights or Overlays over other windows, which can affect performance.

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for experienced)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed. It involves editing the build.prop file, which is responsible for system parameters. Dangerous! Incorrect changes can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).

Instructions:

1. Backup build.prop via TWRP or Root Explorer.
2. Open the file in a text editor (such as MT Manager).
3. Add at the end of the line: persist.sys.flashlight_on_call=0
4. Save the file and restart the phone.

If the phone doesn’t boot after the changes, restore the original build.prop via TWRP.

💡

Editing system files without root rights or backup can cause data loss or buildup of your device, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the flashlight is turned off, users face a return of the function, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The flashlight is turned on again after the update MIUI. → Repeat the shutdown procedure through ADB Firmware often resets user settings.
• 📱 Some contacts have flashlights working, others don’t. → Check the exception settings in the Phone or Contacts app. These numbers may have custom settings.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge after shutting down function. → This is a temporary effect. The system will re-index the settings within 1-2 days.

If none of the methods worked, the reason may be:

• 🛠️ Castom firmware with modified system services.
• 📦 Conflict with other apps (such as Truecaller or Google Phone).
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction of the proximity sensor (check in the service menu by code ##6484##).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions