The flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is a useful feature that automatically activates when an incoming call or notification is sent, but for many users, it becomes an annoying factor: the LED fires at inappropriate moments, drains the battery or simply interferes with the battery. This is especially true for Redmi Note owners. 10/11/12, where the function is enabled by default and it is not always obvious how to deactivate it.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways to turn off a flashlight when you call, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings and third-party utilities. Youβll learn how to remove automatic lighting without losing functionality, and what to do if the option isnβt displayed on the menu. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware and are adapted to specific models of the Redmi Note series.
Why does the flashlight turn on when you call Xiaomi Redmi Note?
The automatic flashlight on incoming calls came to MIUI as part of a notification system that was originally designed for convenience: in a dark room or outdoors, an LED helps you quickly find your phone. However, over time, many users have complained about unpredictable triggers, as the flashlight lights up not only when you make calls, but also when you send a SMS, push notifications or even an alarm clock.
Reasons for activation of the flashlight:
- π± The default setting in the firmware MIUI (Especially on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 11 and later).
- π Update the system, after which the function is automatically enabled.
- π² Third-party apps (such as Truecaller or Google Phone) that override settings.
- π οΈ Developer mode or experimental functions MIUI, randomly activated.
Itβs important to understand that the path to shutdown may differ from Redmi Note model to model, for example, on Redmi Note 8, the option is hidden in the Settings β Screen menu, and on Note 12, in Additional Settings β Special Features. Next, weβll look at the universal and model-dependent ways.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in options of the system. However, there is a caveat: depending on the version of MIUI, the path to customization can change. Below is the algorithm for the latest firmware versions (relevant to MIUI 13/14).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
- Select Call Notifications (or Call Settings on some models).
- Find the flashlight option when you call (may be called Notifications Backlight or Light Indicator).
- Move the slider to the off position.
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- π Settings β Additional settings β Special facilities β Lantern.
- π Settings β Screen. β Notifications highlighting (for Redmi Note 9).
βοΈ Pre-switch check
Important! On some firmware, the option is hidden under Settings Call β Additional. If you don't find it, move on to the next way.
Method 2: Using the Developer Mode
If the standard settings didn't work, you can use the hidden developer settings, which works on all Redmi Note models, but requires activation of the mode.
Steps to shut down:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").
Settings
For developers
USB debugging
Light on notice
Call lighting
Turn off the slider and restart the phone.
On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Note 11, the option may be called Notify Light, and it must also be deactivated.
What to do if there is no developer mode?
Method 3: Disconnect via the "Phone" application
In some cases, the flashlight is not controlled by the system, but by the Google Phone app or the standard MIUI bell. To check this, follow the following steps:
For the standard MIUI call:
- Open the Phone app.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Call Settings. β Additionally.
- Find the flashlight option when you call and turn it off.
For Google Phone (if installed as a default call):
- Open the phone β Settings β General settings.
- Choose vibrations and sounds when calling.
- Turn off the light display or flashlight.
π‘
If you use a third-party call (like Truecaller), check its settings: often these apps override system settings and turn on the flashlight themselves.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, for example, MacroDroid allows you to create automatic rules to turn off the flashlight when you call.
Instructions:
- Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
- Create a new macro command: Trigger: Incoming Call. Action: Turn off the flashlight (or turn off the LED).
Save the rule and activate it.
Alternative annexes:
- π± Tasker β for advanced users (requires script customization).
- π± Flash Alerts 2 β allows you to flexibly configure notifications with a flashlight.
- π± Light Manager β manages LED indicators.
π‘
Third-party applications may require permission to access notifications and special features, and be careful when granting permissions to unfamiliar utilities!
Method 5: Resetting settings to factory
If none of these things work, the last thing you can do is reset your phone to factory settings, which will delete all user data, but it will return the system to its original state, where the flashlight is turned off by default when you call.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
Warning: Before reset, be sure to back up your data through Settings β Additional settings β Backup and Reset.
π‘
After reset, check if the flashlight function is back on. If so, update the firmware to the latest version via Settings β System Update.
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | Quick, no rights required. | Not always available. | MIUI 12β14, Redmi Note 10/11/12 |
| Developer mode | It works on all models. | Requires activation, risk of failure | Any version of MIUI |
| Call settings | Local solution | It does not help with system notifications | Google Phone, standard phone call |
| Third-party annexes | Flexible setup | Safety risk, battery consumption | Advanced users |
| Resetting settings | 100% | Deletion of all data | Extreme case |
Recommendation: Start with standard settings (Method 1), then try the Developer Mode (Method 2). If the problem remains, use third-party utilities or reset.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the flashlight, you often have typical problems, and here are the most common ones and the ways you can solve them:
- β The option is not on the menu: β οΈ Attention! On some firmware (e.g, MIUI Global for Europe) flashlight function is locked at the system level, in which case only software update or reset will help.
- β The flashlight is only turned on when SMS: Check the settings in Settings β Notifications β Messages. Turn off the light display option.
- β After updating MIUI function returned: This is standard system behavior. After the update, check the settings again or use MacroDroid to automatically disable.
- β The flashlight flashes but doesn't burn constantly: This is a sign of the LED notification indicator working. β Screen. β Illumination of notifications.
If you encounter another problem, check if your action conflicts with energy-saving mode or optimization apps (like Security or Battery Saver) that sometimes block changes to settings.