The flashlight on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know how to use it effectively. Unlike other brands, devices with MIUI firmware offer several ways to activate at once, from a standard swipe in the notification curtain to voice commands and gestures, while on different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T), the interface may differ, and in some cases the flashlight even works in Ultra Battery Saver mode – but with restrictions.
In this article, you will find 5 proven methods of turning on a flashlight, including little-known ones (for example, through Quick Scores or Google Assistant), as well as analyze the typical problems: why the LED does not burn, how to change the brightness and what to do if the flashlight spontaneously turns off. In models with infrared illumination (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), you can even use a flashlight as a night light with an adjustable spectrum – we will also talk about this.
1. Standard method: notification curtain
The most obvious and versatile method is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version (10 to 14) and model (from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14).
How to do this:
- 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.
- 🔦 Find the flashlight icon (usually located in the front row of fast switches).
- 👆 Slap it once - the flashlight will turn on, pressing it again will turn it off.
If the flashlight icon is not in the visible area, swipe left through the Quick Settings panel — it may be on page two. On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the flashlight shortcut is hidden by default — you can add it manually:
- Open the curtain and click on the icon ⚙️ Edit (pencil).
- Drag the flashlight icon into the active area.
- Save the changes.
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On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) flashlight can be turned on even when the display is turned off - it is enough to tap the icon twice in the curtain (without opening it completely).
2. Voice assistant: "Okay, Google."
If you have a Google Assistant setup, you can turn on the flashlight with a voice command — it’s convenient when hands are busy.The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (except Chinese firmware without GMS).
Instructions:
- Activate the voice assistant with the phrase “OK Google” or “Hey Google.”
- Tell one of the teams: 🗣️ "Turn on the flashlight" 🗣️ "Lights" 🗣️ "Turn on the phone light"
"Switch off the flashlight."
On models with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) is also supported voice assistant from Xiaomi – XiaoAI. To turn on the flashlight through it:
- 🎤 Hold the Home button or say “Xiaoai".
- 🗣️ Say: "Switch on the flashlight" (in Chinese firmware — "").
3 Quick Ball – Hidden MIUI function
Quick Ball is a floating button that appears on top of any screen and gives quick access to frequently used features, including a flashlight.The feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 11 and newer, but is disabled by default.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Quick Ball.
- Activate the slider Enable Quick Ball.
- In the Fast Ball Settings section, add the flashlight icon to the quick action list.
- Select the position of the button on the screen (left or right).
Now, to turn on the flashlight:
- 🖱️ Put the ball on the floating ball (the menu will appear).
- 🔦 Select the flashlight icon.
How to Remove Delays When Turning On Through Quick Ball?
Gestures and buttons: alternative methods
On some Xiaomi models, the flashlight can be turned on without unlocking the screen or through physical buttons, which are especially useful in emergency situations.
Method 1: Double pressing of the power button
On smartphones with MIUI 12.5+ (for example, Xiaomi 11T, POCO X4 Pro) you can configure the flashlight to turn on with a double press of the lock button:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen → Double press the power button.
- Pick a flashlight.
Method 2: Gesture on the off screen
On devices with AMOLED-displays (for example, Xiaomi 12, Redmi) K50) Supports Double tap gesture on the screen off:
- 🔧 Activate the function in Settings → Lock screen → Double tap to wake up.
- 🖐️ Twice tap the screen (without pressing the button) – a menu with the flashlight icon will appear.
Double press of the power button is enabled|Double tap gesture activated|Flashlight added to Quick Ball action|Voice assistant configured in Russian-->
5. Problem Solving: The flashlight doesn't work
If the flashlight fails, the causes may be software (software failure) or hardware (LED damage).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The flashlight doesn't respond to pressing. | Misfunction of MIUI | Restart your phone or reset your curtain settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → Notification curtain → Storage → Clear cache) |
| The LED flashes or burns dimly | Module contamination or low battery charge | Clean the camera and flashlight with a napkin, connect the charging |
| The flashlight turns on on itself | Failure of the proximity sensor or gestures | Turn off gestures in Settings → Lock screen or reset sensor settings (##6484###) |
| No flashlight icon in the curtain | Manufacturer restrictions (e.g., on the POCO M4 Pro) | Install a third-party app (e.g. Flashlight from Google Play) |
Critical case: if the flashlight does not work after a phone drop or moisture hit, the LED module is probably damaged, in which case the flex camera cable is required to be replaced (most Xiaomi models have the flashlight integrated into the main camera module), the average cost of repair is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model.
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On Xiaomi smartphones with Ultra Battery Saver (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the flashlight can turn off automatically when the battery is low (below 5%).
⚠️ Note: Do not use the flashlight continuously for more than 10 minutes - this can lead to overheating of the LED and reduce its life. On models with infrared illumination (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), long-term flashlight discharges the battery 2 times faster.
6. Additional chips: adjusting brightness and color temperature
Few people know, but on some flagship Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) flashlight supports brightness adjustment and even color temperature, which allows you to use it as a night light or backlight for video shooting.
How to set up:
- 🔧 Keep the flashlight icon in the notification curtain for 2 seconds.
- 📊 A brightness slider will appear (on some models, there is also a choice between Cold and Warm light).
- 🎯 Xiaomi. 12S Ultra is available mode SOS (flashing lights – activated by triple pressing the power button.
For models without built-in adjustment, you can use third-party applications, for example:
- 📱 Flashlight + LED (Supports strobe and Morse code).
- 📱 Tiny Flashlight (with a widget on the main screen).
⚠️ Note: When using flashlight apps from Google Play, turn off optimizing their performance in battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications), otherwise they may spontaneously close.