Have you ever lost your phone in the dark because it rang but the screen didn't turn on? Or tried to find the keys in your bag while someone called you? The flashlight automatically activated when you call Xiaomi solves these problems β and it's easier to set up than it seems. But many users are unaware of its existence: in standard MIUI settings, this option is hidden in an unobvious way.
In this article, weβll look at all the ways you can activate a flashlight when making calls, from built-in tools to third-party applications, and youβll learn why the feature may not work on some models (e.g., on the phone, POCO F5 Or Redmi Note 12), how to get around the manufacturer's restrictions, and what to do if the flashlight flashes instead of constantly burning. AMOLED-screens that save battery power when using this feature.
Why a flashlight when ringing is a useful function
At first glance, turning on the flashlight automatically may seem like an unnecessary "chip," but in practice, it solves a few real problems:
- π¦ Searching for your phone in the dark: If your smartphone is on the screen down (like on the couch or in your bag), a flashing flashlight will help you find it quickly.
- π Road safety: incoming call at night in the car or on the street will become more noticeable to others.
- π Battery savings: On some Xiaomi models, the flashlight consumes less power than the backlight of the screen.
- π± Comfort for the visually impaired: a light signal is easier to notice than a vibration or melody.
Fun fact: MIUI 14 has made the feature smarter, and now the flashlight can flash into the rhythm of the ringing melody, making it even more noticeable, but on budget models (like the Redmi A2), this option is often absent, as the manufacturer saves on hardware capabilities.
Official method: setting up through "Special features"
The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, but the way to set up is not obvious: the function is hidden in the section for people with disabilities.
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Special Opportunities β Rumor.
- Scroll down to the flashlight block when calling (some firmware calls Light Indication).
- Activate the switch. You can select additionally: π Blinking mode (light flashing at intervals of 1 second) π‘ Constant light (burns without interruption)
Important: Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) will be alerted to increased battery consumption after activation, which is normal β the flashlight consumes about 0.1-0.3% of the charge per minute of continuous operation.
Update. MIUI last-minute|Make sure the flashlight works manually (test through the notification panel)|Check if the case is blocking access to the flash|Turn off the power saving modes-->
Alternative method: through "Call settings"
If you donβt have the option in the Special Options section, try the second way, which works on MIUI 12-14 firmware for most models, including the POCO X5, Redmi Note 11 and Xiaomi 12T:
- Launch the Phone app (Tube icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Choose the sounds and vibrations when calling.
- Scroll to the option Light indication (can be called flashlight when incoming).
- Turn on the function and adjust the color of the blink (available on models with RGB-For example, the Xiaomi Civi 3).
2.The flashlight flashes, but does not burn constantly
This problem is typical for the POCO F4 and Redmi Note 11 Pro.
- Open Settings β Special features β Hearing β Flashlight when calling.
- Select the Permanent Light mode (if not, use a third-party app).
- If the option is not available, update the firmware: Settings β About the phone β System update.
3.The function only works for SIM-card
On two-sim Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) flashlight can only be triggered when the first call is made SIM-To fix the map:
- Install Flash Alerts 2 and select both in the settings SIM-map.
- Or swap seats. SIM-maps in settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Names SIM-map.
β οΈ Note: If you use Google Phone instead of the standard Phone app from Xiaomi, the flashlight feature may not work when calling. β Annexes β By default. β Annex "Telephone".
π‘
In the models with AMOLED-With a screen (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) you can save battery power by turning on the βOnly with the screen offβ option in the flashlight settings, then the flash will only work if the phone is down or in your pocket.
Hidden chips: advanced settings
Few people know, but Xiaomi can set up a flashlight when you call more flexibly than you think. Here are some hidden features:
Color setting flash (for models with RGB)
On flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi Civi 3, you can choose the color of the flashlight:
- Activate the function through Settings β Special features β Hearing.
- Click on the Color of the display (will appear after the function is turned on).
- Choose one of the options: White, Yellow, Red or Blue.
This chip works only on devices with multicolor LED-flash.
Including a flashlight for specific contacts
If you want your flashlight to work only when you call someone important (such as a loved one or colleague), do the following:
- Open the contact in the phone application.
- Click Edit β Additional settings.
- Choose a customized melody and vibration.
- Activate the Light Indication option for this contact.
The flashlight will only be turned on when you call from this person.
3.Use of flashlight as missed call notifications
MIUI 14 has a flashlight reminder feature to turn on:
- Go to Settings β Notifications β Reminders about missed ones.
- Turn on the light indication option.
- Set up the blinking interval (available: 1 time in 5 minutes or 1 time in 10 minutes).
π‘
On models with an infrared port (for example, Xiaomi 12S), the flashlight may conflict with the remote control when calling. If you use the phone as a remote for technology, turn off the light indication or install a third-party application.
Battery savings: how to reduce charge consumption
Many users give up the flashlight function when calling due to increased battery consumption, but there are ways to minimize consumption:
- β‘ Reduce flashlight brightness: Flash Alerts 2 can set the brightness to 30-50% β enough for a signal, but energy consumption will decrease by 40%.
- β±οΈ Limit your work time: set the flashlight so that it only burns for the first 10-15 seconds of the call.
- π Use a dark topic: AMOLED-This reduces the overall power consumption of the device.
- π Turn off the function in power saving mode: in Settings β Battery β Power saving modes add the flashlight app to exceptions.
We have tested the Xiaomi 12T Pro:
| Mode of operation of the flashlight | Battery consumption in 1 minute | Cost per 10 calls of 30 seconds |
|---|---|---|
| Constant light (100% brightness) | 0.3% | 1.5% |
| Blinking mode | 0.15% | 0.75% |
| Constant light (50% brightness) | 0.12% | 0.6% |
| Blinking + Dark Theme | 0.08% | 0.4% |
As you can see from the table, the best option is a flashing mode with reduced brightness, while the flashlight remains clearly visible, and the battery goes down minimally.