How to turn off the flashlight when calling Xiaomi: all the ways (including hidden)

The flashlight that automatically turns on when you call Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is a useful feature for some users, but not everyone likes it. Especially annoying when the smartphone starts shining in your pocket, wasting battery power or just distracting at the wrong time. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI 12-14, this option is hidden deep in the settings or not at all in the menu - but it can still be deactivated.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods, including standard settings, hidden developer settings, and even system file editing (for advanced users). All methods are tested on current models: Xiaomi 13/14 Series, Redmi Note 12/13 Pro, POCO F5/X5 and others. If you’re tired of the phone turning into a pocket flashlight every time you call, read on.

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

The automatic flashlight on incoming calls is part of Xiaomi’s Flash notifications chip, originally designed for hearing-impaired users to visually signal important events, but over time, the feature has become activated by default on many devices, even if no one has set it up.

How it works technically:

• 📱 The light sensor detects that the phone is in a dark place (such as a pocket or bag).
• 🔔 When a call is made or SMS The system checks the settings of Flash notifications.
• ⚡ If the option is enabled, an LED flash (or screen lighting on models without a physical flashlight) is activated).
• 🔋 The flashlight works in pulsed mode, consuming up to 10-15% of the charge per hour of continuous operation (test data on the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+).

Interestingly, on some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the feature can even work during the day if the light sensor is blocked or contaminated, which is one of the reasons why users want to turn it off.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (MIUI 12–14)

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the option is hidden in the menu of special features.

1. Open Settings → Special Features (or “Additional Features” on some firmware).
2. Scroll down and find Flash notifications.
3. Turn off the slider next to Calls (and Messages if necessary).
4. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

Important! On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), this item may be called Light Notifications or Visual Alerts. If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Find the section "Special features" | Make sure the option is called "Flash at notifications" | Turn off the slider for calls |Reboot the phone-->

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI for Russia (for example, on Redmi) 10A) This section may not be available. In this case, move to Method 2.

Method 2: Using Developer Mode (for hidden options)

If the standard method didn't work, try activating the hidden developer settings. It's safe and doesn't require root rights.

Steps:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (or Advanced Settings).
4. Scroll down and find Debugging over USB – turn it on (this is temporary).
5. Next, find the flash simulation item at notifications and turn it off.

If you don't have a point, try searching for "flash" or "flash" in your settings. On some firmware, the option may be called Notification light.

Method 3: Disconnect via the Security app (for MIUI China/EU)

On MIUI China or EU firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), flashlight control can be put into a separate Security app.

Instructions:

• 🔒 Open the Security app (shield icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to the Optimization section → Battery → Battery settings.
• 💡 Find the flashlight control or automatic lighting.
• ❌ Turn off the Calls and Notifications option.

If there is no partition, check the version of the Security app. Some builds of Xiaomi.eu require an update via Settings → About Phone → Software Update.

Method 4: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If previous methods have failed, the system remains disabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an official tool from Google that does not require root rights, but requires minimal command-line skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see Method 2).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and enter: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. Adb shell settings put global settings flash_notification_enabled 0
5. Reboot the phone.

To get it back, use the same command, but with 1 instead of 0.

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers.

2. switch the connection mode from "Charging" to "Transfer of files".

3. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 on POCO F5) after updating the system of settings ADB They're going to reset.

Method 5: Edit system files (root only)

It's an extreme method if nothing works. It requires root rights and a backup! Wrong actions can lead to a phone blink.

Instructions for experienced users:

• 📁 Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root support.
• 🔍 Cross the path: /system/csc/others.xml or /system/csc/feature.xml
• 📝 Find a string with FlashNotification and replace it with false.
• 🔄 Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r)--r--).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

If you don’t have a file, try the /system/vendor/overlay path and look for.apk files associated with notifications.

💡

Editing system files is the most reliable way, but also the most dangerous. Use only if you are confident in your actions and backup through TWRP.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after the light is turned off, the flashlight can continue to turn on, and here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔄 Resetting settings: After the update MIUI Some parameters are reset. Check the settings again.
• 📱 Third-party apps: Some programs (like Truecaller or WhatsApp) have their own flashlight notification settings. Go to the settings of these apps and turn off the option.
• 🔋 Energy saving: On Redmi with Ultra Battery Saver mode, the flashlight can be forced to turn on. → Battery.
• 🛠️ Firmware error: On some devices (e.g, POCO M4 Pro) the function is not working properly due to bugs. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Update of the PO.

If the problem remains, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!). To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions