Blinking a flashlight when calling on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most controversial features of MIUI. For some users, it is a useful visual signal, especially in noisy places, for others – an annoying source of distraction that puts the battery down and attracts unnecessary attention. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not always provide an obvious way to disable this option through standard settings. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 12-14), the path to the solution may be different.
In this article, we will explore all possible methods, from official settings to hidden commands to editing system files, learn how to remove root-free flashing with ADB, and what to do if the option is not available in your menu, and discuss nuances for older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A2), where the logic of the function may differ.
Why does the flashlight flash when you ring and can it be turned off?
Flash Alerts has been added to MIUI as part of a notification system for users with hearing impairments or for situations where the phone is in silent mode. It is activated by default on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but does not always have an explicit switch in settings.
Technically, blinking is realized through the interaction of two components:
- 🔦 Hardware: LED flash camera, which is controlled by the power controller.
- 📱 Software: com.android.server.accessibility.FlashAlerts, built into Android.
On newer versions of MIUI (13-14), the option can be hidden in the special features menu, and on older versions (MIUI 10-12) it can be completely absent from the interface. In addition, some models (for example, the POCO F3 or Redmi K50) have additional settings for the camera that conflict with system parameters.
⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the logic of the function may be radically different. In this case, use methods for “clean” Android (section 5).
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings (the easiest)
If your smartphone is running MIUI 12 or later, try this method first. It requires no additional tools and takes less than a minute:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Special Opportunities section (on some models – Additional → Special Opportunities).
- Find Rumor or Visual Notifications (names may vary).
- Turn off the flash switch at notifications or flash flash flash.
On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 11T Pro), the option may be called Flash notifications and be in the Accessibility → Hearing submenus. If there is no option, move on to the next method.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Method 2: Use a hidden menu of engineering settings (##)
On Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm processors (most Redmi and POCO models), you can access hidden settings through an engineering menu, which works even on older versions of MIUI, but requires caution:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (this is the code for the Engineering Mode menu on Qualcomm chips).
- Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Flashlight.
- Find the Flash on Call option and set the Disable value.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
If the code doesn’t work, try alternative combinations:
- 📱 ##4636## (a common test menu for Android)
- 🔧 ##225## (calibration menu on some models)
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to network loss or overheating of the processor.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change hidden system settings, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI and does not require root rights.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
- 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- On your phone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0
- Reset the device.
To check the current state of the parameter, use the command:
adb shell settings get global flash_notification_enabledIf the result is 0, the function is disabled.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.server.accessibility.FlashAlerts
This will completely disable the notification service with the flash.-->
Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)
If none of the previous methods worked, and you have root rights, you can manually edit the system files that blink, which is suitable for advanced users and can lead to loss of warranty.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/cust/prop/local.prop or (for newer versions of MIUI): /vendor/build.prop
- Find a line. ro.miui.has_flashlight_notification=True and replace true with false.
- If there is no line, add it to the end of the file.
- Save the changes, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.
Alternative path (for some firmware):
/system/vendor/overlay/FlashNotificationOverlay.apkDeleting or renaming this file will also turn off blinking.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up the partition /system through TWRP.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing works)
If all of the above methods are powerless, consider these options:
| Method | Description | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 📱 Blocking applications | Utilities like Flash Alerts Off or NoFlash intercept signals to a flashlight. | They require constant work in the background, can conflict with MIUI. |
| 🔄 Resetting settings | Return the phone to factory settings (Settings menu → Reset). | All data is deleted and no guarantee of results. |
| 📦 Custom firmware | Install LineageOS or Pixel Experience without flashing. | It's hard for beginners, the risk of brick. |
| 🛠️ Physical shutdown | Disassembling the phone and disconnecting the flash contacts (extreme case). | Loss of warranty, risk of damage to the fee. |
For Xiaomi models on pure Android (such as Mi A3 or POCO X3 NFC with Android One firmware), the path to disabling is different:
- Go to Settings → System → Gestures → Notification flash.
- Turn off the camera or flashlight option.
💡
On Android One devices (like the Mi A2), the blinking function is controlled by standard Android settings, not MIUI. Use methods for "pure" Android.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful shutdown, the blinking may return, and consider typical scenarios and ways to correct them:
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Repeat steps from method 2 or 3. The manufacturer can reset user settings when updates are available.
- 📵 Blinking only works in silent mode: Check the settings of the sound profiles in Settings → Sound. → Modes. Maybe the function is tied to a specific profile.
- 🔋 Flashlight flashes when battery is low: This is a separate option in Settings → Battery → Low charge notifications. Turn it off.
- 📱 The lock screen flashes an indicator, not a flashlight: This is another function - the Pulse Notification LED. Shuts down in Settings. → Lock screen.
If the problem persists, check if one of the apps installed conflicts with the settings. For example, Truecaller or Google Phone may have their own settings for calling notifications.