The camera flash that triggers an incoming call on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is a useful feature for those who often miss a call in a noisy place. But for many users, it becomes a source of irritation: bright light interferes with the night, distracts others or simply drains the battery. Fortunately, you can turn off the flash when calling in a number of ways, either through standard MIUI settings or using hidden settings or third-party applications.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods for different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and models - from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 13.We will pay special attention to the nuances: why the setting can disappear after the update, how to be owners of devices without an update LED-And what to do if the flash continues to work despite all the manipulations. If you're looking for a way to get rid of the intrusive blinking once and for all, read on.
Why the flash works when calling Xiaomi
Flash Alerts has been added to MIUI as part of an alert system for users with hearing impairments or high noise, and is activated by default on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but works differently:
- π¦ Bright flash β the camera flashes with frequency ~1 Hz (once per second) when an incoming call or SMS.
- π± Screen flash β on some models (for example, POCO F4) Instead of a camera, the display flashes.
- π Increased battery consumption β frequent flash inclusions can eat up to 5-7% Charges per day with active calls.
On devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50) The function may work differently: instead of a physical flash, you use flashing backlights on the display. This is less noticeable, but it's still annoying at night. It's important to understand that turning off the flash doesn't affect the vibration or the sound of the call -- these settings are adjusted separately.
Technically, the function is handled by com.android.server.telecom, which interacts with the camera driver. In some firmware (such as MIUI Global), the option is hidden deep in the menu, and MIUI China may not have it at all, depending on Xiaomiβs regional policy.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in system options, and the instructions are suitable for most devices on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 Lite, etc.).
Steps:
- Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
- Go to the section Sound and vibration (on some models β Sound).
- Scroll down and find Flash when calling (or Flash Alerts in English firmware).
- Transfer the slider to the "Off" position.
If the flash option is not on the menu, try an alternative route:
- Go to Settings. β Special facilities.
- Choose Hearing (or Hearing).
- Find the Alert Flash option and turn it off.
βοΈ Checking the flash-off
On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro), the option may be called differently:
- π± Notification flash
- π¦ Call lighting
- π Visual alerts
π‘
If the flash still works after turning off, try clearing the cache of the Phone application (Settings β Apps β Phone β Storage β Clear the cache).
Method 2: Use the "Do Not Disturb" mode
If the standard method didn't work, you can go around the clock, through Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, which doesn't shut down the flash completely, but allows you to control it based on time or contacts.
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Sounds and vibrations β Do not disturb.
- Activate the mode by clicking on the slider.
- Select a Schedule and set a period when the flash should not work (e.g. 22:00 to 8:00).
- In the Exclusions section, add contacts for which the flash may trigger (e.g., Favorites or Family).
The downside of this method is that the flash will only be turned off at specified hours, but it is useful if you want to leave alerts during the day, but get rid of them at night. On devices with MIUI 14 in DND mode, you can also set exceptions for repeated calls (for example, if the same number calls twice within 3 minutes, the flash will work).
Method 3: Disconnect via hidden settings (code ##)
On some Xiaomi devices (especially older models or custom firmware), the flash control option is hidden in the engineering menu.
Enter the phone app** (as if you were dialing):
##36446337##This code opens the CIT (Customer Engineer Mode) menu where you can test hardware components, including the camera and flash.
Alternative codes (try alternately if the first one fails):
##4636####3644633##On the engineering menu:
- Go to Hardware Testing (or Hardware Testing).
- Select Camera β Flashlight.
- Find the Disable Flash on Call option and activate it.
What if the code doesn't work?
β οΈ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.Incorrect settings can lead to camera crashes or overheating of the device.
Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
If standard methods don't work and the engineering menu isn't available, you can turn off the flash via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you 100% results.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π οΈ Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the smartphone βDebugging by USBβ** (Settings β About Phone β MIUI version β press 7 times, then go back to Settings β Additional β For developers β Debugging by USB).
adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0This command turns off the flash for all notifications, including calls. If you want to return it, use:
adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1For Android 12+ devices, you may need an additional command:
adb shell settings put secure flash_notification_enabled 0π‘
ADB-Teams are working on all versions MIUI, This method does not require root rights, but it requires caution β do not do other things. ADB-Teams, if you donβt understand their purpose.
Method 5: Third-party applications for flash control
If you donβt want to dig into settings or connect your phone to your computer, you can use apps from Google Play that offer flexible flash management, including schedules, contact exclusions, and even color effects.
Top.-3 flash-off:
| Annex | Functions | Reference | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Alerts 2 | Disabling flash, adjusting color and frequency of blinking, schedule. | Download | The commercial is free. |
| Flash Notification | Support for LED and flash, background work, exceptions for applications. | Download | Requires permission to notify. |
| Light Flow | Full control over light alerts, including flash and screen. | Download | A complex interface for beginners. |
How to set up (for example, Flash Alerts 2):
- Install the application and open it.
- Go to Call Flash (or Flash on a Call).
- Turn off the Enable Flash on Call slider.
- In the application settings, forbid auto-start so that it does not hang in the background.
β οΈ Note: Some applications request permission to read notifications or special features. Do not provide them if you do not trust the developer - this may threaten data security.
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:
1.The flash works after the MIUI update
When updating the firmware, the settings may be reset.
- π Re-disable the flash through Settings β Sounds and vibrations.
- π± Check if new menu items have appeared (e.g. Additional Alerts).
2.There is no "Flash on Call" option on the device
This is typical of:
- π± Devices without a physical flash (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3 or POCO).
- π Firmware for the Chinese market (MIUI China).
- π οΈ Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
Solution: Use Method 4 (ADB) or Method 5 (Third Party Applications).
3.The flash flash flashes at notifications, but not at calls
In this case, the problem lies in the settings of a particular application (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram).
- π Open notification settings for the app and turn off Light Alerts.
- π΅ Use Do Not Disturb mode** to block notifications for a while.
4.The outbreak only works for certain contacts.
On some Xiaomi devices (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the flash can be linked to βImportant Contactsβ or groups in the address book.
- π₯ Open the contact for which the flash is triggered.
- π Find the item Notification Type or Special Notifications.
- β Turn off all special settings.