How to remove flash when incoming call on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all working methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its owners often face an unexpected problem: a bright flash is triggered with every incoming call or notification. This feature, designed to alert in noisy conditions, can be annoying at night or in dark rooms. Unfortunately, in standard MIUI settings, the option to turn off the flash is not always obvious — its location depends on the firmware version and regional features.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to turn off flash when calling Redmi Note 9 (including Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), and explain why the feature can spontaneously turn on after updates, learn how to act through system settings, engineering menus, and even third-party apps — if standard methods don’t work.

Why does the flash work when you call and notify?

Flash Notifications has been added to MIUI for users with hearing impairments or in situations where the sound signal cannot be heard (for example, in a noisy room). On the Redmi Note 9, it is activated by default in some regional firmware, especially if the smartphone is purchased in:

• 🌍 India – here feature is enabled to meet local accessibility standards;
• 🇪🇺 Europe – in firmware with support EEA (European Economic Area);
• 🌐 Global versions with MIUI 12 and later – as part of the unified settings.

In addition, a flash can spontaneously turn on after MIUI updates if Xiaomi adds new alert features. For example, in MIUI versions 13-14, the default reset algorithm sometimes returns settings to factory settings, including the flash.

It is important to understand that on the Redmi Note 9, two different modules are responsible for the flash:

1. Hardware flash camera – a physical LED next to the main module;
2. Screen flash – flashing of the display (occurs less often, but can also be annoying).

Method 1: Disconnect via notification settings (MIUI 12–14)

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall algorithm is the same:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
3. Select Notification Flash (or Light Effects in some versions).
4. Turn off the slider next to the Flash option when calling.

If Flash Notifications is not in the main menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flash notifications

Is the notification settings open?|Is there a "Notification flash" item"?|Slider shifted to "Off" position"?|Reboot your smartphone after the changes?-->

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Redmi Note 9 (especially Indian) may call the option Flash on Call or LED Indicator. If you don't find it, move on to the next one.

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

If standard settings don’t work, you can turn off the flash via the Engineering Mode, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (or alternative code ##4636## → Hardware Testing → LED).
2. In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → LED.
3. Find Flashlight or Torch LED and turn it off for Incoming Call mode.
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Changes to the engineering menu may result in network resets or unstable camera performance. If you have problems after manipulation, reset through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root rights)

If previous methods didn’t work, you could use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool to debug Android devices, which doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on your smartphone Debugging over USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB
3. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0
5. Reboot your smartphone.

To return the flash back, use the command:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

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If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers from the official website or through the Mi PC Suite.

Method 4: Third-party applications for flash control

If system methods did not help, you can use third-party utilities.The best options for the Redmi Note 9:

How to set up Flash Alerts 2:

1. Install the app and give you access to notifications.
2. In the main menu, select Flash on Call → Disabled.
3. Turn off the Use Camera Flash option in additional settings.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, LED Blinker may conflict with system services MIUI, If the alerts are late after installation, delete the program.

Through settings MIUI|Engineering menu|ADB-team|Third-party annexes|I couldn't turn it off.-->

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If all previous methods fail, you have to reset to factory settings, which is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to remove all user settings, including the forced flash.

How to perform the reset:

1. Create a backup of data through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose Reset all settings (does not delete files) or Delete all data (complete reset).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The flash when calling will be disabled by default (if the firmware is not Indian);
• 📱 When you first start, skip setting up Special Opportunities;
• 🔧 Check for updates MIUI — Sometimes the reset returns the old firmware version.

💡

Resetting is the only way to return the “clean” state of the system if the flash is enabled at the firmware level (e.g., in regional versions for India).

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after the shutdown, the flash may reappear, and we'll look at the reasons and ways to fix them:

If the problem persists, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — In Settings → Some bugs only get fixed after the update;
• 🔧 Firmware region - Indian versions (IN) More often include flash by default;
• 🛠️ Root rights – if you have them, try disabling the flash using Titanium Backup or Xposed Framework.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions