How to remove the automatic flashlight when calling Xiaomi: all ways

Have you ever been in the awkward situation of a flashlight suddenly turning on during an important call to Xiaomi?This feature, designed to be convenient in dark rooms, often works at the most inopportune moment - at a meeting, in a movie theater or even at night when you try not to wake up the household. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not made a separate switch to turn this option off in the main settings, but we know 5 working ways to solve the problem on any device with MIUI (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other models).

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ” The official method through standard settings (works on the MIUI 14+)
  • πŸ› οΈ Hidden options in MIUI Hidden Settings for Advanced Users
  • πŸ’» ADB-commands to completely disable the function (even if it is not on the menu)
  • βš™οΈ Alternative solutions if the flashlight is turned on due to third-party applications
  • ❓ Frequent errors and why the setup may not persist

Importantly, the methods vary depending on the MIUI version and the smartphone model. If you have a POCO F5 with global firmware, the algorithm will be one, and the Redmi 10C on the Chinese version of MIUI will be another. We've sorted out all the options!

πŸ“Š How often do you have a flashlight when you ring?
All the time, it's annoying.
Sometimes, but I want to shut it down.
Only in the dark, it's comfortable.
I never noticed such a function.

Why the flashlight is turned on when calling – the logic of the function

The automatic flashlight activation feature for incoming or outgoing calls was introduced in MIUI 12 and was originally marketed as a β€œsmart add-on” for users.

  1. The light sensor determines the level of light in the room.
  2. If the value is below 50 lux (approximately like at dusk), the system thinks you are in the dark.
  3. When a call starts (incoming or outgoing), the flashlight is activated for 3-5 seconds so you can see the screen or keys.

The problem is that the sensor often works falsely.

  • πŸŒƒ You call during the day, but your hand closes the light sensor (for example, on the phone). POCO X3 Pro it is located next to the front camera).
  • 🎭 In a movie theater or dark room, a flashlight blinds everyone around you.
  • πŸ›Œ At night, a bright flash wakes up a sleeping person next to him.

In addition, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The flashlight can turn on even in high light levels if you previously manually activated it through the notification curtain.This is a firmware bug that Xiaomi never fixed in some regional versions. MIUI.

How to check the operation of the light sensor?
Open the Phone app, dial ##4636##, select Sensor Information, and see the Light sensor value. If it's below 50 in normal light, the sensor is contaminated or faulty.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings (official method)

Starting with MIUI 14 (and on some devices with MIUI 13), the manufacturer has finally added the ability to turn off the flashlight automatically.

Open the Settings app|Go to the Apps β†’ Application management|Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Special Accesses|Find the section Automatic flashlight and turn off the slider-->

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”΄ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This item may be called a flashlight when calling or Smart lighting.
  • πŸ”΄ If you POCO With custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), this method won’t work – use Method 3 (ADB).
  • πŸ”΄ After updating MIUI You can reset it. Check it after every major update.

If you don't have one on your menu, don't despair. It means your firmware version doesn't officially shut down. Go to the next one.

πŸ’‘

On some devices (e.g. Mi 11 Lite), the path to set up is different: Settings β†’ Display β†’ Automatic flashlight turn on. If you can’t find it, try searching by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner).

Method 2: Use of MIUI Hidden Settings (for advanced)

If there is no standard way, you can use hidden MIUI settings. This will require the MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play or via APK).

Instructions:

  1. Download and install MIUI Hidden Settings.
  2. Open the application and provide access to Special features (needed to work with system settings).
  3. Go to the System β†’ Flashlight section (or the Flashlight in the Russian version).
  4. Find the Auto flashlight during calls option and turn it off.

Attention: on devices with MIUI 12.5 and below, this option may not be available. In this case, try updating the firmware or use it. ADB-method (Method 3).

Xiaomi modelSupport for MIUI Hidden SettingsNotes
Redmi Note 10/11/12βœ… Yes.It works on global and European firmware
POCO X3/X4/X5βœ… Yes.The path of the POCO Launcher may be different
Mi 11/12/13βœ… Yes.The latest version of the application is required
Redmi 9/9A/9C⚠️ Partially.It may not work on Chinese firmware.
Black Shark 4/5❌ No.Use ADB or third-party launchers

πŸ’‘

MIUI Hidden Settings is a safe way, since the application does not require root rights or make changes to system files, but after resetting or updating the MIUI, the parameter can return to the default value.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for all versions of MIUI)

If previous methods have failed, the most reliable way is to disconnect via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a universal method that works on any Xiaomi model, regardless of the MIUI version.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original)
  • πŸ“± Included Debugging by USB smartphone
  • πŸ› οΈ Utility. ADB Tools

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

File transfer

ADB

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell settings put global auto_flashlight_during_call 0

Reboot your smartphone.

How do I get it back?

If you want to turn the function back on, use the same command, but with 1 instead of 0:

adb shell settings put global auto_flashlight_during_call 1

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) K50) post-refresh MIUI setup ADB To avoid this, you can fix the parameter using Magisk (root rights required).

Method 4: Disconnect through third-party launchers (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB or install additional apps, you can get around the problem with an alternative launcher, some of which allow you to block the flashlight from turning on automatically.

Best options:

  • 🌈 Nova Launcher + Tasker plugin: Create a task in Tasker that will turn off the flashlight when you start a call. Use the AutoInput plugin to simulate clicking the flashlight button.
  • πŸ”„ Microsoft Launcher: In the launcher settings there is an option to Manage notifications, where you can turn off automatic actions.
  • πŸ“± POCO Launcher (for devices) POCO): Some versions have a hidden setting Disable call flashlight.

The downside of this method is that it doesn't turn off the system-level function, it just masks it. For example, when using Nova Launcher, the flashlight will still try to turn on, but the launcher will block this action, which can cause the interface to slow down during the call.

1. Event: Phone β†’ Incoming/outgoing call

2. Action: Plugin β†’ AutoInput β†’ Simulate clicking (select the flashlight button in the notification curtain)

3. Set the delay to 1 second to have time to work.-->

Method 5: Physically disabling the light sensor (extreme case)

If the software methods don't work, and the flashlight turns on even during the day, the problem may be a faulty light sensor.

  1. Clean the sensor: Take a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Carefully clean the area around the front camera (there is a sensor). Blow the hole with compressed air (for example, a can of cleaning equipment).

Disabling the sensor programmatically:

  • Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put system screen_brightness_mode 0 (This will turn off automatic brightness control, but the sensor will no longer affect the flashlight).

⚠️ If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), it will cost you to replace it. 800-1500 β‚½ In some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The light sensor is combined with the proximity sensor - in this case, the replacement will be more expensive.

Before you carry your phone for repair, check the sensor through the engineering menu (code ##4636##). If the Light sensor value is always 0 or does not change when the lighting changes, the sensor is faulty.

Frequent errors and why the setup is not saved

Many users are faced with the fact that after turning off the flashlight through settings or ADB, the function is activated again.

Problem.Reason.Decision
The setting is reset after rebootingThe com.android.phone system application overwrites the parametersUse it. ADB rightly --user 0 magisk
The flashlight only comes on when incoming calls are made.Conflict with Truecaller or other number detectorTurn off "Smart Functions" in the Determinator settings
No setup available in MIUI Hidden SettingsAn outdated version of the application or firmwareUpdate MIUI Hidden Settings to the latest version
ADB-command is not appliedNo access to settings globalTry the command with su (root required)

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”„ Are there any energy-saving apps (such as Greenify or AccuBattery) that can block changes to settings.
  • πŸ”„ Is the mode for children or guest mode activated - some settings are limited.
  • πŸ”„ Is custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) used, where the logic of the flashlight may differ.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off flashlight when calling

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have the option to turn off the flashlight in the settings?
This depends on the MIUI version and regional firmware. On Chinese versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi K40), this feature is often not on the menu. Use Method 2 (MIUI Hidden Settings) or Method 3 (ADB). Also check if the option is hidden under another name (e.g. Smart Lighting).
❓ Can I turn off the flashlight only for outgoing calls, and leave it for incoming calls?
Unfortunately, in MIUI There are no separate settings for incoming and outgoing calls. The function is universal. The only workaround is to use Tasker to create separate rules: Create a profile for incoming calls with the action "Enable flashlight." Create a second profile for outgoing calls with the action Turn off the flashlight. ADB-securely.
❓ Will there be consequences if you turn off the light sensor through ADB?
Disable the light sensor with the adb shell settings put system screen_brightness_mode 0 will lead to the following changes: βœ… Automatic screen brightness control will be switched off. βœ… The flashlight will stop turning on when calling (as the system will not be able to determine the level of illumination). ⚠️ It is possible to increase battery consumption if you forget to manually reduce the brightness in the dark. ⚠️ Some apps (like Google Photos) may not process photos properly due to lack of lighting data. To get everything back, use the command: adb shell settings put system screen_brightness_mode 1
❓ Why After Updating MIUI The flashlight is turning on again?
Update MIUI Some system settings are reset to default values.This is because: Xiaomi overwrites the file settings.global.xml, where the parameter is stored auto_flashlight_during_call. New firmware versions can change the logic of the function (for example, in the MIUI 14 Solution: After each update, check the settings and if necessary, turn off the flashlight again. If this happens often, fix the setting using Magisk (Settings Database Editor module).
❓ Does this method work for POCO F4 GT or black shark?
On devices. POCO Black Shark and the logic of the flashlight may differ due to custom firmware: POCO F4 GT: Use Method 2 (MIUI Hidden Settings or Method 3 (ADB). There is no option in the standard settings. Black Shark 5: The flashlight function is disabled by default when calling. If it is activated, check the settings in Shark Space. On Black Shark, resetting the phone application settings (Settings) can also help. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Phone. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Drop it).