How to permanently turn off the flashlight when calling Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face an unexpected feature: when an incoming call or notification automatically turns on the flashlight. For some, this is convenient, but for most users, such a “backlight” seems useless, annoying and even draining the battery. Especially unpleasant when the smartphone is lying down on the table with a screen – bright light blinds the eyes, and in the dark can become a source of discomfort.

Complicating the problem is that standard MIUI settings don’t explicitly disable the flashlight when calling, and many users have been stuck with this bug for years or looking for manual solutions. In this article, we’ll look at all the working methods, from official settings to hidden features to third-party apps, and find out why the flashlight is even turned on and how it relates to Xiaomi’s branded shell.

If you've tried to disable the feature through Settings → Notifications, but it didn't work out, don't worry. We've tested each method on Redmi 9 with the latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and are ready to provide 100% of the operating instructions. And for those who are afraid to "break" the phone, we've added a block with warnings and security tips.

Why does the flashlight turn on when you call Redmi 9?

The feature, which automatically activates a flashlight when an incoming call or notification is sent, appeared in MIUI as part of the Notification Flash system, originally intended for users with hearing impairments – bright lights were supposed to signal a call or SMS. However, over time, the feature began to be activated by default on many Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 9, Redmi Note 8/9 and other models.

Here are the key reasons why a flashlight might work:

• 🔦 Activated "Notification Flash"** in special features settings. Often activated after update MIUI.
• 🔄 Conflict with third-party applications (such as messengers or launchers) that have flash management rights.

Interestingly, on some versions of MIUI, the flashlight is turned on only under certain conditions:

Before you turn off the function, check if it's behavior is related to one of these reasons, for example, if the flashlight only works at night, just calibrate the light sensor or close it with a curtain.

Method 1: Disconnection through “Special Opportunities” (official method)

The most reliable and recommended way for Xiaomi is to deactivate the feature in the feature menu, which works on all versions of MIUI from 11 to 14 and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Special Features (may be called Additional Features on some firmware).
3. Select Notification Flash (Notification Flash).
4. Turn off the sliders: 🔦 A flash on a bell 📩 Flash on notifications

Save the changes and restart the phone (optional but recommended).

If Flash Notifications is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI is hiding it, in which case try alternative methods from the following sections.

The item "Notification flash" found in the settings|The flashlight is off for calls.|The flashlight is off for notifications|Phone reloaded to apply changes-->

Method 2: Set up with Sounds and Vibrations (for MIUI 12 and later)

In newer versions of MIUI (starting with 12), flash control can be moved to the audio settings section, a technique that is particularly relevant for Redmi 9 with the updated software.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings. → Sounds and vibrations.
2. Scroll down to the Calls and Notifications block.
3. Click on Flash when calling (or Light Effects).
4. Turn off the slider or uncheck the Use Flash option.

💡

If the flashlight still works after turning off, try resetting the sound settings to factory: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the sound settings.

Method 3: Use a hidden menu of engineering settings (##)

For advanced users, there is a way to turn off the flashlight through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, a method that requires caution but gives access to hidden system settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (some firmware may run ##3646633##).
2. You will be taken to the MTK Engineer Mode (or Qualcomm Service Menu, depending on the processor).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Lights section.
4. Find the points: Flashlight Test (lightlight test) Notification Light (notification indicator)

Auto Flash on Call

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.Incorrect settings can lead to network loss, camera failures or overheating of the device.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a deep-tuning tool that requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to turn off the flashlight at the OS level.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Redmi 9

adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 0

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0

Reboot the phone.

These commands permanently turn off the flashlight when calling and notifying at the system level. To return the function, replace the 0 with 1 commands.

If ADB issues a device unauthorized error, check:

• 🔌 Connection to USB File Transfer (not “Charging” mode»).
• 🔑 A window appeared on the phone with a request for debugging permission - confirm it.
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from official website).

Method 5: Third-party applications for flashlight control

If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use specialized applications that allow you to flexibly adjust the behavior of the flashlight, including turning it off when you call.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Redmi 9:

How to use Flash Alerts 2:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant permissions to access notifications and the camera.
3. Go to the Call Flash section (Flash on a call).
4. Turn off the Enable Call Flash slider.
5. In the application settings, tick Start on Boot so that changes are saved after the reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Light Manager) may conflict with system services MIUI. If after installation there are lags or flashlight began to turn on more often, delete the program and use another method.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you've tried all the ways, but the flashlight on the Redmi 9 still turns on when you call, the problem could be deeper.

1. firmware failure or update conflict

• 🔄 Try resetting to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!): Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Erase all data.
• 📥 Fly the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

Hardware malfunction

• 💡 If the flashlight is turned on arbitrarily (even without calling), it may be the switch on button or the camera plume is damaged.
• 🔧 Check if there is moisture under the body (especially if the phone falls into the water).

3. Virus or malware

• 🛡️ Scan your phone with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
• 📱 Remove suspicious apps, especially those that have requested camera or notifications.

4. Features of custom firmware

• 🔧 If you have installed unofficial software (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), check the kernel settings or contact your firmware developer.
• 🔄 Get back to the stock. MIUI via Fastboot.

💡

If the flashlight is turned on only when calls from specific contacts, check their individual settings: open contact → Edit → Sound and vibration → turn off the Special Signal option (if any).

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi 9