How to change the color of the screen when calling on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways and hidden settings

Incoming calls on Xiaomi smartphones are not only audio signals, but also visual alerts. Many users do not even realize that you can completely change the color of the screen, adjust the blink or even add animations when an incoming call, this feature not only makes the device more personalized, but also helps to respond to important calls faster – for example, by highlighting the unique color contacts from favorites.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change the color of the screen when calling, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features that work even on budget models Redmi and POCO. You will learn how to turn on the full screen backlight, adjust the gradient or blinking, and what restrictions are on different versions of the firmware.

Why does Xiaomi flash the screen when calling and can it be turned off?

By default, most Xiaomi smartphones start flashing white or color lights when they make an incoming call, not by accident, but by part of the MIUI alert system, which is designed to capture the user’s attention, a feature that is especially useful in noisy places where the sound of the call may not be heard.

But not everyone likes this visual "intrusive" alert, and luckily, you can:

• 🔄 Turn off completely – the screen will simply glow with uniform light.
• 🎨 Change color – choose any shade from the palette or tie to the contact.
• ⚡ Set up animations – for example, smooth attenuation or pulsating effect.
• 📱 Use Ambient Display – Minimalist display of information on the screen off.

It is important to understand that the settings depend on the version of MIUI and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, advanced effects are available, whereas on the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12, only basic parameters can be changed.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) post-update MIUI 13+ The screen color can be changed through standard settings, in which case you will need to use hidden menus or third-party applications.

Method 1: Color change via MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest way to change the color of the screen when calling is to use the built-in MIUI settings.This method works on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (except for the most budget models).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select Incoming Calls.
4. Slip on the item Screen indicator (or screen illumination on some firmware).
5. Activate the Color Screen Switch.
6. Choose one of the colors offered or tap the Palitre to create your shade.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12T) you can also configure:

• 🔄 Blinking frequency (slow/fast/off).
• 🌈 Gradient transition between flowers.
• 💡 Brightness of backlight (useful for battery saving).

The phone model supports the function (list below)

MIUI version at least 11

The screen is not locked in energy saving mode

Third-party launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher) disabled)-->

If you don't have Screen Indicator on your menu, your model doesn't support this feature at the software level, in which case you go to Method 3 (Hidden Code Use).

Method 2: Set up Ambient Display for Unique Alerts

Ambient Display (or "Ambent Display") is a technology that displays notifications on a screen that is turned off, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it can be used to change the color of a call alert without unlocking the device.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Display.
2. Select Ambient Display (or Lock Screen on some models).
3. Activate the option to show when incoming calls.
4. Click Notification Style and select Colored.
5. In the Color Alerts section, set the shade for calls.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔋 Saves battery – the screen does not turn on completely.
• 🎨 Supports gradients and smooth transitions.
• 📱 It works on most models with AMOLED-screen.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Ambient Display may not work or consume more power. Check the type of display in the characteristics of your model.

AMOLED

LCD

I don't know.

Other-->

If you need to tie a unique color to a specific contact, use the following method:

Method 3: Linking Color to Contacts (Call Personalization)

One of the most useful uses of changing the color of the screen is to visually distinguish important contacts, such as setting green for family calls, red for work, and blue for friends, which allows you to instantly determine whether to answer a call without even looking at the screen.

How to set up:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select the contact you need and click Edit.
3. Scroll down and find the Color Alerts (or Personal Settings) section.
4. Choose a color from a palette or create your own.
5. Save the changes.

If your version of MIUI does not have this option, use the workaround:

• 📱 Install an alternative Contacts app (e.g. Truecaller or Contacts)+).
• 🔧 Use automation via MacroDroid or Tasker (instruction below).
• 🎨 Configure color profiles in the Light Manager app (root rights required).

This method takes longer to adjust, but gives you maximum flexibility, so you can adjust not only the color, but also the vibration patterns, the sound signals, and even the camera flash for different contacts.

Method 4: Hidden MIUI settings (for power users)

If you don't have a color change option on your menu, don't be too upset. MIUI has hidden engineering menus that allow you to activate additional features. This method is suitable for models where the manufacturer has disabled the default setting.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##6484##
3. You will be taken to the MIUI Test menu.
4. Choose Display. → Incoming Call Light.
5. Activate the Custom Color option and adjust the shade.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Not all codes work on new versions. MIUI 14+.
• ⚠️ Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the screen.
• ⚠️ In some models (POCO M4 Pro) this menu is blocked.

💡

Before using hidden codes, back up your settings in Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

Alternative code for new models:

##36446337##

It opens the Engineering Mode menu, where it is located in the Hardware Testing section. → Lights can be adjusted to the screen light and LED-indicator.

Method 5: Third-Party Applications for Advanced Customization

If standard methods don't work or you need advanced effects (e.g. animations, gradients, melody binding), you can use third-party applications.

Example of settings in Light Manager:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the Incoming Call section.
3. Activate the Screen Light option.
4. Choose a color and adjust the intensity of the blinking.
5. Save the profile.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Light Manager) may conflict with system alerts MIUI. If notifications stop working after installation, turn off battery optimization for the application in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you're setting the color of the screen when you call, you often have problems, and here are the most common ones and the ways you can solve them:

• 🔴 Color does not change after setting Reason: Conflict with the theme or launcher Solution: Return the standard theme to Settings → Display. → Theme or disable third-party launcher.
• 🔴 The screen doesn't blink, although the function is enabled Reason: Energy saving mode blocks animation.Solution: Disable optimization for the Phone app in Settings → Battery → Optimization.
• 🔴 Color resets after rebooting Reason: Failure in system cache Solution: Clear cache in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔴 No "Screen indicator" in settings Reason: Model does not support function at software level Solution: Use third-party applications or hidden codes.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — on MIUI 10 or lower the function may not be available.
• 🔄 System updates – sometimes the manufacturer adds new features in fresh firmware.
• 🛠️ Root rights – some models require unlocking the bootloader to change color.

💡

If your model doesn’t support screen color change when calling, try alternative ways to alert: set up camera flash or vibration patterns in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration when calling.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions