How to set up flash to SMS notifications in Xiaomi: all ways

Receiving notifications of new messages with a flash of light is a convenient feature for those who often miss important SMS due to silent mode or in noisy places. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), this option is hidden in the special features settings, and many users do not even know it exists. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to activate the flash on SMS, including bypassing restrictions on some models and versions of MIUI.

It's important to understand that the function depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on Xiaomi 12T Pro with MIUI 14, the path to settings is different from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 12.5. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific lines. If your smartphone does not support built-in customization, at the end of the article you will find alternative solutions using third-party applications.

Why is the flash on SMS in Xiaomi not working?

Before we move on to setting up, let’s look at the common reasons why the function may not work:

• 🔹 Lack of support at iron level: some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) not equipped with an LED flash capable of flashing in notification mode.
• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: in the firmware versions below MIUI 11 Options may not be available or may not work.
• 🔹 Conflict with other features: If Do Not Disturb or Energy Saving mode is enabled, the flash may be ignored by the system.
• 🔹 Problems with permissions: after the update MIUI Access rights for system notifications are sometimes reset.

If your device falls under one of these, don't worry -- in the alternatives section, we're going to show you how to get around the limitations with third-party tools, and now we're going to the basics.

Method 1: Incorporation through “Special Opportunities” (official method)

This is the most reliable and recommended method, as it uses built-in functions. MIUI. The instructions are relevant for the firmware MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select the Special Opportunities section.
3. Go to the Hearing submenu (some models may call it Sound and Vibration).
4. Find the Notification Flash option (or Light Indication) and activate the slider.
5. In the window that appears, select Messages (or SMS) from the list of applications.
6. Adjust the flash color (if available) and flash frequency.

After activation, check the function by sending a test SMS from the second device. Flash should flash even when the screen is off, but only when the phone is locked (on the unlocked device, the function may not work).

1.Make sure the screen is locked

2. Send a text message from another phone

3.Look at the back camera - there should be a flash

4. Check the "Do Not Disturb" settings (should be disabled)-->

Method 2: Configure with Notifications and Status String

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or POCO F4), the flash option is duplicated in the notification menu, which is suitable if you do not find the right item in the Special features:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Select Application Notifications.
3. Find Messages (or SMS/MMS) in the list and tap it.
4. Activate the Flash option when notified (may be in the Additional section).
5. Save the changes and restart the device (recommended for settings).

If this item is missing, your model does not support an alternative configuration path, in which case, go back to Method 1 or use third-party solutions.

💡

On some firmware, the flash option only appears after the notifications for the Messages app are first turned on. If there is no point, allow notifications for SMS to be shown first.

Compatibility table for MIUI models and versions

Below is the latest update on flash support for popular Xiaomi devices, based on user tests and official updates:

Important: On devices with a Snapdragon 4xx processor (e.g. Redmi 9A), the built-in function may not work smoothly due to hardware platform limitations, and in such cases, we recommend using specialized applications, which will be discussed later.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for supported models)

If your device doesn't support the built-in flash setting, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested a few solutions and selected the most reliable ones:

1. Flash Notifications application

• 🔹 Supports tuning of color and frequency of blinking.
• 🔹 It works on all versions of Android (including Android). MIUI).
• 🔹 Requires permission for Special Access (setting in the application menu).

2. Light Flow utility

• 🔹 Paid version with advanced settings.
• 🔹 Allows you to assign unique colors for different contacts.
• 🔹 Compatible with Xiaomi, but can conflict with energy-saving modes.

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested.
3. In the settings, select Messages and configure flash settings.
4. Activate the Start When Download option so that the feature works after restarting the phone.

Problem Solving: Why doesn't the flash flash flash?

If you have completed all the settings but the flash still doesn’t work, check the following points:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) have the feature turned off automatically when connected to a Power Bank or charger.

• 🔹 Check permissions for the Messages app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Communications → Permissions and make sure Notifications and System Settings Changes are enabled.
• 🔹 Turn off energy saving modes: C Settings → Battery Deactivate Super Energy Saving and Optimization MIUI for the annex “Messages".
• 🔹 Update the firmware: On versions MIUI below 12.0.3, the function may not work properly. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the problem persists, try resetting the notification settings:

Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage → Clear data

After that, reconfigure the flash according to the instructions from Method 1.

Additional settings: customization of the flash

On MIUI 13/14 firmware, you can get advanced light display settings. Here's what you can change:

• 🎨 Flash Color: Choose from preview options (red, blue, green) or adjust the shade manually (not available on all models).
• ⏱️ Blinking duration: Specify the interval between flashes (from 0.5 to 3 seconds).
• 🔕 Exceptions: Add contacts for which the flash won’t work (e.g., spam messages).
• 🌙 Night mode: turn off the flash in the dark (configured according to the schedule).

To access these options:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing → Notification flash.
2. Slip on the Additional settings (or the pin pin pin icon in the upper right corner).
3. Set the parameters according to your preferences.

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On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5, the “Adaptive Flash” function is available, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the blinking to the lighting in the room.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up flash on SMS