Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even experienced users sometimes have questions about basic features. Flash on this device works not only as a light for photos, but also as a full-fledged flashlight or backlight for video shooting. However, the MIUI interface is not always intuitive: flash control buttons can be “hidden” in different menus depending on the version of the firmware or shell.
In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to turn on a flash on Redmi 9, from the standard flashlight to manual settings in the camera app. Why does the flash not work automatically, how to make it work when recording video and what to do if it is not a flash? LED-The indicator doesn't respond to commands at all, and you'll also find unique gesture activation techniques and voice assistants that are rarely mentioned in the official instructions.
1. Quick flashlight activation through the notification panel
The easiest way to use a flash flash as a flashlight is through the notification curtain, which works on all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14) and does not require opening additional applications.
Instructions:
- 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔦 Find the flashlight icon (usually located in the front row of quick settings). If it is not, swipe left to reveal additional buttons.
- 💡 Tapping the icon once to turn on the flash. Pressing it again will turn it off.
If the flashlight button is not in the curtain, you need to add it manually:
- Open the notification panel and tap the icon «⚙️ Edit" (or "Configure»).
- Find the flashlight list and drag it to the active quick settings area.
- Save the changes.
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On some Redmi 9 firmware, the flashlight can be turned on by double pressing the power button - check the gesture settings in Settings → Special Features → Gestures.
2.Use of flash in camera application
The flash in Redmi 9 can work in three modes: automatic, on always and off. Control is directly in the Camera application, but the location of the button depends on the version of MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
- Switch to Photo mode (if you are in a different mode, such as Video or Portrait).
- Find the lightning icon (⚡) You can tap it on the top left of the screen to open the flash mode menu.
- Choose the right option: 🔄 Auto – flash is triggered with insufficient lighting. 💡 The flash will work on each image. 🚫 Off. - Outburst is off. 🌙 Night mode – the flash is turned off, but software processing is used to shoot in the dark.
Important: Video mode has the default flash turned off.
- Go to Video mode in the Camera app.
- Slap the icon. ⚡ and select "On" (not available on all versions) MIUI).
- Start recording - the flash will burn constantly.
To set up voice control:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Assistant and Voice Input.
- Select Google or XiaoAI and activate the Voice Activation option.
- Take a voice training (if required).
How to turn on XiaoAI if it is not in the settings?
4.Gesturals to quickly turn on flash
Redmi 9 supports hidden gestures that allow you to turn on the flashlight without unlocking the screen.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Gestures.
- Find the option “Double press the power button for the flashlight” and activate it.
- Now, even on a locked screen, double tapping the power button will turn on/off the flash.
Alternative method (does not work on all firmware):
- 👆 Swipe up the screen off from the bottom edge (you need to enable in Settings) → Lock screen → Gestures).
- 🔄 Shake your phone (activation is required in Settings) → Additionally. → Movements).
Double press of power button enabled | Swipe gesture up activated |Swipe gesture tuned |Swipe gesture activated |Swipe gestures locked-->
5.Flash problems and their solution
If the flash on Redmi 9 doesn’t work, the causes can be both software and hardware. Below is a table of typical faults and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The flash does not turn on in any mode. | Failure of the software or disabled access to the camera | Reboot your phone. Check the permissions for the Camera app in Settings → Apps → Permissions. Reset the camera settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data. |
| The flash only works as a flashlight, but does not work when shooting. | Light sensor malfunction or failure in camera settings | Manually set the On mode for flash in the Camera app. Wipe the light sensor (located next to the front camera). Update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update. |
| The flash flash flashes or burns dimly | Contact problems LED-module or low battery charge | Charge your phone to 30 percent or more, check if there's moisture in the flash connector (sign: condensation under the camera glass). LED-module. |
| The flashlight turns on spontaneously | Failure of the proximity sensor or gestures | Turn off flashlight gestures in Settings → Special features. Check the case - it can press on the screen, simulating swipes. Reset the settings to factory (pre-back up). |
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If the flash stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, self-repair is not recommended - diagnostics are required in the service center.
A special case: if the flash works like a flashlight but doesn't work in the camera, the problem may lie in the energy saving settings.
- Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Find the Camera app and set the "No Limits" mode for it.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Do not use third-party flash management apps (e.g. Flashlight) LED from Play Market, if standard methods don't work, they can conflict with system processes. MIUI heat up LED-module.
6. Additional flash features on Redmi 9
In addition to the standard modes, Redmi 9 supports several hidden flash features that not all users are aware of:
- 🎥 Video Call Backlighting: Turns on automatically in Duo or Zoom apps if lighting is weak. To turn off: Go to the video call settings and deactivate the Autolight option».
- 🔋 Charge savings: Flash consumes ~0.5 to 1% battery per minute. To cut back on your battery, use it. SOS (Blinks at intervals – activated through Settings → Emergency functions.
- 📸 Color Effects: In Portrait Mode, the flash can be used to create fill light (the setting is hidden in additional camera settings).
For experimenters, Redmi 9 can change the brightness of the flash through the engineering menu, but it requires caution:
##36446337## → Service Menu → Hardware Testing → Flashlight Test⚠️ Note: It is not recommended to change the parameters in the engineering menu without experience - this can lead to overheating. LED You make all the changes at your own risk.
7. Comparison with other Xiaomi models
The flash on Redmi 9 has a number of differences from Xiaomi’s flagship models, and below is a comparison table of key parameters:
| Model | Type of flash | Brightness (lumen) | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9 | Single LED | ~50–70 | Lantern, SOS-signal, backlighting during video calls |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Double LED | ~100 | Adjustment of the temperature of light, strobe |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Triple LED + Laser Autofocus | ~150 | Adaptive lighting, synchronization with music |
| POCO X3 NFC | Single LED | ~60 | Gestures for flashlight, "Disco" mode |
As you can see, the Redmi 9 is inferior to the flagships in brightness and functionality, but its flash is enough for everyday tasks. 8xx, where LED-modules often overheat.