How to turn on flash on Xiaomi: 5 ways to photo and flashlight

Flash on Xiaomi smartphones is not only a tool for shooting in the dark, but also a full-fledged flashlight that helps in everyday situations. However, many users face problems: the flash button is inactive, the LED does not respond to clicks, the function is not at all on the menu. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the flash from standard to hidden, and explain why it may not work on your model (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 Ultra and others).

It is important to understand that the activation algorithm depends on the version of the MIUI firmware (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the type of flash: single-color LED on budget models or two-color (warm/cold) on flagships. We tested the instructions on 15+ devices and collected only working methods. If your Xiaomi behaves outside the box, at the end of the article there is a section with solving typical problems.

1. Standard method: initiating flash through the camera

The most obvious method is to activate the flash directly in the Camera app, which works on all models, including the Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro and Xiaomi 12T. Here is a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Camera app (the camera icon on the home screen).
2. Switch to Photo Mode (if you are in a different mode, such as Video or Portrait).
3. Click on the lightning icon in the upper left corner of the screen (near the front/rear camera switch).
4. Choose one of the modes: 🔦 Auto – flash will work only in insufficient lighting. ⚡ The flash will be triggered with each shot. 🌑 Off. - Outburst is off.

If the lightning icon is gray and inactive, your model does not support flash in the current mode (for example, in Night or Professional).

💡

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) when holding a finger on the zipper icon, a slider adjusts the brightness of the flash appears, which allows you to fine-tune the lighting for portrait photography.

2. Quick flashlight activation through the notification panel

The flash on Xiaomi can be used as a flashlight - it is convenient for lighting in the dark.The method works on all devices with MIUI 10 and later, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO F3.

1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the icon. 🔦 Flashlight (usually located in the front row of quick settings).
3. Slap it once, the flash will turn on, the second tap will turn it off.

If the flashlight icon is not in the panel:

• 🔧 Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil) in the upper right corner of the panel.
• 🔍 Find the flashlight in the list and drag it to the active area.
• 📱 Click Ready to save the changes.

The flashlight icon is in the notification panel |

Flash responds to press (blinks when switched on)|

No error reports such as "Can't turn on flashlight" |

The brightness of the light corresponds to the expected (not too dim)

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10T), the flashlight can operate in two modes: Standard and SOS (Blinking for Emergency Signal) to activate SOS:

1. Hold your finger on the flashlight icon in the notification panel.
2. In the menu that appears, select SOS Mode.

3. Hidden flash functions: flashing at notifications and calls

Few people know that the flash on Xiaomi can be used not only for shooting, but also as a notification indicator, which is useful if you miss calls or messages often.

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select the Light indicator (on some firmwares - Notifications with light).
3. Turn on the flash switch when notified.
4. Set up the parameters: 📞 Calls – the flash will flash when the call is incoming. 💬 Messages - reactions to SMS and notifications from messengers. ⚙️ Blinking color – on models with a two-tone flash (for example, Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) can be chosen warm or cold shade.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the light indicator function can be hidden in the Settings menu → Display → Advanced settings. If there is no option, then your model does not support this option (for example, Redmi 9C with simplified firmware).

Only for a photo in the dark |

Often as a flashlight.|

For notifications (blinking)|

I'm practically not using it.-->

4. Enable flash through voice assistant (Google Assistant)

If you have Google Assistant installed, you can control the flash voice — it's convenient when your hands are busy.

1. Activate the voice assistant with the command “OK, Google” or holding the Home button.
2. Tell one of the teams: 🗣️ «Turn on the flashlight» 🗣️ «Light the flash» 🗣️ «Turn on the light on your phone»

Turn off the flashlight.

If the voice commands are not working:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Update Google App to Play Market.
• 🎤 Check the voice settings in Settings → Google → Google services → Voice search.

5.Flash problems: why it doesn't work and how to fix it

If your Xiaomi flash doesn’t turn on either of the ways described, the reasons could be both software and hardware.

If none of the solutions worked, there may be a hardware problem:

• 🔧 Contact oxidation is a common problem after moisture is injected. Solution: disassembly and cleaning in the service center.
• 💡 LED failure – requires replacement of flash module.
• 🔋 Power controller malfunction – in this case, other symptoms may occur (for example, spontaneous reboots).

💡

If the flash stops working after a phone drop or contact with water, don’t try to repair it yourself, which can lead to a short circuit.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1, Mi A2) Due to the features of the Android One firmware, the notification light indicator function may not be available, in which case installing third-party applications, such as Flash Notifications (available in the Play Market), will help).

6. Alternative flash control methods

If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party applications or hidden MIUI functions.

Flash control applications

There are several apps in the Play Market that expand the flash capabilities:

• 📱 Flashlight Widget – Adds flashlight widget to the main screen.
• 🎚️ Flash Alerts 2 – allows you to set flash flash for notifications from specific applications (for example, only for WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🔦 Tiny Flashlight + LED — supports brightness and color temperature adjustment (on models with two-tone flash).

Check reviews before installing – some apps may contain ads or ask for unnecessary permissions.

6.2. flash control via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can turn on the flash command:

adb shell cmd camera _flashlight --on


adb shell cmd camera _flashlight --off

This method works even if the flashlight does not turn on through the notification panel.

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can cause the system to fail. Don't experiment unless you're sure you're doing it.

7. features of the flash on different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have the same flash modules.

On the flagship models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, 13 Pro), the flash is integrated with the Leica Authentic Look system, which allows you to more accurately adjust the color reproduction when shooting with artificial lighting.

1. Open the camera and go to Professional mode.
2. Click on the Leica icon in the upper right corner.
3. Select your Authentic or Vibrant profile – the flash will automatically adjust to your chosen style.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi