Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need for visual alerts of incoming calls, especially in noisy places where ringtone sound can be silenced, or for people with hearing impairments. The standard flash feature when calling allows you to instantly respond to incoming connections, even if the device is lying down the screen or in your pocket.
With MIUI and the new HyperOS, notification algorithms change periodically, sometimes hidden in deep menus, and in some regions, it may not be available by default, and in this article, we’ll look at all the ways to activate this feature, from standard system settings to the use of specialized utilities.
You will learn how to set up a blink. LED-We'll look at the nuances of different firmware versions and propose effective solutions for all phone models, and we'll look at the nuances of different firmware versions.
Standard settings of MIUI and HyperOS
You can start looking for the right option with basic smartphone settings, and most modern versions of Xiaomi shells have flash management integrated into the accessibility section, to make it easier for people with disabilities to use it, but everyone can use it.
You need to open the main menu and find the Settings icon, then scroll down to Advanced Settings or immediately select Special Features (depending on the translation version, it may be called "Additional" or have a human icon), and this is where the key options for managing the physical interfaces of the device are concentrated.
Inside the special features menu, find the Hearing or Audiovisual Effects tab, and this is where the Flash for Notifications switch is located, and when you activate it, you allow the system to use the camera's LED flash to signal events, but it may require additional action to operate during the call.
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If the switch in the menu is inactive (grey), check if the power saving mode is on, as it often blocks work. LED-battery-saving module.
It's worth noting that on some models, like the Redmi Note or the POCO M, the menu may be slightly different. If you don't find the option on the specified path, try searching by settings. Type the word "flash" or "flash" into the search bar, and the system will highlight the desired section.
Setting up the application Phone and pocket mode
Often, users overlook that a separate system application Phone is responsible for processing incoming calls. In the MIUI shell, it has advanced settings that are not duplicated in the common menu. To access them, open the call app and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
In the drop-down menu, select Settings. You're interested in Incoming Calls. This is an important option, known as Pocket Mode or Pocket Mode. When you activate this feature, the screen remains black when the phone is in your pocket, but the flash flash flash flash starts flashing when the call arrives, allowing you to feel the call through the fabric.
- 📞 Open the Phone app and go to settings via the menu.
- 🔍 Find the Incoming Calls or Call Settings section.
- 💡 Activate the Tumbler Flash when calling or Pocket mode.
- 🔊 Check if Vibration in your pocket is enabled for the complex effect.
It is important to understand the difference between a regular notification flash and a pocket mode: the first can only work when the screen is off, the second is specially adapted for a situation where the proximity sensor is closed with a fabric. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to enable both options, if they are available in your version of the software.
☑️ Checking call settings
Some users complain that when you update your firmware, your settings are reset. If you upgrade to a new version of Android or MIUI, be sure to double-check these settings. System updates often return settings to factory values, ignoring the user's previous preferences.
Using third-party applications to flash
If standard means to enable blinking fails, third-party solutions come to the rescue from the Google Play store. Developers create specialized utilities that intercept the event of an incoming call and force activate the LED-This is often the only way out for older models or specific regional firmware.
One of the most popular and reliable solutions is the Flash Alert app or its analogues, such as LED Flash for Calls. These programs are minimal weight and do not require root rights. Once installed, you will need to give the application permission to access the phone and camera, after which it will start working in the background.
The main advantage of third-party software is the flexibility of settings: you can set the blinking frequency, color (if the phone has a color indicator), or flash duration, and these applications often allow you to create separate profiles for different contacts, which is not available in standard system settings.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps, carefully read the list of permissions requested. Flash utility doesn't need access to your photos, contacts (other than calling) or microphone. Avoid questionable programs with excessive access rights.
Note that the constant operation of such applications can slightly increase battery consumption, as the processor and camera module will be more widely used. However, modern optimization algorithms Xiaomi usually cope well with background tasks of this type, avoiding critical discharge.
Mode of LED indicator of notifications
Notification LED, which is present in many Xiaomi mid- and low-end models, deserves special attention. Unlike the main camera flash, this small LED burns next to the speaker and consumes minimal power.
In recent versions of MIUI, the control of this indicator has been hidden or removed from the visible interface. However, in many models it continues to work. To activate it, go to Settings → Lock Screen → Notification Indicator. Here you can select the color of the glow for missed calls and messages.
| Type of event | Color of indicator | Blinking mode | Energy consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming challenge | Green/Blue | Frequent flashing | Low. |
| SMS message | Green. | Single pulse | Minimum |
| Charging the battery | Red/Orange | Constant glow | Missing (charge coming) |
| Low charge. | Red. | Rare flashing | Minimum |
If you don't have an indicator item on your menu, it doesn't mean it's not on your phone. Manufacturers often hide it software, so you can try typing code ##6484## (CIT) into the engineering menu, find an LED test, check for a physical module, and if the test is successful and the option isn't in the settings, you might need to install a patch or module.
Secret code to check LEDs
Problems with the operation of the outbreak and their solution
Even with the right settings, users can encounter a situation where the flash doesn't light up. one of the common reasons is application conflict. If you have multiple flashlight or notification management programs installed, they can block each other. Check the list of installed apps and delete duplicates.
Another common problem is energy saving mode. MIUI aggressively unloads background processes to save charge. Go to the battery settings, find the Phone app or your flash utility, and select Unlimited mode, which will prevent the system from "sleeping" the process responsible for blinking.
- 🔋 Turn off battery supersaving mode during testing.
- 🧹 Clear the phone app cache through the application manager.
- 🔄 Restart the device after changing system settings.
- 📱 Make sure the light sensor is not covered with a protective film.
Also worth checking is the Do Not Disturb mode, which allows the smartphone to block not only sound, but also visual notifications, including flash, and you can set exceptions to the menu by adding important contacts to the whitelist.
Features of work on different models Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup is huge, and the implementation of features may differ. Mi and Xiaomi flagships (like the 12, 13, 14 models) often lack a separate LED indicator, and only the main flash is used. In the budget Redmi and POCO series, the situation is reversed: there may not be a main flash at all (only double), but a small notification indicator is present.
On the off-the-shelf. OLED-screens (using the IPS-The Always On Display function works differently or not, in which case the flash when the call becomes critical. AMOLED-screens (Redmi Note Pro series, Xiaomi Mi) are easier as they can use the feature AOD to visualize the call without turning on the main light.
⚠️ Note: On models with a cutout in the screen ("drop" or "hole") or bangs, the proximity sensor may not work correctly when using thick protective glasses. This can lead to a false trigger of the pocket mode when the flash is on, even though the phone is lying on the table.
If you have a POCO model, look for the POCO Launcher app and system themes. Some custom themes may overlap with standard notification settings. Try switching to the standard Classic or Default theme to see if the theme is causing the crash.
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Successful flash activation depends on a combination of factors: firmware version, screen model, and correct resolutions for system applications.