How to Find and Turn on a Flashlight on a Xiaomi Phone: All Ways 2026

Have you ever been in the dark with a flashlight running out and only a Xiaomi smartphone on hand? Or have you tried to take a picture of a document in poor light but couldn't find the flashlight button quickly? This is a situation that many Xiaomi smartphone users, especially beginners, are familiar with. Despite the fact that the flashlight feature is found in almost all modern models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14, its location is not always intuitive.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi phones, POCO and Redmi, including hidden chips MIUI, You'll learn how to add a shortcut to the home screen, adjust gestures for quick access, and what to do if the flashlight stops working, and you'll learn how to make a unique life hack for models with a flashlight. AMOLED-screens where the flashlight can be used as a night light with adjustable brightness.

1. Standard method: Quick settings panel

The most obvious and universal method is to use the notification bar, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version (12 to 14) and the device model.

  1. Unlock your phone (not necessarily enter) PIN-code, enough swipe up on the locked screen).
  2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  3. If the panel opens in a shortened form (with 4-6 icons), swipe down again to expand it completely.
  4. Find the flashlight icon (usually a flashlight icon with rays of light) and tap it.

If the flashlight icon is not in the visible area, it can be added manually:

  • πŸ” Click on the Edit icon (pencil or three dots in the upper right corner of the panel).
  • πŸ“± In the list of available tiles, find the "Lightlight" and drag it to the active area.
  • βœ… Click "Ready" to save the changes.

πŸ’‘

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the quick settings panel opens with a swipe down from the top right corner, rather than the center, due to the features of the MIUI shell for POCO.

2. Quick access from a locked screen

You want to unlock your phone to turn on your flashlight? MIUI has a Quick Tools feature that lets you control the flashlight directly from the locked screen. Here's how to set it up:

Go to Settings β†’ Screen Lock β†’ Quick tools and activate the switch opposite the flashlight. Now, when you wake up the screen (press the power button or double tap), a flashlight icon will appear in the lower left corner. Just tap it and the light will turn on without unlocking!

What models support fast tools?
The feature is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, including: - Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 series - Redmi Note 10/11/12 series - POCO X3/X4/X5/F4/F5 series On older models (for example, Redmi 9A or Mi A3) this option may not be.

Note that on some firmware (especially global versions of MIUI), the Quick Tools option may be called Lock Tools or Quick Tools. If you don't find it, search the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

3. Adding flashlight label to main screen

If you use a flashlight a lot, it makes sense to put it on the home screen as a separate shortcut, which eliminates the need to open the notification bar every time.

Method 1: Through MIUI widgets

  • πŸ“± Long pressing in the free place of the main screen β†’ "Widgets".
  • πŸ”¦ Find the Tools widget (or Utilities) and drag it to the screen.
  • πŸ’‘ In the widget settings, select "Flashlight" as the main function.

Method 2: Through the app label "Flashlight"

MIUI has a hidden system application "Flashlight", which can be pulled on the screen:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ "Show all apps."
  3. In the list, find "Lightlight" (or "Torch" in English firmware).
  4. Press it. β†’ "Labeling".
πŸ“Š What kind of flashlight you use more often?
Through the notification panel
Locked screen.
The label on the main screen
Voice assistant
Another way.

4. Voice flashlight control (Google Assistant / XiaoAI)

If your hands are busy and you need a flashlight urgently, you can use a voice assistant, which also works on a locked phone (if voice-activated).

For Google Assistant (available on global firmware):

  • πŸ—£οΈ Say, β€œOK Google, turn on the flashlight” or β€œHey Google, turn on the flashlight".
  • πŸ”¦ The flashlight will turn on automatically. Use the "Switch off the flashlight" command to turn off".

For XiaoAI (Chinese and some global firmware):

  • πŸ€– Hold the button home (navigation bar) or say:" (Xiaoai Tungsue).
  • πŸ’‘ Then say it: "" (Dǎkāi shΗ’udiΓ ntΗ’ng β€”"flashlight").

πŸ’‘

Voice flashlight control works even when the screen is turned off if the assistant settings include the option β€œOK Google at any time” or β€œVoice launch XiaoAI”.

Importantly, on some models (e.g. the POCO M5), the voice assistant may not have the right to control the flashlight, and in this case, you will have to use other methods.

5. Hidden flashlight features on Xiaomi: what MIUI can do

The flashlight in Xiaomi smartphones is not just about turning on/off the flash, but depending on the model and version of MIUI, it can have additional options:

FunctionDescriptionSupported models
Brightness adjustmentIt allows you to reduce / increase the brightness of the flashlight (useful for use as a night light).Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro
Stroboscope (SOS)Blinking mode for alarm in emergency situations.Most models with MIUI 13+
Automatic shutdownThe flashlight is turned off after a predetermined time (for example, 5 or 10 minutes).Redmi 10/11/12 Series, POCO X4/X5
Color filtersChange the color of light (red, blue for special tasks).Only on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, MIX Fold 3)

To open the advanced flashlight settings:

  1. Turn on the flashlight through the notification panel.
  2. Slip on the flashlight icon again - a menu with additional options will open.

1. Turn on the flashlight through the notification panel

2.Slip the flashlight icon with a long press (1-2 seconds)

3. If a menu with a brightness slider or other options appears, the function is supported

4.If nothing happens, your model has only a basic mode-->

In the models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi) K60) You can use the screen as a light source:

  • πŸ“± Enable the "Screen flashlight" mode in the flashlight settings.
  • 🎨 Choose color (white, warm yellow, red) and brightness.
  • πŸ”‹ This mode consumes significantly less charge than LED-flash.

6 The flashlight does not work: causes and solutions

Sometimes a flashlight on Xiaomi may fail, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ If the flashlight stopped working after the phone fell or moisture hit, do not try to turn it on repeatedly, this can lead to a short circuit.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The flashlight does not turn on in any way.Camera malfunction/flashReboot your phone. If it doesn't work, reset your camera settings to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Camera β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the data.
The flashlight turns on, but immediately turns off.Overheating of the phone or low battery chargeLet the device cool down or plug it into a charger. Check the power saving settings.
No flashlight icon in the notification panelHidden in settings or removed from fast tilesAdd it back through the panel editing (see Section 1).
The flashlight works only when the screen is unlocked.Security restrictions in MIUIEnable the option "Allow change on locked screen" in the flashlight settings.

If none of these methods helped, check:

  • πŸ”§ Permissions for the application "Flamelight": Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Lantern β†’ Permits (camera and flashlight must be included).
  • πŸ“± Updates MIUI: Sometimes flashlight bugs are fixed in new firmware versions.
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware damage: If the phone fell or got wet, it may be a flash or contacts damaged.

⚠️ Attention! Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) have a standard flashlight. MIUI In this case, use third-party apps from Google Play, such as "Flashlight" from Devuni.

7 Third-party flashlight applications: when they are needed

Although the built-in MIUI flashlight covers most needs, additional features are sometimes required, such as:

  • πŸ”¦ Flashing flashlight for alarms or bicycle rides.
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Fine tuning of brightness (if in MIUI no slider).
  • πŸ”‹ Savings in charge due to optimized algorithms LED.

The best apps for Xiaomi:

AnnexFeaturesReference
Flashlight (Devuni)Minimalist design, no advertising, support for widgets.Google Play
Tiny Flashlight + LEDStroboscope, morse, color filters.Google Play
Super-Bright LED FlashlightMaximum brightness, work in the background.Google Play

Before installing the third-party flashlight:

  • πŸ”’ Check the permissions the app requests (no contact or access should be available) SMS).
  • πŸ“Œ Read reviews – some apps show ads when you turn off the flashlight.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Make sure the app has been updated in the last 6 months (older versions may not support new Xiaomi models).

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi

Can a flashlight be used as a permanent light source (for example, to light a room)?
Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. LED-flash is not designed for long-term operation - it quickly overheats, which can lead to: πŸ”₯ Overheating of the phone (risk of disconnection or battery damage). πŸ’‘ LED failure (life of service) LED limited number of hours of work). πŸ“‰ Fast battery discharge (lightlight consumes) 10-15% For constant lighting, it is better to use an on-screen flashlight (if you have one in your model) or an external one. USB-light-emitting.
Why does Xiaomi’s flashlight shine poorly compared to other phones?
The brightness of the flashlight depends on: πŸ“± Phone models: flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have more powerful LED, The budget model (Redmi) 10A). πŸ”¦ Flash type: Single-diode flashes dimmer than two-diode flashes. ⚑ Firmware: in some versions MIUI If the light is too dim, try: Clean the flash lens of dirt (wipe with a soft cloth). MIUI Use a third-party application with manual brightness settings.
Can I turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi via a computer (USB)?
Yes, but it will require: Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (tap 7 times) β†’ Additional β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging over USB). Connect the phone to a PC and execute a command in ADB: adb shell cmd torch on # enable adb shell cmd torch off # Turn off This method works on most models with MIUI 12 and later.
Does Xiaomi have a feature to automatically turn on the flashlight when shaking?
In standard firmware. MIUI There is no such function, but it can be added with the help of: πŸ€– Tasker Apps: Create a task that turns on a flashlight when shaking is detected (AutoInput plugin required). πŸ“± Third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) with gesture support. POCO There is a built-in "Gestes" option in the settings, where you can tie the shaking to the flashlight.
How to calibrate the light sensor if the flashlight turns on on itself?
If the flashlight is switched on arbitrarily, the problem may be: πŸ“² Failure of the proximity/light sensor (for example, due to cover or dirt). πŸ€– Conflict with applications (for example, with smart flashlights from the Play Market). πŸ”„ Firmware bug (often found after major updates) MIUI). Solutions: Wipe the sensor area (top of the screen next to the speaker). Run the sensor test using code ##6484## (type in the Phone app). Reset Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting sensor settings.