Why flashlights flash when calling and can it be fixed?
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face an unexpected feature: when an incoming call or notification starts flashing a flashlight (camera flash). For some users, this is a useful option - for example, in a noisy room or when the phone is lying down on the screen. But most of these "backlights" seem annoying, especially at night or in public places.
The reason for activating this feature lies in the settings of special features MIUI. By default, the system includes visual alerts for users with hearing impairments, but many do not even know about its existence. Fortunately, you can turn off the flashing flashlight in several ways, both through standard settings, and using hidden menus or third-party applications.
It’s important to understand that the algorithm for this feature depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the path to settings may differ from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 12.5. We will look at the universal methods that work on most of the brand’s devices.
Method 1: Disconnection through special features settings
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the feature in the feature menu, which is suitable for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 11 and later.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the Special Features section (some firmware may call Universal Access).
- Select the Word or Alert for the hearing impaired.
- Find the Camera Flash option (may be called Flashing Lantern or Visual Alerts).
- Move the slider to the off position. or uncheck the tick.
After these actions, the flashlight will stop flashing when calling and notifying.If the option is inactive or absent from the menu, try other ways from this article.
Is the MIUI version correctly selected in the settings | Are there system updates | Is the power saving mode activated | Are third-party launchers installed-->
Method 2: Use the Alerts and Status Line menu
On some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO X3 or Redmi 9), the flash setting is hidden in another section, which is relevant for MIUI 12-13 firmware.
How to find the parameter:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Alerts and status bar.
- 🔍 Scroll down to the Call Alert Block.
- 💡 Slip on Flash when calling or Light effects.
- ⚙️ Turn off the slider next to the camera flash sign.
If you don't have one on your menu, maybe the manufacturer has hidden it for a particular model, and then the third way is to help.
Until 2020|2020–2021|2022–2023|2026 or later-->
Method 3: Reset alert settings (if standard methods don't work)
Sometimes flash settings can freeze because of a system failure, in which case resetting alerts to factory alerts will help, a method that doesn't affect personal data, but will return all sounds and vibrations to default values.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
- In the window that appears, find the Alert and confirm the reset.
- Reboot your smartphone (Power → Reboot).
After the reboot, check if the flashlight flashes when the test call is made. If the problem persists, proceed to the next method.
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Before resetting your settings, take a screenshot of the current alert settings (volume, ringing) to quickly restore them later.
Method 4: Disconnect via the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)
If standard settings fail, you can use the Engineer Mode, a method that requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the system.
How to get into the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##3646633##.
- Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Ring Flash.
- Select Disable Flash on Call or similar.
- Save the changes and restart the device.
⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu contains critical system settings. Don't change other settings unless you're sure they're there (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) Access to this menu may be blocked.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications
If none of these methods worked, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, allowing you to flexibly configure alerts, including flash management.
Top.-3 flashing-light applications:
| Annex | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Notifications | Allows you to turn off the flash for calls, but leave it for SMS | Google Play |
| Light Manager | Advanced Light Alerts settings (requires root) | Google Play |
| MacroDroid | Creating macros to automatically disable the flash | Google Play |
Check reviews before installing – some apps may not support the latest versions of MIUI. Also remember that root-enabled programs may violate the warranty.
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Third-party applications are the last option if the system settings don't work. Always check the utilities' resolutions before installing.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the flash is turned off, some users are faced with the flashlight continuing to flash, so let's look at typical situations and how to solve them.
Problem 1: Settings are reset after the MIUI update.
⚠️ Note: After major system updates (e.g., with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) some parameters are returned to factory. Check the settings of special features after the update.
Problem 2: The flash only flashes for specific contacts.
- 📞 Open contact in the phone application.
- 🔧 Click Edit → Alerts.
- 💡 Make sure that no separate flash signal is set for this contact.
Problem 3: The flashlight flashes when notified, but not when calling.
In this case, check the settings separately for:
- 📞 Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Call alerts
- 📩 Settings → Alerts and status bar → Notification of applications