Many Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone users experience a cliché that can flash, fade, or light up randomly during a conversation, which is not only annoying but also interfering with normal communication, often due to incorrect proximity sensors or activated visual notification settings.
In this article, we will discuss the main reasons why the screen blinks, and provide step-by-step instructions to fix this problem, you will learn to adjust system settings and disable unnecessary functions that are not needed in everyday use.
Why the screen flashes while talking to Xiaomi
The main reason for sudden quenching or switching on of the display is the proximity sensor, which is located at the top of the case and reacts to the phone being brought to the ear. If the sensor gets dirt, the protective glass is defective or the wrong film is installed, the system may mistakenly think that the phone is already in the ear, and turn off the screen.
Another common reason is the feature "Flash at notifications" or "Screen blinking" on the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, these settings can work incorrectly, causing a strobe effect, and it is also worth checking for system errors, since firmware glitches sometimes lead to chaotic backlighting behavior.
⚠️ Note: If the screen flashes not only during the call, but also on the menu, this may indicate damage to the display plume or moisture.
Turning off the flash indicator in the settings
The first thing you need to do is check the standard availability settings. Xiaomi smartphones have a feature designed for hearing-impaired or visually impaired users that makes the screen blink when an incoming call comes in. To turn this off, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special Features.
In the list that opens, look for the "Hearing" or "Vision" tab, and you can have a "Screen Blink" or "Notification Flash" switch, make sure that this option is off, and check the audio settings, where you can duplicate the visual call alert option.
If you use a third-party theme, it may conflict with standard system settings. Try temporarily switching to a standard Classic or Default theme to eliminate the impact of the graphical shell on the operation of the call interface.
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Before changing the sound and vibration settings, it is recommended to restart the smartphone to reset temporary cached system data.
Calibration and adjustment of the proximity sensor
If the problem is spontaneous screen quenching when the phone is not held to the ear, you need to calibrate the sensor. On current models Xiaomi with Android 11 and above hidden engineering menu may not be available, but you can try to run the test through the standard application “Phone”.
Dial ##64663## in the dial box. The CIT (Hardware Test) menu will open. Find the "Proximity sensor" item in the list. Follow the instructions on the screen: you usually need to close the top of the phone with your hand and then remove it. The system should record the change in readings.
It's important to calibrate in bright light and clean screen surfaces, and if the sensor continues to falter after calibration, it may be a hardware problem, and in some cases, removing the protective glass helps if it covers the sensor area.
☑️ Testing of the proximity sensor
Flash and LED control
Often, "blinking" is what users mean by an LED light or a camera flash, and newer versions of MIUI have it managed in a separate menu. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing.
This is where the Notification Flash switch is located. If it's active, the camera will flash brightly whenever any call or message is incoming. Turn off this feature if you don't need it. Note that on some models, this setting is duplicated under "Additional Settings."
For users who need a visual display but without an annoying strobe, you can adjust the color of the indicator (if you have one in the model) or select the Vibration Only mode, which will save battery power and not attract unnecessary attention in the dark.
| Function | Location on the menu | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen blinking | Special capabilities | High. | Shut down. |
| A flash on a bell | Special capabilities/Sound | Average. | If you wish, |
| Light indicator | Additional settings / Screen | Low. | Leave it on. |
| Rising for an answer | Special capabilities | Average. | Disconnect when there is a problem |
Third-party call apps
The standard Google or Xiaomi call sometimes doesn’t work properly due to conflicts with other apps. If you’ve installed third-party programs to record conversations or identify numbers (like GetContact, TrueCaller, or various voice recorders), try removing them temporarily.
These apps request access to the microphone and screen, which can cause resource conflicts, and as a result, the call interface may freeze or blink, check the list of installed applications, and disable suspicious programs.
It’s also worth checking the permissions for the Phone app itself. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Permissions. Make sure that access to the screen and sensors is not limited to third-party optimizers.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install questionable apps for "signal amplification" or "beautiful calls" from unverified sources. They often contain ads that overlap the interface and cause blinking.
Hidden commands for diagnosis
Influence of protective glasses and covers
Physical obstacles are one of the most common causes of false alarms. Black-framed protective glass or thick covers can partially overlap the sensor area. Even if everything looks open visually, the sloping edges of the glass can distort the infrared radiation of the sensor.
Try removing the cover and rubbing the top of the screen with a soft cloth. Fat spots from your fingers can also scatter the sensor light, making the system think the object is in close proximity. Regular hygiene of the gadget helps avoid many sensory problems.
If you have recently replaced glass at a service center, make sure the wizard used quality glue and correctly matched the holes.Cheap copies of glass often have the wrong transparency in the sensor area, making it unstable.
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In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by removing the protective glass or thoroughly cleaning the upper face of the smartphone from contamination.
Resetting and system update
If the software failure is system-based, you may need to reset your settings. You don't have to do a full factory reset right away. Try resetting your network settings and calls first. You can find this in Settings → About Phone → Reset.
Also check for MIUI or HyperOS updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches to fix hardware errors. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the shell version. If an update is available, install it.
In the extreme case, when nothing helps, a full reset is performed. Remember that this action will delete all data, so make a backup of contacts and photos first.