How to turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi when notifying: all methods and settings

Getting notifications on a Xiaomi smartphone with an automatic flashlight on is a convenient feature that helps you not miss important messages or calls, especially in noisy places or when the phone is down, but in standard MIUI settings, there is no such option – it must be activated through hidden settings or third-party applications.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working ways to turn on the flashlight when notifying on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models on MIUI 12, 13 and 14), learn how to configure the feature through system tools, Xiaomi apps and third-party utilities, as well as what restrictions exist on different versions of the firmware.

Important: not all methods work on older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), but for most modern smartphones (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and later) solutions will be relevant.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi have a flashlight feature built-in when notifying?

Many users are surprised that MIUI does not have the option to automatically turn on the flashlight when calling or texting, while some smartphones of other brands (such as Samsung or Google Pixel) it is.

• 🔋 Battery savings: Continuous flashlight switching on (even for a short time) increases energy consumption, which contradicts Xiaomi's policy of optimizing autonomy.
• 🛠️ Hardware platform limitations: On some models (especially budget models), the flashlight driver does not support software management from background processes.
• 📱 Fragmentation of firmware. The function could work unstable on devices with different versions MIUI (For example, global vs. Chinese firmware).
• 🔒 Security: Automatic flashlight activation could be used by attackers to track user activity (e.g., through notifications from malicious applications).

However, we can circumvent these limitations and we will show you how to do it.

Method 1: Use the application "Light Manager"

The most reliable and versatile method is installing a third-party Light Manager app (formerly known as Light Flow), which supports most Xiaomi models and allows you to flexibly adjust the flashlight response to notifications from any application.

Here's how it works:

1. Download Light Manager from Google Play (there is a free version with restrictions and a paid Pro).
2. Open the app and provide all the permissions you have requested (including Special Notifications Access).
3. In the main menu, select Notification Settings and add the apps you want to activate the flashlight for (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Calls).
4. For each application, set up: 🔦 Type of alert (flash, vibration, sound). ⏱️ Duration (e.g. 2 seconds). 🔄 Repeat (once or several times).

Use the flash

Note: Some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) may need to further activate the permission for the application in Settings → Special Features → Light Manager.

Download the app from Google Play|

Provide access to notifications |

Add the required applications to the list |

Set up the duration and repetition of the outbreak |

Enable the option "Use flash"-->

Method 2: Automation with MacroDroid (without root)

If Light Manager doesn't work, the alternative is MacroDroid, which allows you to create automatic scripts (macros) to turn on the flashlight when you're notified, and the advantage of this method is that it's flexible and doesn't need root rights.

Instructions:

1. Install MacroDroid and open it.
2. Click Add macro and select the trigger Notice received.
3. Specify the application for which you need to activate the flashlight (for example, Viber or SMS).
4. In the Actions section, add Enable the flashlight (an option may be called Toggle Flashlight).
5. Adjust the latency (for example, 1 second) and the duration of the flashlight (2 seconds).
6. Save the macro and activate it.

MacroDroid also supports conditional rules, such as setting a flashlight to only work at night or when the phone is down (using a proximity sensor).

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If the flashlight doesn’t turn on, check if MacroDroid is blocking the battery optimizer. Go to Settings → Apps → MacroDroid → Battery and select Unlimited.

Method 3: Hidden MIUI settings (only for some models)

On individual Xiaomi devices (mostly flagships like the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Mi 11 Ultra) there is a hidden flashlight activation feature when notified. It is activated via an engineering menu or special codes.

Try the following method:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##841## (some models may work ##36446337##).
2. If the code works, you will be taken to the CIT (Factory Mode) menu.
3. Select Flashlight Test or Notification Light.
4. Activate the Enable Flash on Notification option (the name may vary).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Note: the engineering menu may vary from firmware to firmware. Do not change the other options in this section, which may cause malfunctions in the smartphone.

If your model is not listed in the table, try entering the codes one by one, and if the menu does not open, it means that the function is not supported on your device.

Method 4: The Flashlight and Notifications app from Xiaomi (for Chinese firmware)

Smartphones with Chinese firmware MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 China ROM) sometimes pre-installed the application Flashlight Notifications (in Russian firmware it is not), which allows you to turn on the flashlight when calling and texting without third-party utilities.

How to activate:

1. Check if your phone has Flashlight Notifications (find through search).
2. If it is not, try installing an APK from a trusted source (such as APKPure).
3. Open the app and give you access to notifications.
4. Select notification types (calls, SMS, instant messengers) and configure flash settings.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK - from unverified sources, it may harm the device.

This method doesn’t work on all models, but if your smartphone supports Chinese firmware, the odds are high. For example, on the Redmi K40 or Xiaomi 11T Pro, the feature is often available.

Problems and Solutions: Why Does the Lightning Not Turn On?

If you have set everything according to the instructions, but the flashlight does not work at notifications, check the following points:

• 🔌 Application permissions. Make sure that Light Manager or MacroDroid has access to notifications and flashlight management. → Annexes → [programme] → Permits.
• 🔋 Battery optimization. Add the app to optimizer exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [select the program] → No restrictions.
• 📱 Hardware limitations. On some models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) The flashlight cannot be turned on programmatically due to driver limitations.
• 🔄 Conflict with other applications: If you have other flashlight control tools installed (e.g. Flash Alerts), they may block the main software from running.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Reinstall the app.
2. Clear the cache and program data in the settings.
3. Check if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) is blocking the utility.

Alternative options: vibration, LED, sound

If you can’t turn on the flashlight when notifying, consider alternative ways to alert:

• 💡 LED lights. Many Xiaomi models have LED-Notification indicator (for example, on Redmi Note 10 Pro). Configure it in Settings → Notifications → LED indicator.
• 📳 Vibration with unique patterns. → Sound and vibration → Vibration at notifications can be set different rhythms for different applications.
• 🔊 Use tunes or voice alerts (e.g., through Google Assistant).
• 🌐 Push notifications on smartwatches. If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, set up duplicate alerts on them.

These methods are less noticeable than flashlights, but are also effective for alerts.

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If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support flashlights when notified, combine several alternative ways (e.g. LED + vibration) for maximum visibility.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a flashlight on Xiaomi