How to turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi: 5 ways to all models

The flashlight on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know how to use it effectively. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and the version of the MIUI firmware, the ways to turn on may vary. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard gestures to hidden settings, and also explain why the flashlight may not work and how to fix it.

Xiaomi has a flexible interface customization feature, for example, on some devices, the flashlight is activated by double-pressing the power button, and on others, through the notification panel. We tested all the methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and compiled a universal guide, and if you just bought a smartphone or updated your firmware, this guide will help you understand the nuances.

1. Standard method: through the notification panel

The most obvious and versatile method is to use a control center, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi and the flagship Mi/POCO.

1. Unlock the screen (if it is locked).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the flashlight icon (🔦) and tap her.

On some firmware, the icon may be hidden under the button "More» (⋯) — If the flashlight doesn't turn on the first time, check the permissions for the flashlight app in the security settings.

Add the flashlight icon to your quick settings|Check the permissions for the application "Flightlightlight"|Update MIUI last-minute|Reboot your smartphone-->

On Xiaomi AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) The brightness of the flashlight is adjusted automatically depending on the lighting. IPS-matrices (e.g. Redmi) 10C) fixation.

2. Hot keys: double press of the power button

Many users don’t know that on Xiaomi, you can turn on a flashlight with a double press of the power button — even when the screen is locked.This feature is called the Double tap power button for torch and is activated in the settings:

1. Open Settings → Special features → Gestures and movements.
2. Find the option “Double press the power button” (or “Fast flashlight start”).
3. Activate the slider and confirm the resolution.

Once activated, press the power button quickly enough twice (without delaying it), and the flashlight will turn on, which works on most models, except for some budget Redmis with stripped-down firmware.

Through the notification panel|Double press of the power button|Voice assistant|Screen gesture|Another option-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with a physical power button (e.g., Redmi) 9A) Double pressing can be unstable, in which case try pressing faster or use alternative methods.

3. Voice assistant: "OK, Google" or Xiao AI

If you have a voice assistant on (Google Assistant or Xiaomi’s Xiao AI), you can activate the flashlight with a voice command, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your smartphone is lying on the table.

For Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Say, OK, Google, turn on the flashlight».
• 🔦 Or, "Hey Google, light up the lights».

For Xiao AI (only running Chinese firmware or with an installed application):

• 🎤 Say "" (in Chinese).
• 🔦 Or: "Switch on the flashlight" (if the Russian language is configured).

Voice control works even when the screen is locked, if the assistant settings allow access in any state, but on some models (for example, the POCO M5), this feature may be disabled by default due to battery optimization.

💡

To make the voice assistant respond faster, add its widget to the home screen and turn off power saving for the Google or Xiao AI app in the battery settings.

4. Screen gestures: MIUI's hidden capabilities

MIUI supports gestures for quick access to functions, including a flashlight, such as some firmware that can be configured to:

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge (left or right side) to turn on the flashlight.
• ☝️ Double touch on the back (on models with support for Double tap to wake).
• 🔄 Shaking the phone (requires activation in Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).

To tune the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Gestures.
2. Select “Fast flashlight start” or “Gestural settings”.
3. Assign the desired action (for example, swipe up from the left edge).

⚠️ Attention: Gestures may conflict with other features (e.g., calling Google Assistant to swipe from the corner).If the flashlight is turned on accidentally, turn off the gesture or reconfigure it.

5. Through the Flashlight app (for advanced features)

The standard flashlight in MIUI has limited settings, but you can install third-party applications for advanced control.

• 🔦 Tiny Flashlight + LED — brightness control, flashing, SOS-signal.
• 💡 Super-Bright LED Flashlight – support for widgets and voice control.
• 🔋 Flashlight Widget – Quick access from the main screen.

To install a side flashlight:

1. Download the app from Google Play or Mi App Store.
2. Run it and give permissions to access the camera (the flashlight uses its LED).
3. Add the app widget to the main screen for quick access.

The app side is useful if the standard flashlight is unstable or additional features are needed (e.g., flashing mode for alarms) but they can drain the battery faster due to background activity.

💡

The flashlight side requires permission to access the camera, and if the app requests access to contacts or locations, it's suspicious and could be a sign of malware.

6 Why the flashlight doesn't work and how to fix it

If the flashlight doesn't turn on, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Programme challenges

• 📱 Outdated firmware - update MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 No permissions – check the settings of the Flashlight app in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔄 Conflict with other applications – disable SEO tasks (e.g. Security or Clean Master).

Hardware problems

• 💡 Burned LED – if the flashlight stopped working after falling or getting moisture, repair is required.
• 🔋 Weak battery – at a charge level below 5%, the flashlight can automatically turn off.
• 📱 Damaged camera plume - in this case, the main camera does not work.

For diagnosis:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Check the camera’s performance – if it doesn’t turn on, the problem is in the hardware.
3. Reset the settings to factory (pre-reverse).

⚠️ Note: If the flashlight flashes or is intermittent, this may indicate problems with LED contacts.Do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - contact the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi