A flash of camera flash flashing when you make an incoming call on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone can be annoying, especially at night or in dark rooms. This feature, designed to capture the user’s attention, often works inappropriately: blinds the eyes, distracts others, or simply drains the battery. Unfortunately, in standard MIUI settings, the option to turn off the flash is not always available directly, and its location varies depending on the firmware version and device model.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways – from basic settings to hidden settings and commands through ADB. You will learn how to remove the flash on the Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X and other devices running MIUI 12, 13 or 14. And if the standard methods do not work, we will give instructions on manual editing system files (with risk warnings!).
Why does the flash flash flash when you call and can it be turned off?
Flash Alerts was originally designed for hearing-impaired users, which duplicates the audio signal with a visual signal using a camera LED. On Xiaomi, this option is activated by default on most models, but its behavior depends on:
- 📱 Smartphone models – flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3) often have a separate switch, and on budget (Redmi) 10A) he may not be.
- 🔄 Versions MIUI — into MIUI 14 The path to customization has changed compared to MIUI 12.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware – on Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience, the option may not be available or work differently.
- 🔋 Power saving mode – when Ultra mode is activated, the flash can be turned off automatically.
Important: on some devices (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the flash only works when the screen is locked. If the phone is unlocked, it does not flash — this is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI logic.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (the simplest)
On most Xiaomi devices, the option can be disabled through the special features menu. MIUI 12–14:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
- Go to the Hearing section (or Sound and Vibration on some models).
- Find Flash at notifications (could be called Light Alerts or Flash Alerts).
- Turn off the slider next to Calls or Incoming calls.
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- 🔍 Settings → Notifications and status bar → Additionally. → Notification indicator.
- 🔍 Settings → Screen. → Lighting effects (on some) POCO).
☑️ Check before switching off the flash
Attention, on devices with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Instead of flashing, you can use a screen blink (Screen Flash function) and it is described in the section on alternative alerts.
Method 2: Sound and Vibration Menu (for MIUI 14)
In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (starting with 14.0.3), the flash settings were moved to another section.
- Open the Settings. → Sounds and vibrations.
- Scroll down to the Additional block and select Flash at notifications.
- Turn off Incoming Calls (you can leave notifications for messages on if necessary).
| MIUI version | The path to setting up the flash | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | Settings → Special. capabilities → Hearing → Flash at notifications | In some models, the item is called Light Alerts. |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Sounds and vibration → Additional → Flash at notifications | In the submenu, you can set up calls and messages separately. |
| POCO Launcher | Settings → Notifications → Lighting effects | Only on devices with a proprietary shell POCO. |
| Custom firmware | No Settings or No Settings → System system → Additionally. | Xiaomi.EU may require ADB. |
On dual-camera devices (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the flash can only flash on the main camera, even if the settings are turned off. This is a MIUI bug that can be fixed by resetting the camera settings or updating the firmware.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)
If the menu does not have the option to turn off the flash, you can use ADB-This method works on all versions. MIUI, It requires connecting the phone to the computer.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to disable the flash: adb shell settings put system flash_notification_enabled 0
- Reboot the phone.
To return the flash back, use the same command by substituting 0 for 1.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention, misuse ADB Do not change other settings through settings put unless you are sure of their purpose. screen_off_timeout 0 Turn off the screen automatically, which will drain the battery in a few hours.
Method 4: Editing System Files (for experienced)
If none of the methods worked, you can manually edit the build.prop file or MIUI settings. This method requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader.
Instructions for devices with Magisk:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop and back up the file.
- Add a line to the end of the file: ro.miui.has_flashlight_notification=false
- Save the changes, set the 644 license and restart the phone.
Alternative option (without root, but with the risk of resetting):
- 📱 Use the app. MIUI Hidden Settings (available on Play Market).
- 🔧 Find the Notification Flash section and turn off the option.
⚠️ Attention! editing build.prop without backup can lead to bootloop (locked phone turn on).If the device doesn't boot after the changes, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot. On devices with Dynamic Partition (Xiaomi) 12/13 Recovery is more difficult – it may be necessary EDL-regime.
Method 5: Alternative methods (if nothing worked)
If the outbreak is still working, try workarounds:
- 📵 Turn off notifications for the Phone app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. Select Notifications and turn off Pop-up Notifications. Minus: With the flash, all call notifications will be turned off.
- 🔕 Use Do Not Disturb mode: Activate Do Not Disturb with Contact Only Permits. Flash will not trigger calls from unknown numbers.
- 🔄 Reset camera settings: Sometimes the flash failure is due to camera settings. reset them through Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📲 Blocking apps: Utilities like MacroDroid or Tasker can automatically turn off the flash when you call through scripts. MacroDroid macro example: Trigger: Incoming call Action: Follow the command (su) -c "echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/torch-light/brightness") Root is required!