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:
- π The official method through standard settings (works on the MIUI 14+)
- π οΈ Hidden options in MIUI Hidden Settings for Advanced Users
- π» ADB-commands to completely disable the function (even if it is not on the menu)
- βοΈ Alternative solutions if the flashlight is turned on due to third-party applications
- β 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!
Why the flashlight is turned on when calling β 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 βsmart add-onβ for users.
- The light sensor determines the level of light in the room.
- If the value is below 50 lux (approximately like at dusk), the system thinks you are in the dark.
- 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.
- π 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).
- π In a movie theater or dark room, a flashlight blinds everyone around you.
- π 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?
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:
- π΄ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This item may be called a flashlight when calling or Smart lighting.
- π΄ If you POCO With custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), this method wonβt work β use Method 3 (ADB).
- π΄ 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.
π‘
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 canβt 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:
- Download and install MIUI Hidden Settings.
- Open the application and provide access to Special features (needed to work with system settings).
- Go to the System β Flashlight section (or the Flashlight in the Russian version).
- 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 model | Support for MIUI Hidden Settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | β Yes. | It works on global and European firmware |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | β Yes. | The path of the POCO Launcher may be different |
| Mi 11/12/13 | β Yes. | The latest version of the application is required |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | β οΈ Partially. | It may not work on Chinese firmware. |
| Black Shark 4/5 | β No. | Use ADB or third-party launchers |
π‘
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:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- π USB-cable (preferably original)
- π± Included Debugging by USB smartphone
- π οΈ Utility. ADB Tools
Step-by-step:
- 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 0Reboot 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 1β οΈ 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:
- π 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.
- π Microsoft Launcher: In the launcher settings there is an option to Manage notifications, where you can turn off automatic actions.
- π± 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.
- 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).
β οΈ If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), it will cost you to replace it. 800-1500 β½ 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 rebooting | The com.android.phone system application overwrites the parameters | Use it. ADB rightly --user 0 magisk |
| The flashlight only comes on when incoming calls are made. | Conflict with Truecaller or other number detector | Turn off "Smart Functions" in the Determinator settings |
| No setup available in MIUI Hidden Settings | An outdated version of the application or firmware | Update MIUI Hidden Settings to the latest version |
| ADB-command is not applied | No access to settings global | Try the command with su (root required) |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Are there any energy-saving apps (such as Greenify or AccuBattery) that can block changes to settings.
- π Is the mode for children or guest mode activated - some settings are limited.
- π Is custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) used, where the logic of the flashlight may differ.