Many Xiaomi smartphone users are faced with a situation where when turning on the screen or performing certain actions suddenly flashes, this feature, known as the “pocket flashlight”, was conceived by developers as a convenient tool for fast lighting of space. However, in practice, it is often activated by accident when the phone is in your pocket or bag, which leads to unnecessary battery consumption and overheating of the camera module.
On Xiaomi Redmi 9, which runs the MIUI shell, the process has its own features that are not always obvious at first glance. Android security and add-ons sometimes block standard shutdown attempts through the usual settings menu. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible causes of the flashlight and offer step-by-step solutions for each of them.
It is important to understand that flash can be activated not only because of the system function, but also because of the work of third-party applications or specific notification settings. Diagnosing the problem requires sequential elimination of each factor. We will consider both the standard MIUI shell tools and deeper customization methods that will help you completely get rid of intrusive light.
The Pocket Lantern function in MIUI
The main reason for activating the flash on the locked screen is the built-in Pocket Lantern function, implemented in the MIUI interface through a mechanism of double pressing the power switch or through prolonged holding of the volume button. The user can accidentally press a button in his pocket, thinking that he is blocking the screen, thereby triggering the light signal.
To find this setting, you need to go to Settings → Additional Features. This is where the switch that controls the flash sleeps. Some versions of the Redmi 9 firmware may have different paths: Settings → Lock screen. Carefully examine the available items, as the name may vary depending on the regional version of the software.
- 🔍 Find the item “Pocket flashlight” in the menu of additional functions.
- 🔍 Check which activation method is chosen: double power pressing or volume button retention.
- 🔍 Turn off the feature completely if you don’t need it in everyday use.
⚠️ Attention: After system update MIUI settings can reset to factory values. Be sure to check this item after each major firmware update so that the flashlight does not automatically turn on again.
If the standard path doesn't work, try searching by settings, type the word "flashlight" or "flashlight" into the search box, and the system will suggest you go to the right switch, which is especially true for users who don't want to wander around the menu for a long time.
Why does the function turn on itself?
Customization of gestures and control buttons
The second common reason is to adjust the screen-off gestures. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9, the default option is often activated with the "Double-press to turn off the screen." When you put the phone in your pocket, the fabric can press the power button, simulating a double-press, which the system perceives as a command to turn on the flashlight or turn off the flash screen.
To resolve this problem, go to Settings → Lock screen. Here you need to find the option associated with the mode in your pocket or double-press. Disabling this feature will make locking the screen less convenient (a button will be required), but guaranteed to remove random inclusions. It is also worth checking the settings in the section Additional Features → Gestures.
Sometimes the problem is sticking the power button itself, so if the mechanical button is damaged or contaminated, it can transmit false signals, in which case the software shutting down the function will not help completely, but will reduce the frequency of the activations.
Impact of Third-Party Apps and Permissions
And remember, not only do you have access to the flash hardware, but you also have access to the applications you installed. Third-party programs like flashlights from Play Market, scanning apps. QR-If the application has background access, it can activate the light when the notification arrives.
To check which apps have access to the camera and flash, go to Settings → Apps → App Management. Select a suspicious app and click on Permissions. If you see permission to use the camera or flashlight, try revoking it or uninstalling the app.
- 📱 Check out recently installed applications, especially memory cleanup utilities.
- 📱 Note the voice recorder apps that can use the flash as a recording indicator.
- 📱 Remove low-ranking programs that may contain malicious code.
Special attention should be paid to gesture control applications, some of which embed their own overlays on top of the lock screen, ignoring the system settings of MIUI, in which case only a complete uninstallation of the software helps.
Notifications and event indicator
Some versions of Android and MIUI shells have a light notification feature that can use a flash instead of an LED indicator (which is not available in Redmi 9).When an SMS or call arrives, the phone can flash briefly.
Go to Settings → Sound and Vibration or Settings → Notifications and Status Bar. Find Flash at Notifications or Flash Blinking. Disabling this setting will stop using the camera to signal events.
| Type of event | Where to turn off | Risk of false inclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming call | Call settings | Medium. |
| SMS message | Message settings | High-pitched |
| Alarm clock | Annex Clock | Low. |
| Notification of the annex | Notification settings | Medium. |
⚠️ Note: Some calling apps (like Truecaller or Google’s alternative “callers”) have their own flash settings that override the system.
Specific camera settings
Sometimes users confuse the lock flashlight with the flash function in the camera app. On Redmi 9, the Camera app can keep the flash state. If you close the camera with the flash on, the next time you start (or when the camera widget is activated on the lock screen), the light can light up.
Check the settings of the Camera app. Make sure the flash mode is set to Auto or Off, not On. It's also worth clearing the camera app cache through the application management menu to reset possible configuration errors.
☑️ Camera diagnostics
In addition, the lock screen may have active widgets associated with the camera. Short-term lighting can occur when you try to quickly start the camera from a locked screen (swipe or button). This is the usual behavior for autofocus in the dark, but it can be turned off in the lock screen settings, denying access to the camera without unlocking.
Hardware problems and resetting settings
If software methods fail, the problem may lie in the hardware or a deep system failure, whereby the power button plume contacts close or the board oxidizes after moisture hits can cause chaotic turn on of functions, in which cases the phone can behave unpredictably.
Try resetting to factory settings. Make sure to back up your data before doing so. Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings → Reset → Erase all data. This will delete all third-party apps and return the configuration to its original state, which often solves the problems with MIUI "glitch".
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Before resetting the settings, be sure to remove SIM-This will help eliminate their impact on the boot process and determine exactly whether the problem is a system problem.
Even if the flashlight continues to turn on spontaneously on the phone that is turned off or locked after a complete reset, there is a high probability of physical malfunction.
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If the reset to factory settings did not eliminate the problem, the reason lies in the hardware (button, plume, board), and repairs are required.