Where to look for a flashlight on Xiaomi: 5 ways to turn on the backlight on any phone

Have you ever been in the dark with a flashlight running out of the blue trying to find a backlight button on your Xiaomi? Or maybe you bought a new Redmi and can't figure out why a familiar gesture doesn't work? This is a familiar situation: the manufacturer regularly changes the location of the feature in the MIUI firmware, and in some models the flashlight is even "hidden" in unexpected menus.

In this article, we’ll explore all the possible ways to turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard methods to hidden chips, how to activate backlight on the lock screen, through the notification panel, voice, and even without unlocking your phone, and why on some devices the flashlight can suddenly disappear and how to return it.

1. Standard method: notification panel

The most obvious and universal method is to use a notification curtain, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version (10 to 14).

1. Unlock your phone (on some models, the flashlight is also available on a locked screen – see Section 3).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the flashlight icon (usually an icon with a lantern image) 🔦). If it is not, swipe left to reveal hidden tiles.
4. Slip the icon once to turn on/off the lights.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) The flashlight icon may not be in the main panel, in which case it must be added manually:

1. Open the notification curtain and tap the icon «⚙️ Settings" (or "Edit»).
2. Find the flashlight on the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

2. Quick gestures: turning on the flashlight without unlocking

The manufacturer added a convenient feature for emergencies: on most models, you can turn on the flashlight without unlocking the phone. MIUI:

• 🔹 MIUI 12/13/14: Twice tap the flashlight icon on the lock screen (if it is displayed).
• 🔹 Old versions (MIUI 10-11): Keep the flashlight icon in the notification curtain 1-2 Seconds – the backlight will turn on even on the locked screen.
• 🔹 Models with AMOLED-screens: Sometimes the gesture “double tap on the off screen” works (configured in Settings) → Lock screen → Double touch).

On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F4 GT, the flashlight on the lock screen is disabled by default due to the proximity sensor – it must be activated manually in the security settings.

3. Voice Assistant: Turning on the flashlight through Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant installed (or Xiao AI on Chinese firmware), you can control the flashlight with your voice, which is convenient when your hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

1. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or by holding the Home button.
2. Tell one of the teams: 🎤 «Turn on the flashlight» 🎤 «Turn off the flashlight» 🎤 «Light up the lights (not working on all models)

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (Xiaomi for the market) CN) Voice commands may not work due to Xiao restrictions AI. This will help to install a global version. MIUI or alternative launcher.

You can also turn on the flashlight through Quick Commands in Google Assistant.

1. Open the Google app → Settings → Google Assistant → Rutiny.
2. Create a new routine with the “Switch on the flashlight” command and add the action “Device Management → Flashlight”.

4. Hidden functions: flashlight through volume buttons

Few people know, but on some Xiaomi models (especially the Redmi Note and POCO X line), the flashlight can be turned on without unlocking using volume buttons, which works even with a discharged battery (if the phone is still on).

Make sure your phone is switched off or locked

Press the button "Loud up" + "Power for 3 seconds"

Release the buttons when the lights go on

Repeat the combination to turn off-->

⚠️ Note: On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), this method may not work due to the changed hardware button logic.

Alternatively, for infrared port devices (e.g., Redmi Note 8 Pro):

1. Open the Remote app (Mi Remote).
2. Slap the icon «🔦» in the upper right corner - this will turn on the flashlight through the IR port.

5.Problems with flashlight: why it doesn't work

Sometimes the flashlight on Xiaomi suddenly stops turning on, and the reasons can be both software and hardware.

If the flashlight stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Clear the cache of the Settings application → Applications → Application Management → System → Settings → Clear the cache.
3. Reset the notification panel settings (Settings → Notifications → Additional → Reset).

For installation of widgets:

1. Keep an empty space on the main screen.
2. Select “Widgets” → find the flashlight widget (for example, Flashlight Widget).
3. Drag him on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Some flashlight apps request permissions to access the camera or microphone.This is not necessary for the backlight to work - waive such permissions so as not to compromise privacy.

7. flashlight on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

If you have a Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or Redmi Watch, most models also have a flashlight built in!

• 🕒 Mi Band 6/7: The flashlight is switched on by swipe down the screen. → icon-picking «🔦». It only works when connected to the phone.
• ⌚ Xiaomi Watch S1: Hold the side button for 2 seconds → Select "Lightlight" from the menu.
• 🏃 Redmi Watch 2: The flashlight is activated via the Mi Fitness app (tools section»).

Smartwatches usually have weaker backlights than phones, but they have enough light to light a lock or find keys in a bag, and the main advantage is that you don't have to take out your smartphone.

💡

On the Mi Band 7 Pro, the flashlight works autonomously (without communication with the phone), but only at a bracelet charge level above 20%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi