How to turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi in 2 seconds: all the ways 2026

The flashlight on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know how to turn it on as quickly as possible. In emergency situations (finding keys in the dark, lighting a car lock or reading a menu in a dimmed-light restaurant), every second counts. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to activate the flashlight, from standard to hidden.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current flashlight switching methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the 2023-2026 MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS models), learn how to use gestures, power buttons, voice commands, and even turn on the LED on the screen off without unlocking the phone, and also reveal the secret why the flashlight suddenly stops working on some models and how to fix it.

1. Standard method: through the notification panel

This is the most obvious and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi 12C to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

  1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the flashlight icon (πŸ”¦) β€” It is usually located in the top row of quick settings.
  3. You just tap it once. The flashlight will go on instantly.

If the icon is not in the visible area, swipe down again to expand the full panel, or edit the order of the buttons:

  1. Click on the icon"βš™οΈ" (or "Edit" in the upper right corner of the panel.
  2. Drag the flashlight icon into the active area (usually the first 6-8 positions).
  3. Save the changes.

πŸ’‘

On some models (like the POCO X5 Pro), the notification bar opens in two stages: the first swipe shows notifications, the second quick settings. Don't confuse them!

⚠️ Warning: If the flashlight doesn't turn on through the panel, check if it's turned off in the battery saving settings. β†’ Battery β†’ Saving charge β†’ Restrictions for applications and make sure that there are no restrictions for the system application "Flashlight.

Quick gesture: double pressing of the power button

One of the most convenient ways is to activate the flashlight by double pressing the power button, which is available on most Xiaomi models (except the oldest ones), but is disabled by default, to configure it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Screen Lock.
  2. Select Double Press Power button (or Power button gestures on new MIUI versions).
  3. In the action list, find the flashlight and activate it.

Now, even when the screen is off, press the power button twice quickly, the flashlight will turn on. Double-pressing it will turn it off. This method works even on a locked phone!

Double press turned on flashlight | Flashlight turned off by re-press |Gest works on locked screen |No delay between pressing and turning on-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) This gesture conflicts with the "Double press to start the camera." If the flashlight doesn't turn on, check if the camera is activated in the same settings.

3. Voice assistant: "OK, Google" or Xiao AI

If you have a voice assistant on, you can activate the flashlight with a voice command, which is convenient when your hands are busy. There are two options:

  • 🎀 Google Assistant: Say β€œOK Google, turn on the flashlight” (works on all models with Google services).
  • πŸ€– Xiao AI (Chinese firmware: Say it"" (Xiǎo Γ€i tΓ³ngxuΓ©, dǎkāi shΗ’udiΓ ntΗ’ng) Or set up a Russian-speaking team in the Mi app AI.

To set up Xiao AI in Russian:

  1. Open the Mi AI app (if not, download from the Mi App Store).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Voice commands β†’ Add commands.
  3. Create a new command, for example: β€œSwitch on the light” β†’ action β€œLightlight”.

⚠️ Note: Voice commands only work when you have an active internet connection (for Google Assistant) or connect to Xiaomi servers (for Xiao). AI). In aircraft mode, this method is not available.

πŸ“Š What kind of flashlight you use more often?
Through the notification panel
Double press of the power button
Voice team
Another option

Hidden function: flashlight on the screen off (only for MIUI 14+)

On devices with MIUI 14 and later (including HyperOS), there is a hidden ability to turn on the flashlight when the screen is completely off - without unlocking or even swiping.

  1. Make sure your phone has MIUI 14 or HyperOS installed (check Settings β†’ About Phone).
  2. Activate the β€œFast Access to a Flashlight” function in Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Physical buttons β†’ Fast Access to a flashlight.
  3. Now that the screen is off, press the power button for 1-2 seconds – a menu with the flashlight option will appear.

This method works even if the phone is locked with a password or fingerprint.

SeriesSupported modelsMinimum version of MIUI
Xiaomi 13/1413, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 14, 14 ProMIUI 14.0.3+
Redmi Note 12Note 12 Pro+, Note 12 TurboMIUI 14.0.2+
POCO F5F5, F5 ProMIUI 14.0.4+
Redmi K60K60, K60 Pro, K60EMIUI 14.0.1+
Why can't the function work?
If you have a new model but the flashlight doesn’t turn on on the screen turned off, check: 1. Is the firmware updated to the latest version (go to Settings β†’ System Update). 2. Is the feature disabled in the security settings (Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Screen Lock β†’ Quick Access). 3. Is there a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) that can block system gestures.

5. Alternative methods: widgets and third-party applications

If the standard methods do not suit you, you can use additional tools:

  • πŸ“± Flashlight widget: Add the widget to the main screen (clutch your finger in a free space) β†’"Widgets" β†’ Find the flashlight. Now, let's do one tap.
  • πŸ”§ Third-party apps: Apps like Flashlight Alerts or Tiny Flashlight offer advanced features (blinking, SOS-signal).
  • ⚑ Automation (MacroDroid): Set up the rule: If the light sensor shows darkness β†’ flashlight".

⚠️ Warning: Third-party flashlight apps may consume more battery than the system solution. Also, they often request permission to access the camera or location - install only proven programs from official stores (Google Play or Mi App Store).

πŸ’‘

Xiaomi’s flashlight consumes a minimum battery charge (about 1-2% per hour), while third-party apps can consume up to 5-7 percent over the same period.

6. Problem Solving: Why Does the Flashlight Not Work?

If the flashlight stops turning on, it can be both software and hardware.

  • πŸ”‹ Weak battery charge: At below 5%, the system automatically turns off the flashlight to save energy for emergency calls.
  • πŸ“± Firmware failure: After update MIUI Sometimes you reset your settings. Try rebooting your phone.
  • πŸ’‘ LED damage: If the flashlight doesn't burn in any way, the LED may have burned out (a common problem after falls).
  • πŸ”’ Parental Control Restrictions: In some regions (e.g. schools), administrators may block access to a flashlight through a computer. MDM-profiles.

To diagnose the problem:

  1. Try to turn on the flashlight in all the described ways (panel, gesture, voice).
  2. Check if the LED is on when shooting a video with the flash on (open the camera β†’ switch to the video β†’ press the lightning).
  3. If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Settings Reset), but back up first!

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) The flashlight may appear dim due to automatic brightness adjustment. It's not a fault, it's just a feature of energy saving.

7. Comparison of methods: which method is the fastest?

We tested all the methods described on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Results (time from action to flashlight):

MethodTime of incorporation (sec)Is it working on a locked screen?Does it require the Internet?
Double press of the power button0.8–1.2Yes.No.
Notification panel1.5–2.0No.No.
Voice Command (Google)2.0–3.5Yes.Yes.
Pressing the power button (MIUI 14+)1.0–1.5Yes.No.
Widget on the main screen1.2–1.8No.No.

Bottom line: The fastest method is to double-press the power button (if it's configured); second is to press the button on MIUI 14+. Voice commands lose speed, but are convenient in situations where hands are busy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi

Can I turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi if the phone is completely discharged?
No, with zero battery charge, the flashlight will not turn on – it requires a minimum energy level (at least 1-2%). 11T Pro) has an Emergency Mode feature that allows you to make 1-2 emergency calls or turn on the flashlight for 10-15 seconds at a critical charge level (below 3%).+ Seconds when a warning of the discharge appears.
Why does the flashlight on my Redmi flash instead of burning all the time?
This may be due to two reasons: the regime SOS: On some models, triple pressing the power button activates SOS-flashing + beeping sound. Disabled in Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ SOS. Firmware failure: After update MIUI Sometimes LED settings get lost. Try resetting the flashlight app to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Lantern β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
Can I use a flashlight as a strobe for parties?
Yes, but not through standard settings. You'll need a third-party app like Flashlight Alerts or Strobe Light, which allows you to adjust the blinking frequency (from 1 to 20 flashes per second) and even synchronize it with music. Note that prolonged use in strobe mode can overheat the LED and shorten its life.
How to turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi Watch or Mi Band bracelet?
On a smart watch Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and fitness bracelets Mi Band 7/8 There's no flashlight -- they just don't have enough LED power: πŸ“± Use a watch to control your smartphone flashlight (via the Mi Fitness app) β†’"Quick action"). πŸ”¦ Turn on the screen lighting to the maximum (in the settings of the display of the clock).
Is it safe to use a Xiaomi flashlight as a reading light?
Short-term use (up to 10-15 minutes) is safe, but prolonged flashlight lighting is not recommended for two reasons: LED overheating: Powerful LEDs (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra) when running for more than 20 minutes continuously can heat up to 50–60 Β° C, which reduces their life. Battery discharge: Despite optimizing MIUI, the flashlight consumes ~1–2% charge per minute at maximum brightness. For reading, it is better to use special lights or applications with warm light (for example, Soft Light), which less strain the eyes.