How to turn on the flash on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways + repair tips

Why the flash on Xiaomi Mi 9 doesn’t work and how to fix it

Flash on Xiaomi Mi 9 is one of the key elements of the camera, which often raises questions from users. On the one hand, it automatically works in dark conditions, but sometimes you need to turn it on or adjust it for specific tasks. For example, you may want to use it as a flashlight, activate in video mode or configure for the SOS signal. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to control the flash, including hidden MIUI functions and solve typical problems.

The Mi 9 is a double-definition LED-flash-flash 4000K, It's a more natural lighting experience than a monochrome light, but users often find that the flash doesn't work manually, dimly shines, or shuts down after a firmware update. From the clichés of the camera to the hardware malfunctions, we're not only going to show you how to turn on the flash, but we're also going to explain why it might not work and what to do about it.

Method 1: Enabling flash in standard camera mode

The most obvious way is to activate through the Camera app, and there are three ways to run the flash: Auto, On, and Off. To change the settings:

1. Open the Camera app on the Xiaomi Mi 9.
2. In the top panel, find the lightning icon (flash icon).
3. Slip on it and select the desired mode: 🔄 Auto – flash only works with insufficient lighting. ⚡ Incl. – forced inclusion at each shot. 🚫 Off. - Total shutdown.

Important: in some versions MIUI The flash icon can be hidden in the additional menu (icon) ⋮ or ⚙️ If the icon is not on the main screen, check this menu.

💡

If the flash doesn't turn on in On mode, try restarting your smartphone, sometimes due to a temporary failure of the camera driver.

Method 2: Using a flash as a flashlight

The flash on the Mi 9 can work like a full-fledged flashlight, which is convenient for lighting in the dark.

1. Unlock the phone and swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
2. Find the flashlight icon (usually it looks like a pocket flashlight) 🔦).
3. Slap it once - the flash will turn on at maximum brightness.

If the icon is not on the panel, it can be added:

1. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (panel editing) in upper right corner.
2. Find the flashlight in the list of unavailable items and drag it to the active area.

- ✅ The flashlight icon is on the notification panel

- ✅ The flash is triggered with the first touch

- ✅ Brightness stable (does not flash)

- ✅ Turns off when you press it again.-->

⚠️ Warning: Long-term flashlight use (more than 10 minutes in a row) can cause the flash module to overheat.The Mi 9 has protection - it will automatically turn off when critically heated, and re-energize will only be possible after cooling down.

Method 3: Flash in video mode

By default, when recording video, the flash is turned off, because constant lighting quickly drains the battery and heats the case.

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Video mode.
2. Slip on the lightning icon (as in photo mode).
3. Select On. - The flash will burn constantly during recording.

Note that when the flash is on, the Mi 9 limits the maximum video resolution to Full HD (1080p). If you need to shoot in 4K, the flash will automatically shut down.

- Almost always.

- Only in total darkness.

Very rarely.

- Never.-->

* With prolonged use, automatic overheating and disconnection are possible.

Method 4: SOS flash (emergency signal)

The Xiaomi Mi 9 supports the alarm function, where the flash flash flashes at a high frequency to attract attention, which is useful in emergencies or when searching for a phone in the dark.

1. Go to Settings → Memory and backups → SOS.
2. Activate the emergency signal slider.
3. Set up the parameters: 🔊 A sound signal - a loud siren sound. ⚡ Blinking flash - flashing frequency (default 2 Hz). 📱 Sending. SMS — contact-coordinate.

5 times in a row

⚠️ Attention: In mode SOS The phone blocks all other functions until the signal is canceled. To turn off, press the power button and confirm the action on the request of the system.

Method 5: Control flash through engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can try turning on the flash through the engineering menu, which is suitable for diagnosing hardware problems, but requires caution:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
2. You will be taken to EngineerMode (if the code doesn't work, try ##4636## and select Hardware Testing).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Flashlight section.
4. Press Turn On – the flash should turn on at full power.

Critical information: On Xiaomi Mi 9 flash is physically connected to the main camera through a common plume. If after repairing the screen or back cover it stopped working, with a probability of 90% damaged plume — its replacement costs ~ 1500-2500 rubles in the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi Mi 9