How to remove flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: all working methods

The flash of the camera flashing when you make an incoming call or notification is one of the most annoying features on Xiaomi smartphones, especially the Redmi Note 4, where a bright light can interfere at night, distract in public places or simply drain the battery. Despite the fact that the feature was originally intended as an additional alert for users with hearing impairments, most owners prefer to turn it off.

The problem is that in standard MIUI settings, the option to turn off the flash when calling is often hidden or absent – it all depends on the firmware version. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods, including hidden menus, editing system files (for advanced users), and using third-party utilities, and you will learn why the flash can spontaneously turn on even after turning off and how to fix it.

Why does Redmi Note 4 flash when you call?

Light-alerting function (LED-indicator + flash is activated by default on all Xiaomi smartphones with a flash camera. On Redmi Note 4, it works in two scenarios:

  • πŸ”¦ Incoming call – flash flashes in sync with the melody until you answer or reset the challenge.
  • πŸ“³ Notifications - short-term flashing in case of SMS, messages in messengers (if included in the application settings).

Reasons why users want to disable this feature:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption – frequent flash switches reduce battery life by 5–10%.
  • 😴 Night bells – bright light wakes up households or blinds in a dark room.
  • πŸ“± Module wear – constant inclusions reduce the LED life (although in practice it is unlikely).
  • 🚫 Unnecessary feature – many just don’t see the point in it, especially if the phone is always on the screen up.

It is important to understand that on Redmi Note 4 flash when calling can work even if the settings are turned off. LED-Notification indicator. This is because the function is implemented at the firmware level. MIUI and is controlled by a separate module.

πŸ“Š You are using light alerts on your smartphone?
Yeah, it's convenient.
No, I turned it off.
Only for important notifications
I don't know how it works.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in options. However, on Redmi Note 4, the path to flash settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, custom).

For MIUI 8-10 (Global/Stable Version):

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Sounds and vibrations.
  2. Scroll down to the Flash Block on Call (or Light Effects).
  3. Move the slider to the off position.

For MIUI 11 and newer:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Notifications and Status bar.
  2. Select Light Effects (or Notification Indicator).
  3. Turn off the Flash on Call and Flash on Notifications option.

If your menu does not have a β€œCall Flash” option, the function is controlled through hidden settings or requires a shutdown at the firmware level (see Method 3).

β˜‘οΈ Check before switching off the flash

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Use of the "Do Not Disturb" mode

If the flash interferes at night or at certain hours, you can use the Do Not Disturb (DND) function, which does not turn off light alerts completely, but allows you to limit their operation on a schedule or for specific contacts.

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations β†’ Do not disturb.
  2. Activate the mode and select the Schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
  3. In the Exclusions section, add contacts for which calls will be made without restrictions.
  4. Turn on the option to turn off light effects (if available).

Limitations of the method:

  • ⏰ It only works at specified hours.
  • πŸ“΅ Does not turn off the flash for alarms and system notifications.
  • πŸ”„ Requires manual control (you must not forget to turn on / off the mode).

πŸ’‘

If Do Not Disturb mode doesn’t have the option to turn off light effects, try installing a third-party app like Google Play’s Do Not Disturb Scheduler, which allows you to flexibly configure notifications, including flash.

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can turn off the flash when you call by editing the system file build.prop. This method requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users. Wrong actions can lead to a system failure!

Step-by-step:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/build.prop.
  3. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-map).
  4. Open the file in the text editor and add a line to the end: ro.miui.has_led_notification=false
  5. Save the changes, restart the phone.

If the flash continues to work after the reboot, try adding another line:

persist.sys.camera.flash=0

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Editing build.prop without a backup can make the phone inoperable.If the smartphone doesn't turn on after the changes, restore the original file through TWRP or re-flash the device.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the system update, the changes to build.prop are reset.

What if the phone is not turned on after building.prop editing?
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo or not responding, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up). 2. Select Mount β†’ System and replace the modified build.prop with a backup. 3. If Recovery is not available, swipe your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Third-party applications for flash control

If you don't want to dig into system files, you can use apps from Google Play that block access to the flash while calling.The best options for Redmi Note 4 are:

AnnexFunctionsNeed a Root?Reference
Flash Alerts 2Flexible flash setting for calls and notifications, work timerNo.Google Play
NoLEDDisabling light alerts, replacing screen notificationsNo.Google Play
Flash NotificationManaging flash brightness and frequencyNo.Google Play
TaskerCreate automatic rules to disable the flash (requires settings)No.Google Play

How to set up Flash Alerts 2:

  1. Install the app and grant permissions to access notifications.
  2. In the main menu, select Calls β†’ Flash.
  3. Turn off the slider Enable the flash when calling.
  4. For reliability, also disable the Notification option in the same menu.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Doesn't require root rights.
  • βœ… Allows flexibly configured flash operation (e.g., only for certain contacts).
  • βœ… Easy to roll back changes (just remove the application).

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory

If all previous methods failed and the flash on the call is still active, the cause may be a failure in the system settings.Remember that this will erase all data on the device, so back up important files first.

How to perform the reset:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Recovery and Reset.
  2. Select Settings Reset.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

What to do after the discharge:

  • πŸ”„ Do not restore settings from backup – this can return the problem.
  • πŸ“± Set your phone as new and immediately disable the flash through Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations.
  • πŸ”§ Install only the necessary applications, avoiding utilities to "optimize" the system (they may conflict with the system). MIUI).

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 4 may lose access to certain features (such as a fingerprint) before the procedure, check if important data is stored (photos, contacts, SMS) cloud-based.

πŸ’‘

Factory reset is a last resort, and only use it if other methods fail, as it will delete all user data and applications.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after turning off the flash when calling Redmi Note 4, users face unexpected difficulties.

1.The flash flash flashes at notifications but not at calls (or vice versa)

This is because MIUI uses different modules to control the light alerts for calls and notifications.

  • πŸ” Check the settings of each messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) – there may be a separate option Flash at notifications.
  • πŸ“± Install the NoLED app and manually turn off light effects for all types of alerts.

2.After the MIUI update, the flash turned on again

Firmware updates often reset user settings to avoid this problem:

  • πŸ”„ Before updating, take screenshots of the current flash settings.
  • πŸ“¦ Use Titanium Backup (requires root) to save system application settings.
  • πŸ”§ After the update, check the settings immediately. β†’ Sound and vibration and, if necessary, turn off the flash again.

3.The flash only works in some applications

Some programs (like Viber or Facebook Messenger) have their own notification settings that override the system settings to turn off the flash for them:

  1. Open the settings of a particular application.
  2. Go to the Notifications section.
  3. Find the Light Signal or Flash option and turn it off.
Can I turn off the flash when calling without root rights?
Yes, in most cases, standard MIUI settings or third-party applications like Flash Alerts 2 are enough. Root is only required for editing system files (Method 3).
Why does the flash sometimes flash after the shutdown?
This can occur due to: firmware updates (resets settings), conflict with third-party applications (for example, "battery savings"), errors in the camera module (reboot or reset settings will help).
Is the frequent operation of the flash bad for the phone?
No, modern LEDs are designed to run on/off millions of cycles, but a flash can: Reduce battery life by 5 to 15 percent; overheat the camera module over long periods (e.g., when the phone is under the sun); but overall, the risk of failure is minimal.
How do I get my flash back when I call if I change my mind?
Just repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 4 by turning the option back on. If you edited build.prop, delete the added lines or replace the file with the original one.
Is there a difference between the Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X?
No, both devices share the same platform and MIUI versions, and all of the methods described are suitable for both models, except for custom firmware, where the options may differ.