Why the flashlight turns on when calling Xiaomi and how to fix it
Have you ever been in the awkward situation of a flashlight on Xiaomi during an important call? This feature, designed to be convenient in dark rooms, is often a source of irritation. Especially if you are in a meeting, in a theater or just don't want to attract attention. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to turn off the automatic flashlight on incoming calls, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings.
The problem is relevant for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running MIUI 12-14 firmware. In some cases, not only system settings but also installed applications (like Google Phone or third-party calls) are to blame. We analyzed all scenarios and collected working solutions, from the simplest to the most technically complex. If you are ready to get rid of intrusive light once and for all, read on.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The most obvious method is to look for the option in the settings menu, and unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI, the manufacturer removed the direct ability to turn off the flashlight when calling, but on some models it still remains.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the section All settings → Applications → Calls.
- Scroll down and find the flash item when calling or the flashlight when incoming.
- Move the slider to the off position.
If you don't have one, don't despair. On Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and new POCOs, this option is often hidden.
Method 2: Use of the "Do Not Disturb" mode
A non-standard but working workaround is activating the Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions for calls. This will not turn off the flashlight completely, but will prevent it from working in most cases:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb.
- 🔔 Turn on the mode and set exceptions: Allow Calls, but turn off Notifications and Signals.
- 💡 Some firmware has a separate item Visual signals - turn it off.
The downside is that the flashlight can still work when you call from unknown numbers, but it's a temporary solution until you find a more reliable way.
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If the flashlight only turns on when calling via WhatsApp or Telegram, check the notification settings in these apps - sometimes there's a separate option for light signals.
Method 3: Disconnection through Developer Parameters
For advanced users, there's a hidden option in the developer menu. Attention: Incorrect changes here can disrupt the system.
Turn on the phone in the settings|7 times press the version MIUI|Return to the main settings menu|Find a new section for developers-->
Next:
- Open the Settings. → For developers.
- Find the Debugging → Lantern at notifications (the name may differ).
- Turn it off and restart the phone.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T), this option is called Camera LED flash notification – it also needs to be deactivated.
What to do if there is no flashlight?
Method 4: ADB-commands to shut down
If system methods don't work, the radical way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but is guaranteed to turn off the flashlight at the system level.
Instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
- Connect your phone to your computer and execute the command: adb shell settings put global. flash_notification_enabled 0
| Team team. | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell settings get global flash_notification_enabled | Checking the current status | Returns 1 (on) or 0 (off) |
| adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0 | Turning off the flashlight | Requires a reboot. |
| adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1 | Lighting up the flashlight | If you want to return |
Once you've completed the command, the flashlight will stop working on any notifications, including calls. To return everything back, use the same command with parameter 1.
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ADB-Teams work on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version MIUI, But they need to unlock the debugging. USB.
Method 5: Third-party applications for flashlight control
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use specialized utilities.
- 📱 Flash Alerts 2 – allows you to flexibly configure flashlight operation for different applications.
- 🔦 LED Blinker Notifications – Blocks light notifications, including flashlights.
- 🛠️ MacroDroid – Creates automatic rules to turn off the flashlight when calling.
Example of settings in MacroDroid:
- Create a new macro with an Inbound Call trigger.
- Add the action Control of the flashlight → Turn off.
- Save and activate the macro.
⚠️ Note: Some applications require permission to access notifications and special features, without which they will not be able to block system functions.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the light is turned off, the flashlight can still go off, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The flashlight only turns on when calling via WhatsApp | Notification settings in the messenger | Open WhatsApp Settings → Notifications → Light signal and turn off |
| After the MIUI update, the flashlight is turned on again. | Resetting default settings | Repeat the shutdown via ADB or developer settings |
| The flashlight flashes, but does not burn constantly. | Activated flash mode at notifications | Check settings in Special Opportunities → Hearing → Notification flash |
If none of these things worked, it might be a hardware failure, and in rare cases, it's not the software that's responsible for turning on the flashlight, but the physical malfunction of the proximity sensor or LED, and then you'll only need to go to the service center.