How to turn on a flashlight on a call to Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12-14

Why a flashlight on a call is a useful feature that many do not know about

Have you ever lost your phone in the dark while it rings? or tried to find it under the bed, focusing only on sound? The flashlight automatically activates when you call in, fixes this problem once and for all. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark), this option is hidden in the settings, but works stably on all models with MIUI 12 and later.

In this article you will find:

• 🔦 3 working ways to turn on a flashlight on a call (including older versions) MIUI)
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions with pictures for different models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, Poco) X5 etc.)
• ⚙️ Hidden settings that the manufacturer does not advertise
• ⚠️ Frequent errors and how to avoid them (for example, why the flashlight doesn’t work)

Important: The feature only works when incoming calls (not alarms, notifications, or outgoing calls) and some models may require additional permission settings for the Phone app.

Method 1: Standard configuration via "Additional Functions" (MIUI 13-14)

This is the simplest method that works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones.The instructions are relevant for MIUI 13 and 14 firmware, including global and European versions.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the Additional Features section.
3. Slip on the flashlight on the call (in some models it can be called Light signal or flash on the call).
4. Activate the switch to the position on..
5. In additional settings (if any) select: 🔄 Only incoming (recommended) 🔋 It works when you lock (so that the flashlight is turned on even when the screen is off)

Once activated, check the function: call your phone from another device. The flashlight should flash at 1-2 times per second (on some models, burn constantly). If nothing happens, go to the troubleshooting section.

Make sure the feature is enabled in the settings | Check the permissions for the Phone app | Make sure the flashlight is physically fit (check manually) | Try restarting the phone

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Method 2: Through special features settings (MIUI 12 and below)

On older firmware versions (such as MIUI 12 or Redmi Note 9 with factory firmware), the option may be hidden in another section, which is also suitable for custom firmware devices such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Hearing (or Sound and Vibration on some models).
3. Scroll down to the Flash Warnings section.
4. Activate the Flash option when calling.
5. In the additional parameters, mark: 📞 Calls (the tick should be standing) 🔔 Notifications (optional if you want to flash when you are SMS) 🔦 Camera (select rear or front flash if available)

An important nuance: on some models (Xiaomi Mi A2, Mi A3), this feature may conflict with the Google Phone app. If the flashlight doesn't work, try using the standard Phone app from Xiaomi.

Method 3: Hidden MIUI settings (for power users)

If the first two methods didn’t work, try activating the function through an engineering menu or hidden settings, a method that requires caution but often helps on devices with custom firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (some models may work ##3644633##).
2. You'll be taken to the CIT (Factory Mode) menu. Select Hardware Testing.
3. Scroll to the Flashlight or Torch section.
4. Activate the Flash on Call option (if you have one).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Check reviews before installing, some applications may drain the battery due to background activity, and note permissions: the app will need access to the Call Log and Camera.

💡

The standard MIUI function is more energy efficient than third-party applications, as it is integrated at the system level and does not require constant work in the background.

Diagnostics of malfunctions: what to do if nothing helps

If you have tried all the methods, but the flashlight on the call still does not work, perform a diagnosis using the following algorithm:

1. Check the hardware serviceability of the flashlight: Open the notification panel and manually turn on the flashlight. If it does not burn, the problem is: LED-diode.

Reset the settings of the phone application:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Storage → Clear data

Attention:

Update the firmware:

Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check for updates. Sometimes the feature appears after the MIUI update.

Check for root rights or modifications:

If you have used Magisk, TWRP, or other rooting tools, some system features may be compromised. Try temporarily disabling modules in Magisk Manager.

If the problem persists, your model may not have hardware support for this feature, in which case you only need to use third-party applications (see the previous section).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions