How to enable flash on notifications on Xiaomi: hidden settings and life hacks

Are you tired of missing important messages because your phone is in your bag or on the table vibrating down? The flash of light when notifying on Xiaomi is not only a stylish accent, but also a practical solution for those who want to be always connected. However, finding this feature in the maze of MIUI settings is not so easy: the manufacturer regularly moves it between the menu, and on some models it is completely hidden behind engineering codes.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to enable flash notifications, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users, and learn why a feature may not work on your model (even if it’s officially supported), how to get around the limitations. MIUI And what applications will help if the regular funds refuse to cooperate, and also a unique method of activating the flash for models without any cooperation. LED-An indicator that is not even written on forums.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi flash on default notifications?

The MIUI concept is built on a balance between functionality and battery savings. LED flash is one of the most energy-consuming elements in a smartphone, and its constant use for notifications can reduce battery life by 15-20%. That's why Xiaomi defaults to disable this feature on most models, leaving it only for:

• 📱 The flagship series (Xiaomi) 13/14, Black Shark)
• 🔋 Models with capacious batteries (from 5000 mAh)
• 💡 Hardware devices LED-Indicator (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro)

Also, on budget smartphones (Redmi A1, Poco M5), the function can be locked at the firmware level — the manufacturer saves on hardware components using cheaper LEDs, not designed for frequent activation. But that does not mean that you can not turn it on: we will show you workarounds.

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Continuous use of flash can cause pixels to burn out in the status bar area.

Method 1: Standard activation via MIUI settings

If your smartphone supports the function at the firmware level, you can turn it on in 3 steps:

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Go to Application Notifications and select a messenger (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
3. Activate the Light indicator or flash switch when notified (name depends on the version of MIUI).

On some models (Redmi Note 11, Poco X4 Pro) the path may be different:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flash notifications

If you don't have one on your menu, it's locked. Go to the next one.

Turn off power saving mode | Charge your phone at least 30% | Update MIUI to the latest version |Check if the flash in the camera is working-->

Method 2: Hidden settings through the engineering menu

For models where the function is locked but hardware supported (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3), you can use an engineering menu. This method requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to a system failure.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (alternative code ##6484## is used on some firmware).
2. In the engineering menu, select Hardware Testing → LED.
3. Activate Notification LED or Flash on Call/Notification.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, the engineering menu may be blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try turning off Wi-Fi before entering or use it. ADB-teams (mode 4).

Method 3: Applications for flash control

If the standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. 5 popular applications and selected the top-3 reliability and functionality:

For installation:

1. Download APK from APKMirror (avoid unknown sources!).
2. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested.
4. In the utility settings, select the applications that need a flash and adjust the blinking frequency.

adb shell pm grant com.app.package android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

(Replace com.app.package with a real application package).-->

Method 4: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If you're not afraid of the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will open up hidden settings, which works even on locked firmware, but requires a computer and USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Platform Tools from Google and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
2. On your phone, turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the platform-tools folder, and execute: adb devices (your device should appear).
5. Enter the command to activate the flash: adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 1
6. Reboot the phone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell settings put system notification_light_pulse 1

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 Android 12+ If the function is not working after the reboot, do: adb shell pm grant com.android.systemui android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

Standard settings MIUI|Engineering menu|Party of annex|ADB-team|Not yet.-->

Problem Solving: Why is the outbreak not working?

Even after you set it up properly, it may not work, and we've compiled the TOP-5 causes and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Energy saving: Turn off battery mode in Settings → Battery. → Power saving mode: flash fails if battery is below 15%.
• 📱 Application Conflict: Remove or Freeze Through ADB Utilities like Battery Saver or Security that block background activity.
• 🔄 Resetting: If the feature worked but Suddenly stopped, reset the notification settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Choose the messenger] → Notifications → Drop it.
• 🛠️ Firmware damage: Custom firmware (like LineageOS) may not have a driver to control the flash. MIUI via Fastboot.
• 💡 Hardware malfunction: If the flash doesn't work even in the camera, check it through the test menu (#4636## → Hardware Testing: Repair required if damaged.

If the problem persists, check the error log through ADB:

adb logcat | grep -i "flash"

Look for lines from E/FlashlightService, which will indicate a specific error.

💡

In the models with IR-With a blaster (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the flash may conflict with the infrared port. → Connected devices → IR-blaster if you don't use it.

Alternatives: What to do if the flash is not turned on?

If none of these things worked, don't despair. Here are 3 working alternatives:

1. Screen flash: Apps like Screen Flash Notifications flash the screen when notified, down from increased battery consumption.
2. Vibration + Sound: Set up unique vibration patterns for different applications in Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → Notification Vibration.
3. Smartwatch or bracelet: Connect Mi Band or Amazfit – they vibrate and light up when notified, saving your phone’s charge.

For owners of Xiaomi with AMOLED-There’s a trick to using screens (like Xiaomi 13 Lite): Always-On Display (AOD) It's less visible than a flash, but it doesn't require any more adjustments:

Settings → Screen → Always-On Display → Notification Style

FAQ: Frequent flash questions on notifications