Lighting when calling Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 5 ways to set up automatic turn on

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a popular budget smartphone with a MIUI shell, but even in the basic configuration it lacks one useful feature: automatically turn on the flashlight when incoming calls. If you often call in dark rooms or want the subscriber to immediately see your face during a video call, this instruction will help you set up auto-activation of the backlight.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the feature can be built into firmware, the Redmi 9C It has to be configured manually – through hidden settings, third-party applications or MIUI-We'll look at all the working methods, including those that don't require superuser rights. MIUI (See the compatibility table below).

Why doesn’t Redmi 9C have a flashlight feature built in?

Xiaomi deliberately restricts the functionality of budget models to encourage the purchase of more expensive devices.In the firmware Redmi 9C (codename angelica) is missing the option Flash on Call, which is, for example, in the POCO X3 or Mi 11.

  • πŸ“± Hardware limitations: weak MediaTek Helio processor G35 Not optimized for background tasks.
  • πŸ”‹ Savings: Automatic flashlights consume up to 5% of battery per hour in standby mode.
  • πŸ› οΈ Simplified firmware: in MIUI For budget models removed "unnecessary" features.

But you can get around that limitation in at least 5 ways, and then we'll go through each one with step-by-step screenshots and nuances.

πŸ“Š You often call in dark rooms?
Yeah, all the time.
Sometimes.
There's always light around.
Never.

Method 1: Through Hidden MIUI Settings (without root)

The safest method is to activate the hidden Flashlight on Call option via the engineering menu, running on MIUI 12-14 (newer versions may not).

  1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##
  2. Select Manual Test β†’ Flashlight Test from the menu that appears.
  3. Activate the Flash on Call switch (if not, see Method 2).
  4. Reboot the phone.

Important: After the MIUI update, the setting may reset. Check it every 2-3 months.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Battery charge > 30%

Disable VPN (can block the engineering menu)

Make a backup copy of your contacts-->

Method 2: Apps from Google Play (without root)

If there is no hidden option, use third-party utilities.The best options for Redmi 9C:

AnnexRatings.Needs root?Features
Flash On Call4.7 ⭐❌ No.Operates in the background, minimum battery consumption
Flash Alerts 24.5 ⭐❌ No.Supports tuning of color and frequency of blinking
Flash Notification4.3 β­βœ… Yes (for extended functions)May include flashlights for SMS and notifications

Instructions for Flash On Call:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Launch and grant permissions to Calls and Camera.
  3. Enable the Enable Flash on Call switch.
  4. Select Only Incoming Calls (Incoming Calls Only)

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Flash Alerts 2) may conflict with MIUI Optimizer. If the flashlight doesn't work, turn off battery optimization for the utility in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start.

Method 3: Through Automate (for advanced users)

If you like automation, use the Automate app (formerly LlamaLab Automate), which allows you to create a flashlight rule when calling without root.

Algorithm:

  1. Install Automate from Google Play.
  2. Create a new stream (New Flow).
  3. Add the phone call received block.
  4. Connect the Flashlight block and select Turn on.
  5. Add the Phone call ended block and connect Flashlight β†’ Turn off to it.

A critical caveat: MIUI 13+ Automate may require permission for Special Access (Settings β†’ Special app access β†’ Device admin apps).

How to export Automate stream for backup?
1. Open the created thread in Automate. 2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Export. 3. Select the.flo format and save the file to the cloud or memory card. 4. To import: Import β†’ select the.flo file.

Method 4: Through ADB-Teams (for experienced teams)

If you're willing to work with ADB, you can force the hidden function to activate, which works on MIUI 12-14, but requires a computer.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times click on version β†’ go back to Additional Settings β†’ For Developers).
  3. Get Redmi on board. 9C The command is: adb shell settings put global flash_on_call_enabled 1
  4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: After resetting settings or updating MIUI You'll have to do it again. There's also some firmware, MIUI EU) They can block this change.

πŸ’‘

Before working with ADB, check if the device is recognized by the adb device command. If not, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers from the official website.

Method 5: Firmware custom recovery (for enthusiasts)

If you’re ready for radical measures, installing TWRP and modified firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) will open up access to advanced flashlight settings.

  • πŸ”§ Requires bootloader unlock (bootloader unlock).
  • πŸ“‰ Cancels the guarantee.
  • ⚠️ The risk of β€œbricking” the phone in case of an error.

If you decide, follow the instructions with XDA Developers, but note: for Redmi 9C (angelica) stable builds TWRP is not enough.

πŸ’‘

Custom firmware provides maximum flexibility, but requires technical skills. For most users, there are enough methods 1-3.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after setting up, the flashlight may not turn on. Common causes and fixes:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The flashlight flashes, but does not burn constantly.Limitation of MIUI on long-term operation of backlightUse Flash On Call with Persistent Mode
The function works only when the screen is unlocked.Battery optimization blocks background processesTurn off optimization for the application in the settings
The flashlight is turned on with a delay (1-2 seconds)Loading the camera module takes timeInstall MIUI Optimizer and clear the camera cache

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”¦ Manual operation of the flashlight (in the notification panel).
  • πŸ“± Firmware version: on MIUI 15+ A different approach may be required.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Antivirus: Some (like Avast) block access to the camera.
Can I set up a flashlight for certain contacts only?
Yes, but not through the standard settings. Use the Tasker app (paid) or MacroDroid app (free). Create a rule: Condition: Incoming call from [contact]. Action: Turn on flashlight. Flash On Call doesn't have this feature.
The flashlight will turn on whenever you're notified.
Most applications (e.g. Flash Alerts 2) have separate settings for: πŸ“ž Calls. πŸ’¬ SMS πŸ”” Notifications from apps Disable unnecessary options in the Notification Settings section.
After the MIUI update, the flashlight stopped working.
Updates often reset hidden settings. Try: Repeat Method 1 (engineering menu). Reinstall the flashlight app. If you use Automate, check permissions in Settings β†’ Special Access. MIUI 15 may require a rollback to the previous firmware version.
Is there a risk of damaging your phone when using ADB or custom firmware?
When working with ADB The risk is minimal - teams only change settings without affecting system files: βœ… ADB: You can also use the adb shell settings put global. flash_on_call_enabled 0. ⚠️ TWRP/Custom: risk of "brique" ~5% If you have a setup error, always do a Nandroid backup.
How to turn off the flashlight when calling?
Depending on the method of setting: For the engineering menu: repeat the combination ##6484## And turn off Flash on Call. For applications, remove the utility or turn it off in the settings. ADB: Adb shell settings put global settings flash_on_call_enabled 0.