How to Include Both Flashes on Xiaomi: All Ways for Different Models

The dual flash in Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that often goes unnoticed by users, although it can significantly improve the quality of photos in poor lighting. Many device owners do not even realize that their phone is equipped with two LEDs, one of which can operate in fill light mode and the second as a main flash. However, the activation of both modules simultaneously is not always intuitive: in some models this option is hidden in the depth of settings, and in others it requires the use of an engineering menu.

In this article, we will look at which Xiaomi smartphones support the two flashes, how to turn them on through the standard camera app, and also look at alternative methods for devices where the function is disabled by default. We will pay special attention to the nuances of settings for flagship and budget lines - from Redmi Note 12 Pro+ to POCO F5. If you want to maximize the potential of your Xiaomi camera, this guide will help you understand all the subtleties.

What Xiaomi models support a double flash

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have two LED flashes, and the dual module is typically installed in mid-range and premium devices, where the manufacturer focuses on high-quality photography.

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra, Mi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+/11 Pro+/10 Pro, POCO F5 Pro/F4 GT
• 📱 Budget Exemptions: Some Redmi Note Modifications 11S and POCO X5 Pro (depending on the region)

To determine exactly if your phone has a dual flash, check the back panel: usually the second LED is located next to the main one, but can be smaller in size or integrated into the camera module. You can also check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the MIUI Settings app → About the phone → Full specs.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro for the Chinese market), the second LED can only be used as a notification indicator and not be used in the camera.

If your model doesn't make it to the table, it doesn't mean there's no dual flash. Some devices (like the Xiaomi Civi 3) use a second LED to illuminate macro lenses, and it can be used through third-party applications, which we'll talk about in one of the next sections.

The standard way to enable through the camera app

On most supported models, the dual flash can be activated directly in the camera's regular app, but the interface may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Photo or Professional (if available).
3. Click on the flash icon (usually located in the top left corner).
4. In the drop-down menu, select the option Double Flash or Auto (Dual).

If you don’t have this option, try:

• 🔍 Go to Camera Settings → Additionally. → Flash modes.
• 🔍 Enable manual mode and in the exposition parameters find the Flash slider: Double.
• 🔍 Update the Camera app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for the European region), the dual flash option may be hidden due to certification limitations, in which case a change in the firmware region or the installation of a global version will help.

Update the Camera app to the latest version

Check for two LEDs on the back panel

Make sure the battery is more than 20% charged.

Restart your phone before setting up-->

Activation via the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

If standard settings fail, you can try to enable a dual flash through an engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Diag), which is suitable for devices running MediaTek and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but requires caution - improper actions can lead to camera malfunctions.

Instructions for MediaTek:

1. Enter the dialer code ##36446337## (or #4636## for older versions).
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Camera section.
3. Find the Dual Flash Control setting and set the Enable value.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Install the Shortcut Master app from Google Play.
2. Search through the Engineering Mode search and run it.
3. Go to Hardware Testing → LED Testing → Dual Flash.
4. Activate the option and check the work in the camera app.

Important: After activation through the engineering menu, the dual flash may not work stable, such as latency or flickering, due to unoptimized drivers, in which case it is recommended to reset the camera settings to factory.

Using third-party applications to manage the flash

If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party utilities that allow you to flexibly adjust the operation of LEDs.

• 📸 Manual Camera Compatibility – supports manual flash settings, including dual mode, on most Xiaomi devices.
• 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 – allows you to use both LEDs as notifications or a permanent light source.
• 🎥 Open Camera – open source with advanced shooting options, where you can manually enable double flash.

Example of settings in Open Camera:

1. Install the app from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Open the settings (⚙️ → Camera controls → Flash mode).
3. Select Torch + Flash (if available) or Custom Flash.
4. In manual mode (M), set the exposure and turn on both LEDs.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Flash Alerts 2) require permission to access Special Features (Settings) → Special opportunities → Without it, they won't be able to control the flash in the background.

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Before installing third-party apps, check user reviews of your Xiaomi model. Some utilities may conflict with the MIUI Camera and cause errors when shooting.

Problems and Solutions: Why Double Flash Doesn't Work

Even if your model supports the function, there may be failures, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them:

If the dual flash stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

• 🔄 Reset the camera settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 🔄 Install the beta version of the application MIUI Camera from the Xiaomi community.
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and activate Force dual flash option (if available).

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro), the dual flash automatically turns off when shooting in RAW format. Switch to JPEG to use the feature.

Alternative ways to improve lighting without double flash

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support two LEDs, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to bad photos in the dark.

• 💡 Use the screen as a light source: In manual camera mode, turn on the flash screen (available in Google Camera or Open Camera).
• 📱 Connect the outside. LED-Panel: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support control of external lighting devices via Bluetooth.
• 🎨 Customize white balance: Reduce the color temperature to 3,500 in professional mode–4000K more natural lighting.
• 🔍 Use the night mode: modern algorithms MIUI (Night Mode 2.0 is often better than flash.

For shooting videos in dark conditions, it is recommended:

• Set the bitrate to at least 50 Mbps in the camera settings.
• Use Ultra Steady Stabilization (available on Xiaomi 12S Ultra and later).
• Fix your smartphone on a tripod or use gyroscopic stabilization.

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If you shoot in poor lighting often, consider buying a clip-on LED panel with a smartphone mount.For example, models from Lume Cube or Godox are compatible with most Xiaomi and are controlled via Bluetooth.

Safety and Warnings When Working with a Flash

Despite its apparent simplicity, improper use of a double flash can cause LEDs to overheat or even damage the camera matrix.

• ⚡ Do not turn on the flash continuously for more than 30 seconds - it can cause overheating.
• 🔋 Do not use the function when the battery charge is below 15% - there may be failures in the operation of the power controller.
• 🌡️ Avoid shooting with flash in high humidity (for example, in a bath or in the rain).
• 👁️ Do not direct the flash directly into the eyes of people or animals – it can cause temporary blindness.

Especially careful should be the owners of devices with AMOLED-The flash, combined with the high brightness of the display, increases the load on the battery and can lead to battery degradation with frequent use.

⚠️ Note: On models with an infrared port (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The second LED may be an IR emitter, and turning it on in flash mode can damage the sensor!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the double flash on Xiaomi