How to automatically turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi when you call

Have you ever lost your phone in the dark because you didn't notice an incoming call? Or tried to find the keys in your bag while Xiaomi vibrates in your pocket? The flashlight automatically turns on when you call it solves both problems -- and it's not just a "chip" but a useful security tool. In this article, we'll look at all the activation methods, from standard settings to hidden MIUI capabilities that work even on the budget models of Redmi and Poco.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi smartphones support this feature out of the box. It depends on the MIUI version, model and regional firmware. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with global firmware, the option may not be available, whereas on the Redmi Note 11 with the Chinese version it is available by default. We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and highlighted those that work stably.

1. Standard configuration through "Additional Functions"

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for most models released after 2020, but may not be available on older or custom firmware.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
• 🔍 Go to Additional Features (on some models – Special Features).
• 💡 Find the flashlight when calling or flash when notifying.
• 🔄 Activate the slider and select the notification type: Calls, Messages or All.

If you don't have a menu item, don't get upset. On some devices (like the Poco X5 Pro), the option is hidden under a different name: Backlit Notifications. Try searching by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner).

Make sure the flashlight is manually working (check through the notification curtain)

Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Turn off energy saving modes (they can block background processes)-->

2. Configure through the application "Security"

On Xiaomi smartphones with firmware for the Chinese market (or global, but with Mi Security installed), the feature can hide in the Security app. This method often works on the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and Mi 11.

How to turn on:

1. Launch the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization or Tools section.
3. Find the flashlight unit at notifications (may be called Light Effects).
4. Turn on the option and set the sensitivity (for example, only for Contacts or All Calls).

Important! If the Security app is missing, you can manually install it from AppGallery or APKCombo. Use a version compatible with your Xiaomi model.

Redmi Note Series Series Series

Poco (any model)

Mi (flagship series)

Another brand

I don't know.-->

3. Use of third-party applications

If the built-in methods didn't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

How to set up Flash Alerts 2:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide access to Notices and Camera.
3. In the Apps section, select Phone and activate Flash on call.
4. Adjust the color and frequency of the blinking (for example, White at 1 second interval).

⚠️ Attention! Some applications (e.g. Light Flow) require root rights, can lead to loss of warranty and unstable system performance. 9A) root is almost impossible to get.

4. Configure via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're ready to dive into the technical details, the ADB method gives you complete control over flashlight settings, which works even on devices where the option is blocked by the manufacturer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB Tools and execute command: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1
4. Use the following: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T) you will need to restart the command after you run the flashlight, otherwise the flashlight will not work. If ADB issues a permission denied error, try adding the --user 0 flag:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1 --user 0

5. Alternative solutions: widgets and automation

If none of these methods worked, consider workarounds. They're less convenient, but they're reliable.

• 🔧 Flashlight widget on the home screen: add flashlight shortcut (long tap on screen) → Widgets → When you call, you can quickly turn it on manually.
• ⚙️ Automation with Tasker: Create a task that turns on a flashlight when an incoming call is detected (AutoNotification plugin is required).
• 📱 Voice Assistant: Set up a command for Google Assistant (e.g., “OK Google, turn on the flashlight”) and activate it with your voice while you call.

The following profile is suitable for Tasker:

1. Event: Telephone → Incoming call.
2. Action: Plugin → AutoTools → Lantern (include).
3. Add a 2-second delay so that the flashlight doesn’t flash on short calls.

⚠️ Attention! When using Tasker or similar applications (e.g. MacroDroid), the flashlight may remain on after the call is complete. To avoid battery drain, add the action Turn off the flashlight when the event occurs.

6. Problem Solving: Why the flashlight doesn't turn on

Even after setting it right, the flashlight may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

If the problem persists, check the flashlight manually (through the notification curtain or the Camera app). On some models (e.g. Redmi A1), hardware restrictions do not allow the flash to be used during a call - in this case only an external accessory (e.g. Xiaomi Mi LED Flashlight) will help.

💡

Before resetting to factory settings, save a list of installed apps using Mi Mover (Settings → About Phone → Backup). This will speed up recovery after reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions

💡

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support the built-in flashlight feature when calling, the best option is the Flash Alerts 2 app. It doesn’t require root, it works stable and has flexible settings.