How to turn on flash when calling and SMS on Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often have screens and loud speakers so high that the user may not notice a missed call if the phone is in his pocket or on the table with the screen down. This is especially true in noisy places or when carrying the device in a bag where tactile vibration can be imperceptible. It is in these situations that light display becomes an indispensable assistant, instantly attracting attention with bright blinks.

Activation of this function allows you to use LED-The main camera module as a signaling device not only for calls, but also for notifications from instant messengers or SMS messages, a solution that is especially sought after by people with hearing impairments, as well as those who are used to holding the gadget down to protect the display from scratches. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mode activation algorithm in different versions of the firmware.

It's worth noting that the interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS may vary slightly depending on the regional version and year of release of the device, but the basic principle of how system applications work remains the same throughout the ecosystem, and we will consider both standard methods of setting up through the "ringer" and advanced features through the special features menu.

Activation of the function through the standard phone application

The most common and quick way to get your camera to flash when you call in is to use the phone app’s built-in settings, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices, regardless of the Android version, as it’s part of the basic functionality of the system.

To start, open the standard call app, which usually has a green phone icon and is located on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the upper right corner of the interface, you will see a three-dot or gear icon indicating the settings menu.

After activating the switch, the system will start using the switch. LED-It's important to understand that in some versions of the shell, MIUI This option can be hidden under the Advanced Settings sub-menu. If you don't see the switch right away, carefully review all the tabs available in the call settings menu.

Note that activating this feature can lead to a faster battery discharge if you expect a large number of calls during the day.The LED module consumes energy, although not as much as the screen. So if you are in a zone of poor network coverage, where the phone constantly loses signal, it is better to temporarily turn off the indication to save charge.

Configure through the Special Opportunities menu

If the standard call menu does not have the right option, which is sometimes found in global versions of firmware or custom builds, you should refer to the system section “Special features”, this section is designed to adapt the interface to the needs of users with disabilities, but contains many useful features for everyone.

Go to your smartphone’s main Settings and scroll through the list to “Advanced Settings” or “Advanced” where you’ll need to find the “Special Features” section. In the list that opens, look for the “Hearing” or “Audio” tab, which often contains visual notification settings.

Inside this menu, you can have a flash or a light notification option, and if you activate it, you'll get more flexible settings than a standard call, for example, you can have a blinking frequency setting or you can choose whether to blink only when you're quiet.

⚠️ Note: Enabling the feature through the Features menu may conflict with some third-party calling apps, such as Google Phone or Truecaller. If you use an alternative caller, check its settings separately.

This method is considered more versatile because it affects the system level of interrupt processing, which means that the flash can work even when the standard phone application “hangs” or did not have time to start its display script.

Using flash for SMS and messenger notifications

Many users want to know if you can make your phone flash not only when you make calls, but also when you receive text messages. With standard Xiaomi tools, this is more difficult to do, since Android shares the priorities of calls and notifications of applications.

SMS response customization often requires third-party utilities that have access to notifications. One popular feature in MIUI is Event Notification, which is in the same Special Features section but in the Vision or General tab, where you can set the blinking for calendar, alarm and incoming messages.

If the built-in functionality isn't enough, Google Play Store apps like Flash on Call or Light Flow come to the rescue, allowing you to assign different colors and blink patterns to different contacts or apps, such as WhatsApp can flash blue and SMS from the bank can flash red.

But it’s worth keeping in mind that security is that by giving a third-party app access to your notifications, you potentially open up personal emails, and only use proven programs with high ratings and lots of installations.

Comparison of activation methods in different versions of MIUI

Xiaomi’s shell interface is constantly updated, and the settings may change from version to version. Understanding the differences between MIUI 12, MIUI 13/14 and the new HyperOS will help you find the right option on your device faster.

As you can see from the table, in new versions of the system, developers are trying to unify menus by moving functions from applications to general system settings, which makes control more logical, but sometimes makes it difficult to find familiar switches.

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Owners of HyperOS-based devices should look for settings in the “Additional” section, as a direct link from the Phone app is often missing in the new shell.

Problems with the operation of the flash and how to solve them

Even after setting it up properly, users may find themselves in a situation where the flash doesn't light up. The most common reason is the flashlight. If you forgot to turn the flashlight off through the notification curtain or voice assistant, the system won't be able to use the module to signal the call because the resource is busy.

The second common problem is energy saving mode: When the battery power drops below 15-20%, Xiaomi automatically limits background processes and disables “non-essential” functions, which include lighting, in which case you either need to charge the device or manually allow the function to work in the battery settings.

It’s also worth checking if you have dark or energy-saving themes that can block the interface’s visuals. Try switching to the standard Classic theme and checking the indicator again.

• 🔦 Make sure the main flashlight is turned off before waiting for an important call.
• 🔋 Turn off the Ultra-Energy Saving mode for stable notifications.
• 📱 Restart your smartphone after installing new system updates.
• 🚫 Check if the antivirus does not block the access of the application “Phone” to hardware modules.

If none of these methods worked, there may be a software failure of a particular application. Try clearing the cache of the Phone app through the Apps menu → All Apps → Phone → Clear → Clear cache.

The effect of the function on the autonomy and resource of the device

There is a myth that the frequent flash blinking can quickly disable the LED or significantly reduce the battery life. LED-The modules are designed for tens of thousands of hours of operation, so the call alarm mode will not have a critical impact on the physical condition of the component.

For the battery, one short blink consumes negligible amounts of power. However, if you have to be on speakerphone with a constant blinking during an hour of talk, the consumption will be more noticeable. In a normal "waiting for a call" scenario, the impact on autonomy is minimal and within the margin of error.

However, if you plan to leave your phone overnight in an important call standby mode, it’s best to turn off the screensaver and dim the brightness and leave the flash on, which will provide a balance between notifying the signal and keeping the charge up until morning.

⚠️ Warning: Prolonged flash operation in a confined space (for example, if the phone is in a tight case or under a pillow) can lead to heating of the case.

Additional settings and customization

For advanced users who lack standard functionality, it is possible to customize blinking patterns through an engineering menu or special commands, although in recent versions of Android access to them is limited.

Some models, especially flagship ones, allow you to adjust the color of blinking if used. RGB-In such cases, you can select a color for different events through the Light Indication menu, which makes navigating notifications without turning on the screen even more convenient.

It's also worth mentioning the Pocket Mode feature. If it's on, the phone can ignore the proximity sensors and not turn on the screen, but the flash will work, which is a great combination of the settings for carrying in your pocket.

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For maximum efficiency, combine the flash on when calling with the function “Automatic volume on” to avoid missing the call even in a noisy place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)