How to remove flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but its owners often face an unexpected feature: a bright flash is triggered with every incoming call or notification. For some, it is a useful option, especially in noisy places, but many are annoyed by the waste of battery power and a distracting light signal. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to turn off the flash when calling, including hidden MIUI settings, alternative solutions for custom firmware and nuances for different versions of software.

It’s important to understand that the manufacturer doesn’t always make this option into the basic settings. Depending on the version of MIUI (8, 9, 10, 12 and later), the path to disconnect may vary, and in some cases you will need to use an engineering menu or third-party applications. We tested all methods on real devices and collected only working instructions — without general phrases and outdated tips.

Why does the flash flash flash flash when calling and notifying?

The Flash Alerts feature is designed for users with hearing impairments or when the phone is in silent mode. On the Redmi Note 5, it is activated by default in some regional firmware.

• 📞 When calling (even if the phone is in vibration mode)
• 📩 When received SMS or notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
• ⚠️ When the alarm or timer is triggered
• 🔋 Low battery level (in some versions) MIUI)

The main problem is that the outbreak consumes up to 5-7% battery charge per day with active use, as LED-The diode consumes energy even when the signals are short-lived, and at night, bright light can interfere with sleep if the phone is lying next to the bed.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 5 firmware (especially Chinese ones), the light display option may be linked to system notifications, and disabling it through standard settings doesn’t always work – you’ll need to edit configuration files or use it to get the lights out. ADB.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in system options, which works on most versions of MIUI 9-12, but may not be available in custom firmware or old builds.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Sound and Vibration (or Sound and Vibration in MIUI 12+).
3. Scroll down and find the flash when calling (may be called Light Indication or Flash Alerts).
4. Move the slider to the off position.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Hearing (or Audio/Visual Tips).
3. Find the Notification Flash option and turn it off.

On some Redmi Note 5 firmware (e.g. MIUI 10 Global), the option is hidden deeper. If you don't find it in the sections listed, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard settings didn't work, you can try turning off the flash through the engineering menu, which is a method that requires caution, because wrong actions can disrupt the phone, and we recommend only for power users.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (code to access the engineering menu on Xiaomi).
2. From the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → Audio → Flashlight Test.
3. Find Flashlight Notification and set the Disable value.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Not all versions of the engineering menu support this setting. If nothing happens after you enter the code, your firmware is blocking access. ADB (3-way).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which does not require root rights, but you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the developer mode on the phone (go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (or Terminal on the PC) Mac/Linux) execute:

adb shell settings put system flash_notification_enabled 0

Once you've done the command, restart your phone. The flash should turn off. To get it back, use the same command, replacing 0 with 1.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or manually pointing the path to the drivers in Windows Device Manager.

Method 4: Third-party applications for flash control

If you don't want to mess around with the system settings, you can use third-party apps that allow you to flexibly configure the flash, including turning it off when you call.

• 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 – allows you to disable the flash for individual applications (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 📱 Light Manager – Extended Management LED-flash-and-start.
• 🛠️ MacroDroid – Creates automatic rules to turn off flash at specific times.

Example of settings in Flash Alerts 2:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give you access to notifications.
3. Go to Apps and turn off the Phone (calls) option.
4. Save the changes.

⚠️ Note: Some applications require permission to access notifications and special features. If the flash continues to work after installation, check the permission settings in Settings → Annexes → Special access.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected a comparative table of all methods with their pros and cons:

For most Redmi Note 5 users, standard settings or third-party applications are the best solution, with ADB for those who are not afraid of the command line, and the engineering menu for experienced users who are ready for experimentation.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the flash is turned off, it can still go off, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The flash turned on again after the update MIUI → Repeat the settings or use ADB parameterize.
• 📱 Option is not available in the settings → Check the firmware version. MIUI path may differ.
• 🔋 Flash flashes at low charge → This is a separate setting in Settings → Battery → Low charge notifications.
• 🛠️ Nothing helps. → Maybe the firmware has been modified. Try resetting to factory settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path to flash settings can be drastically different, and in such cases, we recommend looking for instructions for a specific firmware on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

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On the Chinese versions of Redmi Note 5 (with firmware for the Chinese market), the light display option is often hidden in the Security → Permission → Privacy menu. If you don't find it in the standard sections, check this path.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions