A flash that fires during an incoming call can be either a useful feature for attracting attention or a serious nuisance, especially in the dark or while watching cinema. Many users activate this option accidentally, not knowing where exactly it is located, while others are simply tired of the extra light hitting their eyes. The problem is relevant for owners of devices of different brands, since manufacturers implement this functionality differently in the shells of their smartphones.
Disabling light indication requires care, since the path to the settings may differ depending on the version Android and the installed proprietary shell, be it One UI, MIUI or OxygenOS. In this material, we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to deactivate the function so that you can quickly return the comfort of using your gadget. Let's find out where the switches responsible for this option are hidden.
Standard settings for a smartphone on pure Android
Owners of smartphones with a “clean” operating system, such as Google Pixel or series devices Android One, usually find the desired option in the accessibility section. The system offers flexible settings for people with disabilities, including a flash function. To find it, you need to sequentially go through several menu levels without skipping a single step.
Go to the main settings menu and find the section Special features. Inside this menu, look for an item related to hearing or notifications. On different firmware versions it may be called differently: “Hearing”, “Notifications” or “Advanced settings”. This is where the switch that controls flash blinking is located.
If the standard path does not lead to success, try using the built-in search in settings. Enter the phrase “flash” or “notifications” into the search bar, and the system itself will highlight the desired section. This is the fastest way to navigate, which saves time and eliminates the need to wander through the jungle of menus.
Please note that on some devices this function may be tied not only to calls, but also to other notifications. Therefore, when going into settings, carefully read the description of each switch to disable exactly what you need without affecting other important options.
Use the search bar in settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) by entering the word "flash" - this is the fastest way to find a hidden switch on any phone model.
Disable flash on Samsung devices (One UI)
Smartphones of the Korean giant Samsung have their own unique shell One UI, which is significantly different from the stock one Android. Here the logic behind the settings may confuse an untrained user, since the company often changes the menu structure with the release of new firmware versions. However, the principle remains the same: you need to look in the accessibility section.
Open the settings and scroll down to the item Special features. Inside, select the “Advanced Settings” category or go straight to the “Improve Visibility” section. In some versions One UI the option is placed in a separate subsection “Hearing”, which is logical, since the flash helps people with hearing impairments notice calls.
Find the switch with the name Notification flash. The active state is usually highlighted in blue. It is enough to tap on it once to deactivate the function. After this, when there is an incoming call, the screen will light up, but the camera will not emit bright light pulses.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung of the middle and budget segment, this function may be absent in hardware or hidden by the manufacturer in order to save battery power. If you don't find the switch, it's possible that your phone simply doesn't support this option programmatically.
It's also worth checking the settings of the Phone application itself. Sometimes manufacturers duplicate functions in the dialer menu. Tap the three dots in the corner of the app, select Settings and look for Flash on calls. If there is such an option, disable it.
Settings in the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO shells (MIUI/HyperOS)
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO face the interface MIUI or new HyperOS, where settings are often hidden in unexpected places. In these shells, the flash on call function is often located in the gesture or accessibility menu, but the path to it can be confusing.
Go to Settings and select the section Advanced settings. Next, go to “Special Features”. Here you need to find the “Hearing” or “Vision” tab, depending on the firmware version. The “Flash for notifications” switch should be located right there.
An alternative way for owners Xiaomi is to use the "Themes" application. Sometimes system settings are blocked by the theme, and the standard behavior can only be returned by resetting the theme to classic. If you are using a third-party theme, try temporarily switching to the standard one and checking for the setting.
- 📱 Go to Settings → Advanced settings.
- 👁️ Select Accessibility → Hearing tab.
- 💡 Find the "Flash for notifications" and turn it off.
- 🔄 Reboot the device if the setting is not applied immediately.
In the latest updates HyperOS the company has added more flexible notification management. You can now set the flash only for certain contacts or applications. If you want to disable the function globally, make sure that in the advanced notification settings there are no exceptions for the Phone application.
Why might the setting disappear?
In new versions of MIUI and HyperOS, developers sometimes move functions to the “Notifications and status bar” section. If there is nothing in special features, check this section in the main system settings.
Solving the problem on Huawei and Honor smartphones
Brand devices Huawei and Honor work on the shell EMUI or MagicOS, which has its own navigation features. Here, the manufacturer often groups accessibility-related functions into a single control center. You can find the desired switch by following a clear algorithm of actions.
Open the settings and go to the section Special. capabilities. From the category list, select Hearing. It is in this subsection that the function Flash on notificationis hidden. Move the switch to the inactive position to stop the camera blinking during calls.
It is worth noting that on older models Huawei with version EMUI below 9.0 the path may differ. In such cases, you should look for the setting in the “Smart Assistance” or “Management” menu. The interface of these versions is less intuitive, so careful reading of the item names is required.
| Brand / Shell | Path to settings | Function name |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Special. features → Improved visibility | Notification flash |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Additional. settings → Special capabilities → Hearing | Flash for notifications |
| Huawei (EMUI/MagicOS) | Special. capabilities → Hearing | Flash on notification |
| Google Pixel (Stock) | Special. capabilities → Hearing | Notification flash |
If you cannot find the setting through the menu, use the voice assistant. Say “Hey Google” or call the assistant with the button and say the command: “Turn off flash when calling.” In most cases, the system will automatically redirect you to the desired settings section.
On Huawei and Honor devices, the function is almost always located in the “Special” section. capabilities" → "Hearing", regardless of the version of the EMUI or MagicOS shell.
Using third-party applications to manage calls
Sometimes the built-in system tools do not give the desired result, or the user wants to get more advanced control over the behavior of the flashlight. In such cases, third-party applications from the store come to the rescue. They allow you to fine-tune the conditions for flash firing. Google Play. They allow you to fine-tune the conditions for flash firing.
There are specialized utilities, such as “Flash Alert” or “Blink Call”, which completely take over control of the light indication. By installing such an application, you can disable the system flash and configure your own blinking pattern, or simply prohibit any use of the flashlight when making a call.
When installing such apps, pay attention to the requested permissions. To work, they need access to the camera and phone status. Be careful and download applications only from trusted developers with a high rating to avoid leaking personal data.
- 📥 Download the flash control application from Google Play.
- ⚙️ Grant the necessary permissions in the phone settings.
- 🚫 In the application settings, select the “Off” mode or “Never.”
- ✅ Remove or disable the system function if it is duplicated.
Using third-party software is also useful if you want the flashlight to blink only for calls from certain contacts, and to remain turned off for other calls. This provides flexibility not available in the default settings of most smartphones.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party applications may consume additional battery power as they run in the background and constantly monitor the status of an incoming call. Use them only if standard methods cannot solve the problem.
What to do if the setting is not saved or disappears
There are situations when you successfully turn off the flash, but after rebooting the phone it turns on again. This may be due to a system error, application conflict, or user profile glitch. In such cases, a deeper approach to solving the problem is required.
First, try clearing the cache of the Settings application and the Phone application. Go to Settings → Applications, find the apps you need and select “Storage”, then click “Clear cache”. This will not delete your data, but it will reset temporary files that may be causing the error.
If clearing the cache did not help, check to see if your phone has power saving or Ultra-saving mode enabled. In some shells, aggressive power saving algorithms can reset user settings of peripheral devices, including the camera and flash, to the default state.
Settings → Battery → Power saving mode → Turn offAs a last resort, if the problem is systemic in nature and occurs after a firmware update, a reset may be required settings to factory settings. Before this procedure, be sure to back up all important data, as this step will delete all information from the device.
☑️ Factory reset diagnostics
Impact of Android version and security updates
The interface and location of settings directly depend on the version of the operating system Android. With each major update (for example, moving from 11 to 12 or from 12 to 13), Google and device manufacturers can change the menu structure, rename items, or move them to other sections.
With new versions Android there is a tendency to simplify the accessibility menu. Functions that were previously scattered across different subsections are now often grouped logically. However, this may lead to the fact that the usual path that worked a year ago becomes irrelevant.
Security updates are also worth considering. Sometimes, in security patches, manufacturers fix bugs related to the operation of hardware modules, which can indirectly affect the operation of the flash. If the problem appears suddenly after the update, you should read the official firmware release notes.
⚠️ Attention: The menu structure may change with each firmware update. If the described paths do not match your screen, use the settings search or refer to the manufacturer's official help for your specific model.
Do not forget that on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) the logic for the location of the settings may radically different from stock. In such cases, it is best to look for information on specialized forums dedicated to your firmware version.
How to find the Android version?
Go to Settings → About phone → Android version. This information will help you find the exact instructions for your version of the system on the Internet.
Why is the flashlight blinking even if I turned it off in the settings?
This may be due to a third-party application that takes precedence over system settings, or due to a bug in the firmware. Try rebooting your phone in Safe Mode to see if an installed app is causing the problem.
Is it possible to turn off the flash only for certain contacts?
This feature is usually not available in standard Android settings. However, some skins, such as MIUI or One UI, allow you to assign your own signals and indicators to individual contacts through the Contacts application.
Does turning off the flash affect the quality of the photo?
No, turning off the Notification Flash function only affects the flashing mode during a call. The operation of the main camera and flash in photo mode remains fully functional and is controlled separately through the camera application.
What to do if the “Accessibility” item is not in the menu?
On some heavily reduced versions of Android or specific shells, this section may be hidden. Try to find it by searching through settings or use launcher applications that add access to hidden menus.
Does this feature eat up a lot of battery?
The call flash itself only consumes power when there is an incoming call, so the impact on the overall battery charge is minimal. However, the constant search for a signal or the background operation of controller applications can consume more power.