How to turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways + hidden chips

Why does the Redmi 4X flashlight turn on differently than the new Xiaomi?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017, but still remains one of the most reliable budget brand. However, its MIUI 8/9 firmware (and later adapted versions to MIUI 12) has flashlight controls that differ from modern models. For example, there is no quick swipe on the lock screen, and the gesture of double pressing the power button does not work on all versions of the software.

In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to turn on a flashlight on a Redmi 4X, from the standard to the hidden ones that only advanced users know, how to use a flashlight even with the screen off, without unlocking the phone, and what to do if the brightness of the LED suddenly becomes dim, and also why sometimes the flashlight spontaneously turns on in your pocket and how to fix it.

⚠️ Important: Redmi 4X single-handed LED-The diode (rather than the dual one as in the newer models), so the flashlight's maximum brightness is lower here.If you want a powerful light, consider buying an external accessory with a USB-Type-C.

Method 1: Through the notification panel (fastest)

This is the basic method that works on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi 4X. The main advantage is that you do not need to unlock the phone.

1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification curtain.
2. Find the flashlight icon» (🔦) — It is usually located in the first row of quick settings.
3. Slap it once, the flashlight will turn on immediately.

💡 Advice: if the flashlight icon is not in the curtain, you can add it:

1. Open the curtain completely (swipe down twice).
2. Click on the Edit icon (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Find the “Flightlightlight” in the list of inactive shortcuts and drag it to the top panel.

Badge 🔦 visible in quick settings|

The curtain opens with a swipe down |

The flashlight is turned on with the first touch |

The brightness of the LED does not flash.-->

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not have a flashlight icon, in which case use Method 3 (power buttons) or install third-party apps like Flashlight Widget.

Method 2: Double pressing the power button (hidden function)

This method only works on MIUI 10 and later (if you upgraded the Redmi 4X from the original firmware) and allows you to turn on the flashlight even with the screen off without unlocking the phone.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock and Password → Additional settings.
2. Find the option “Double press the power button” and turn it on.
3. Select the “Lightlight” action from the list.

Now, to turn on the flashlight:

1. Twice quickly press the physical power button (even if the screen is off).
2. The flashlight will light up, and a notification about its activation will appear on the screen.
3. To turn it off, repeat the double press.

🔍 Why can't it work?

• 📱 You. MIUI 8/9 — function appeared only in the MIUI 10.
• 🔧 Administrator rights for the system are disabled (check in Settings) → Annexes → Special rights).
• 🔋 Weak battery – at a charge below 5%, the system blocks the flashlight from turning on.

MIUI 8 (original) |

MIUI 9-12 (updated)|

Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)|

I don't know what firmware is.-->

Method 3: Voice assistant (for lazy people)

If you have Google Assistant or Alice on, you can activate the flashlight with your voice, especially when your hands are busy.

For Google Assistant:

1. Say, "OK, Google, turn on the flashlight."
2. Or, “Hey Google, turn on the flashlight.”

For Alice (Yandex):

1. Say, "Alice, turn on the flashlight."
2. If it doesn’t work, check if the rights for Yandex.Browser are included in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Permissions.

⚠️ Warning: Voice assistants require an internet connection to recognize commands, and offline, that won't work. 4X It can slow down recognition due to a weak Snapdragon 435 processor.

💡

If the voice assistant can't hear the command, try to say it more clearly or paraphrase it. For example, instead of "turn on the flashlight," say "light the light."

Method 4: Desktop widget (for quick access)

If you use a flashlight a lot, you can put it on the main screen in the form of a widget, which will eliminate the need to open the curtain.

How to add a widget:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Widgets”.
3. Find the flashlight widget (usually called Flashlight or Torch).
4. Drag him on the screen.

Now, you just need one tap on the widget to turn on the flashlight, and minus the method, it takes up space on the desktop.

📌 Alternative: If there is no standard widget, install a third-party app, such as:

• 🔦 Tiny Flashlight + LED — minimalist widget with brightness adjustment.
• 💡 Flashlight Widget – supports timer turn-on.
• 🔋 Super-Bright LED Flashlight - has SOS-mode).

Method 5: By gesture (only for MIUI 11+)

Starting with MIUI 11, Redmi 4X has support for control gestures, one of which allows you to turn on the flashlight without unlocking the phone.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Turn on the "Gestural flashlight" option.
3. Select an action: for example, double swipe up the off screen.

Now, to turn on the flashlight:

1. Swipe your finger up the black screen twice (without unlocking the phone).
2. The flashlight will light up, and the buttons will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for MIUI 8/9 If the flashlight is switched on spontaneously in your pocket, turn off the gesture or change the combination.

Table: Comparison of all ways of switching on a flashlight

Frequent problems and their solutions

The flashlight on the Redmi 4X doesn't turn on in any way? Check these points:

• 🔌 Battery charge below 5% – the system automatically locks LED, So you can save energy.
• 🛠️ Camera module is damaged, if the flashlight stopped working after the fall, the plume may have gone away.
• 📲 Firmware failure – try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔒 Rights Limitations – Check if access to the flashlight for system applications is disabled in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

If the flashlight is turned on by itself in the pocket:

• Turn off the control gestures (see Method 5).
• Check if the power button is accidentally pressed (for example, because of the case).
• Install the Button Remapper app to reassign double tap to another feature.

💡

On the Redmi 4X, the flashlight consumes ~0.5-1% charge per minute when running continuously. To save battery, turn it off immediately after use.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions