How to turn off flash when calling on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12-14

Why does the flash flash flash when calling and can it be turned off?

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners are faced with unexpected behavior: when an incoming call or notification flashes the camera. This feature, called Flash Alerts, is originally designed for people with hearing impairments or in noisy conditions. However, for most users, it becomes an annoying factor — especially at night, when a bright flash can wake others.

Depending on the Xiaomi model (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or flagship Xiaomi 14) and firmware versions MIUI (12, 13 or 14) the ways to disable this feature vary, and the option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and in some cases it has to be deactivated through the use of the device. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard settings to technical solutions for advanced users.

It is important to understand that on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3) the flash alert option may not be on the menu at all – this is due to hardware limitations of budget devices, in which case only manual disconnection through the engineering menu or firmware will help.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in system options, which is suitable for most devices on MIUI 12/13/14, but the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Special Opportunities section (sometimes called Universal Access).
  3. Select Flash Alerts or Light Alerts.
  4. Turn off the slider next to the Flash when calling or Blinking with a flash.

If you don’t have this item on your menu, try an alternative route:

  • 🔍 Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Alerts on calls → Additional settings
  • 🔍 Settings → Screen. → Light effects → Outbreak.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure you have enough battery power (minimum 30%)

Close all background applications for stable menu operation

Take a screenshot of the current settings in case of resetting-->

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K50), the option can be hidden deeper:

Settings → System → Advanced settings → Special features → Notifications → Flash

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If the flash still flashes after turning off, restart the phone - sometimes changes are applied only after the reboot.

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If the standard settings didn’t work, you can try turning off the function through the engineering menu, which requires caution, as wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

Steps:

  1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (some models run ##4636##).
  2. In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → Lights.
  3. Find Flashlight or Torch and turn it off.
  4. Save the changes and restart the device.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F4), the engineering menu is blocked, in which case only unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware with advanced settings will help.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose.This can cause camera, sensors, or even complete loss of communication.

Method 3: Disconnection through ADB-Teams (for technical users)

If the previous methods didn't work, the ADB is the universal tool for managing Android devices via a computer.

  • 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
  • ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put system flash_notification_enabled 0
  4. Reset the device.

To check the current status of the option, use the command:

adb shell settings get system flash_notification_enabled

If the result is 0, the function is turned off, 1 is turned on.

I often use my phone through ADB.

I tried 1-2 times according to the instructions.

No, but I want to learn.

No, I don't plan on.-->

Method 4: Third-party applications for flash control

If you don’t want to dig into settings or use ADB, you can use Google Play’s specialty apps, which offer flexible alert management, including disabling flash.

Top.-3 tested applications:

AnnexFunctionsCompatibilityEvaluation
Flash Alerts 2Flash control, color and blinking frequency adjustmentMIUI 12-14, Android 10+4.5 ⭐
Light ManagerTurn off the flash, replace with an LEDAll Xiaomi models4.3 ⭐
Flash NotificationSeparate management for calls and notificationsRequires root rights4.7 ⭐

How to use:

  1. Install one of the applications (for example, Flash Alerts 2).
  2. Provide all necessary permissions (access to notifications, camera).
  3. In the application settings, look for the option Disable Flash on Calls or similar.
  4. Restart the phone to apply the changes.

⚠️ Warning: Flash control applications require access to Special Options and Notifications. Do not install programs from unknown developers, this may lead to data leakage.

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for experienced)

This method is only suitable for users with root rights or custom firmware (like LineageOS), and allows you to permanently remove the flash alert function at the system level.

Procedure:

  1. Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/cust/prop/local.prop or (for newer versions of MIUI): /vendor/build.prop
  3. Find a line: ro.miui.has_flashlight_notification=1 and replace 1 on 0.
  4. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
  5. Reboot the phone.

If there is no local.prop file, create it manually with the specified line.

💡

Editing system files without root rights or through unverified applications can lead to a device breeze, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the flash is turned off, users sometimes experience it accidentally switching on, so let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Flash only flashes when specific notifications are sent (such as from WhatsApp or Telegram).

  • 🔧 Check the notification settings of a specific application: Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Notifications → Additionally.
  • 🔧 Turn off the option Light effects or flash flash.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the flash turned on again.

  • 🔄 Reset the Special Opportunities settings: Settings → Special facilities → Resetting settings
  • 🔄 Repeat the shutdown through ADB (3-way).

Problem 3: There is no option to turn off the flash on POCO or Black Shark.

  • 📱 Install an alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where the function is managed as standard.
  • 📱 Use Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools for deep customization.
Can I turn off the flash just for calls but leave it for notifications?
Yes, most of the time. To do this, go to Settings → Special Features → Flash Alerts. Turn off only Flash when calling, leaving Flash on when notifying. If you don't have that option, use Flash Alerts 2, which allows you to set the rules separately for calls and messages.
Why does the flash sometimes flash after the shutdown?
This can happen for several reasons: 🔄 Cash Systems: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → All applications → Settings (⚙️) → Clear the cache. 🔄 Application Conflict: Some programs (such as Truecaller) have their own alert settings. 🔄 Mistake. MIUI: On some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 13.0.4) is a bug, so the solution is to upgrade the phone or roll back to a stable version.
Is there a difference between Redmi and POCO?
Yes, although both lines run on MIUI, there are nuances: Redmi: Usually all alert settings are in the standard Special Options menu. POCO: On devices with POCO Launcher, the path may be different. Try: Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Black Shark Lighting Effects: There is often no graphical interface to disable – just ADB or root.
Can I turn off the flash without accessing settings (for example, on my work phone)?
If you don't have administrator rights on your phone, try: Plug opaque tape on the flash (temporary solution). Use a camera-stub case. Install a notification-blocking app (like Notification History) to turn off alerts completely. For corporate devices with MDM (Mobile device management, these methods may not work – you need to contact the IT-department.
Does turning off the flash affect the camera?
No, flash alerts and flashlights are different functions: 📸 Quality of flash photo; 🔦 Lightlight operation; 🎥 The exception is if you manually edited system files (method 5) and accidentally touched other parameters.