How to remove the automatic flashlight when calling on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face an unexpected feature: when an incoming call or notification automatically lights up a flashlight. For some users, this is convenient - for example, in the dark it is easy to find a phone. But most find this "backlighting" annoying, especially if the smartphone is lying down or in your pocket. Unfortunately, in standard MIUI settings, the option to turn off this feature is not obvious, and in some firmware it is not even on the menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to turn off the flashlight when you call Redmi Note 7, including hidden settings, editing system files (for advanced users), and alternative solutions. Also explain why this feature even appeared in Xiaomi smartphones, and what risks can arise when it is deactivated. If you are tired of the fact that the phone turns into a beacon every time you call, read on.

Why the flashlight turns on when you call: the logic of the function

The automatic flashlight on incoming calls is a MIUI feature that was introduced in early firmware, originally intended as an additional notification to users, especially in noisy places or at night.

• 🔦 Visual Signal: Even if the ringtone is quiet or the phone is silent, the flashing flashlight catches your attention.
• 🌙 Convenience in the dark: if the smartphone is lying on the table, it is easier to find it around the world, not including the screen.
• 📱 Marketing ploy: Xiaomi often adds “chips” that make their phones stand out from the competition (like Always-on Display or Dual Apps).

But in practice, this function is more annoying than it helps, especially if:

• 🔋 The flashlight quickly lands the battery (even a short-term switch on). LED-diode consumes energy).
• 😴 It shines in the eyes at night if the phone is next to the bed.
• 📦 It is included in a pocket or bag, wasting charge uselessly.

Unfortunately, the Redmi Note 7 (as with other MIUI 10-12 models) doesn’t have a direct “Disable Light When Calling” checkmark on the settings menu, but there are a number of ways to get around this limitation, from simple to technically challenging.

Method 1: Disconnect via notification settings (official method)

In some versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 7, the option to turn off the flashlight is hidden in the notification settings. The problem is that its location depends on the firmware version and regional build. Try the following algorithm:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
3. Select Call Notifications (or Incoming Calls, depending on the translation).
4. Scroll down and find the flashlight item when the call is in (may be called the camera backlight or LED-notice).
5. Move the slider to the off position.

If you don't have one, don't despair. In Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 11 and older, this option is often not on the menu, so move on to the next one.

Important: On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU or custom builds), the path to settings may be different. If you use informal firmware, try looking for the option under Additional Settings → Special Features → Notifications.

Method 2: Use of Do Not Disturb (Backway)

If the settings don't have a direct option to turn off the flashlight, you can go a detour, set up the Do Not Disturb mode so that it blocks all visual notifications, including backlighting. This method is not perfect (it will turn off other signals), but it works at 100%:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Activate the mode by selecting Schedule or Manual.
3. Click Rule Settings and select Calls.
4. Enable the option to Suppress Visual Effects (or Turn off Backlighting).
5. Save the changes.

The downside of this is that other visual notifications (like flashing a screen or indicator) will also be turned off along with the flashlight. If you need to leave the rest of the signals, move on to the next method.

💡

If Do Not Disturb mode disables too many features, try adding exceptions for important contacts. To do this, select Exceptions in the mode settings and specify the numbers for which notifications will work as usual.

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced users)

If the first two fail, the most radical (and risky) method is system file editing, which requires root rights and knowledge of the Android file system. On the Redmi Note 7 with the bootloader unlocked, this works 90% of the time, but can cause failures if you do something wrong.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader on your Redmi Note 7 (instructions are available on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Install Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
4. Go to /system/csc/others.xml or (in some firmware) /system/csc/feature.xml
5. Find the FlashLightNotification string and change it from true to false.
6. Save the file, reboot the phone.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Without root rights, this method will not work.
• ⚠️ Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot).
• ⚠️ After updating the firmware, the changes may reset.

Method 4: Third-party applications for flashlight control

If you don't want to dig through system files, you can use third-party apps that block the flashlight from turning on automatically.

Flash Alerts 2 is a good example of this:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Go to the Call Alerts section.
3. Turn off the Flash on Call option.
4. Save the settings.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require root rights and is reversible (you can return everything back in one click), however, some applications may conflict with MIUI, so check the stability of the phone after installation.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of the above methods worked, there are still a few options:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI 13+ Option to turn off flashlight may appear in settings. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Resetting: Sometimes it helps to reset to factory settings (but don’t forget to back up!). → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: Install an alternative firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where this feature is not by default.
• 📞 Contact us for support: Write to the official chat Xiaomi (via Settings) → Withdrawal) asking to add a disabling option in the next update.

If you decide to flash it, note that this will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and require unlocking the bootloader. For the Redmi Note 7, you can find the right firmware on the 4PDA or XDA forums.

💡

Before resetting or flashing, be sure to save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to your computer or the cloud. In Redmi Note 7, you can use the built-in backup function in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to turn off a flashlight, you often encounter common problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

• ❌ The Wrong Way in Settings: Many are looking for an option in Settings → Screen or Battery, but it's not there. Always start with the Notifications section.
• ❌ Ignoring updates: In older versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 9) the option to disconnect may not be available. Update the firmware.
• ❌ Use of unreliable apps: Some Google Play programs promise to turn off the flashlight, but actually show ads or collect data.
• ❌ Editing System Files Without Backup: Before Modification others.xml or feature.xml Make sure to back up the file.

Another common problem is that the flashlight keeps turning on even after the settings are turned off, and this can be due to:

• 🔄 Conflict with other apps (e.g. Truecaller or WhatsApp may have their own notification settings).
• 📱 Firmware errors (helps reset settings or flashing).
• 🔋 Hardware failure (if the flashlight turns on on itself without calls, the proximity sensor or power button may be faulty).

💡

If the flashlight is switched on randomly (without calling), check the proximity sensor. To do this, dial the code ##6484## in the phone dialer and pass the sensor test.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions