How to set up notification indicator on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide with pictures

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its balance of price and functionality. However, many users face a problem: the LED notification indicator on this device does not work as clearly as on the flagships of the brand. Unlike the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3, where the settings are placed in a separate menu, here they are hidden deeper – and without accurate instructions, they are easy to miss.

In this article, you will find not only standard ways to adjust the indicator through system parameters, but also alternative methods for those who want to customize colors for specific applications (for example, green for WhatsApp, blue for Telegram). We also discuss why the indicator sometimes does not work after a MIUI update, and how to fix this without resetting. All instructions are tested on current versions of the firmware (up to MIUI 14 inclusive) and do not require root rights.

Where is the notification indicator on the Redmi Note 9

On the Redmi Note. 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) The LED light is located in the upper left corner of the screen, and it's a tiny diode embedded under the display glass. It's not as bright as the older models with a separate light. LED-panel (e.g. Redmi) 4X), But it's very visible in the dark. Importantly, the indicator only works when the screen is off, so if the display is active, the LED goes out.

Physically, the indicator is a single multicolor diode capable of displaying:

• 🔴 Red - missed calls, SMS, battery
• 🟢 Green – notifications from messengers (by default)
• 🔵 Blue – system alerts, updates
• 🟠 Orange – charging (blinks at low battery level)

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If the light doesn't shine at all, make sure it's covered with a cover or a protective film, and even a thin coating can block the light.

Different from other Xiaomi models:

Standard settings through the MIUI menu

The basic parameters of the indicator are hidden in the Settings menu → Always display → Notification indicator. However, depending on the version of MIUI, the path may differ.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Screen section.
3. Choose Always Display (or Lock and Protect on some firmware).
4. Tapping the Notification Indicator.

In this menu you will see three main options:

• 🔘 Enable the indicator - the main switch (on by default).
• 🔘 Color of indicator – the choice between “Auto” (system colors) and “Tuneable".
• 🔘 Blinking mode - frequency of blinking (fast/slow/constant light).

Make sure the screen is off.|Send a test notification (for example, SMS himself)|Check if the "Do Not Disturb" mode is activated"|Restart your smartphone if the indicator does not respond-->

Important: On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13+, the Color Indicator option may not be on the standard menu. This is not a bug, it has been moved to the Features Lab (more on this below).

Advanced settings through the "Function Lab"

If you need to assign unique colors to specific apps (e.g., yellow for Gmail, purple for Viber), a standard menu isn't enough.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select a new section Additional → Functions Lab.
4. Activate the option Notification Indicator (extended).

After activation, it will be possible to:

• 🎨 Choose a color for each application from the palette RGB.
• ⏱️ Set up the duration of blinking (from 0.5 to 5 seconds).
• 🔕 Disable the indicator for individual notifications (e.g. for games).

Restrictions of the extended regime:

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 Functions Laboratory can reset the indicator settings after the update. To avoid this, back up before the update via Settings. → System system → Backup.

Why the indicator does not work: 5 reasons and solutions

If the LED does not glow despite all settings, check these points:

1. Power Saving Mode: Ultra Mode or Super Saving turned off the indicator. Check Settings → Battery → Modes.
2. MIUI Update: After the update, reset the indicator settings (see section above).
3. Third-party apps: Programs like Greenify or Battery Doctor can block notifications. Add them to the exceptions.
4. Hardware malfunction: If the indicator does not work even after resetting, check the smartphone for physical damage (for example, after a fall).
5. Application settings: Some messengers (for example, Viber) have their own notification options, which can conflict with system ones.

For diagnostics, use the Xiaomi test menu:

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In the section Testing equipment select LED-indicator and check the response to commands.

Alternative ways of setting up (without root)

If the standard methods don’t work, try these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Notification LED (from BaltaApps – allows you to assign colors to any notifications, even if MIUI It's not natively supported. It works through special opportunities.
• 🎛️ Light Manager – Extended Management LED, including blink frequency settings and application priorities.
• 🔄 MacroDroid – creates automatic rules for the indicator (for example, red when charging) < 20%).

Example of settings with Notification LED:

1. Install the app and give you access to notifications.
2. In the Apps menu, select the desired application (for example, Telegram).
3. Set a color (e.g. #00FF00 for green) and blink mode.
4. Activate the service in Settings → Special features.

⚠️ Attention: Third-party management applications LED They can increase battery consumption by 5 to 10 percent.

How to turn off the notification indicator completely

If the flashing LED is irritating (for example, at night), it can be deactivated:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Always display → Notification indicator.
2. Turn off the main switch.
3. For individual applications: Go to the notification settings of a particular messenger (for example, Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Notifications) and deactivate the Light indicator option.

An alternative way to use the Do Not Disturb mode is to:

• 🌙 Turn it on through the notification curtain or on schedule (Settings) → Sound. → Don't disturb).
• 🔕 In the mode settings, select Turn off light effects.

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Turning off the indicator does not affect vibration or sound notifications – they will work independently.

Frequent questions and user errors