Modern Xiaomi smartphones come with a variety of features that often remain hidden from the eyes of the average user. One of these useful options is the ability to use the LED flash of the camera as an indicator of incoming call, which is especially relevant for people with hearing impairments or in situations where the phone is in a noisy place and the call can simply not be heard.
Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi doesn't always make this setting prominent in the standard call menu, often requiring you to go to specific settings or use third-party solutions to activate it. LED-shell-indication MIUI HyperOS will allow you to not miss any important conversation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to activate a light signal, we will look at the standard system tools, the capabilities of the Caller application and third-party software that can be useful in difficult cases, you will learn how to manage the flash modes and customize it to your needs.
Checking system settings of the MIUI and HyperOS shell
The first thing that you need to do for a Redmi or Poco smartphone owner is to check the standard settings of the system. Developers periodically change the layout of menu items in different versions of the firmware. In some regions and versions of the MIUI shell, this feature is built in by default.
To start, you should open the main settings menu for your device. Find the section that handles sound and vibration, because that's where notification settings often hide. In newer versions of HyperOS, the logic may have changed, so carefully study all the subsections.
If you don't find the right switch right away, search by settings. Type in the keyword "flash" or "indicator" and the system will point the way to the desired menu, which greatly speeds up the process of finding hidden options.
It is important to understand that the availability of this feature depends on the specific model of the smartphone. Budget models may not have hardware support for constant burning or flashing when calling at the system level.
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Use the search bar at the top of the settings menu – it’s faster than manually rummaging through all menu items.
Once you find the appropriate item, activate it. You usually just need to move the slider to the "On" position. After that, make a test call from another number to make sure the function is working.
Activation through the standard application "Caller"
Often users search for settings in the general menu, forgetting to check the application itself to make calls. A standard call from Google or a proprietary MIUI Dialer app can have their own display settings.
Open the Phone app and click on the three dots or menu button in the corner of the screen. Select Settings. In the list that opens, look for Incoming Calls or Additional Settings.
There may be a flash option here, and if there is one, turn it on, which is the most stable way, because it works at the level of the application that handles the calls.
⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, this option can be cut out software even if the phone’s hardware supports the function.
If the call settings menu doesn’t have the right item, try updating the app through the Google Play Store. Sometimes new features come with updates to system components.
It's also worth checking if you have a third-party call, and some launchers and shells may block access to flash control for standard applications.
Use the "Mi Sound" function for display
The unique feature of Xiaomi smartphones is the Mi Sound app (or “Sound” in new versions), which is designed to customize the audio profile, but also contains hidden features for controlling light indicators.
Find the “Sound and Vibration” option in the settings menu and go to “Mi Sound” or “Sound Customization” section. Here, select your profile (such as “Standard” or “Hearbursts”). Some versions of the interface have a separate tab for setting notifications.
This is where the Notification Flash switch often hides, and when you activate it, you'll make the LED flash not only when you make calls, but when you get SMS or messenger messages.
The advantage of this method is that it runs deeper than the call settings and covers more event types, but the functionality may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware (China, Global, Russia).
If you don't see this section, try changing the region in your phone settings.Switching to India or Singapore will sometimes unlock additional audio features.
How to change the region without losing data?
Third-party flash management applications
If the built-in flashing tools fail, apps from the Google Play store will come to the rescue. There are many utilities that take over the control of the LED.
One of the most popular solutions is the Flash Alerts app, which is specifically designed to create light and vibration signals for incoming calls, and is easy to set up and does not require superuser rights.
- 📱 Download Flash Alerts or its analogue (for example, Flash Notification) from the Play Market.
- ⚙️ When you first start, provide the necessary permissions to access calls and contacts.
- 🔦 Enable the “Flash on Call” option in the app settings.
- 🎨 Set up the blinking mode: number of flashes, speed and duration.
Using third-party software gives you more flexibility, so you can set up different blinking patterns for different contacts or groups of subscribers, and it allows you to visually identify who's calling without even taking the phone out of your pocket.
However, it is worth remembering that such applications run in the background and can consume additional battery power. It is recommended to add the selected application to the list of exceptions for saving charge.
☑️ Set up a third-party application
Comparison of flash activation methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand the pros and cons of each method depending on your situation and phone model.
| Method | Stability of work | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| System settings | Tall. | Minimum | Low. |
| Appendix Caller | Tall. | Minimum | Medium |
| Mi Sound | Medium | Low. | Medium |
| Third-party annexes | Depends on the software. | Elevated. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, system methods are always preferred because they are optimized, they do not put a load on the processor and ensure that the work is correct even when there is a shortage of RAM.
Third-party applications should only be used as a last resort when other options don’t work, providing better customization, but may conflict with the system’s energy saving.
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Always start with built-in system features – this guarantees maximum stability and no autonomy issues.
Energy conservation problems and their solution
Xiaomi smartphones are known for their aggressive energy saving policy, which can force the flash-blinking processes to close down to save battery life.
If the flash stops burning after some time, check the battery settings. Go to the Battery and Performance section and find the app responsible for the display (Caller or Flash Alerts).
Set the "No Limits" or "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from "killing" the process in the background, and it is also recommended to fix the application in memory if you use third-party software.
⚠️ Warning: Constant flash running in standby mode can significantly increase battery consumption, especially if you have a lot of incoming calls.
Also, make sure the light sensor is not blocked. Some algorithms can turn off the flash if the phone is lying down on the screen or in a dark pocket, considering the indication unnecessary.
In rare cases, the problem may be due to overheating of the camera module. If the phone is very hot, the system may temporarily block the LEDs to protect the hardware.
Additional advice and recommendations
For owners of older models or devices with a faulty vibrator, flash becomes the main method of notification, in which case you can adjust double blinking or longer intervals.
Remember to check the function periodically, especially after the system update. Major Android or MIUI updates can reset user settings to default.
If you use a case with thick walls, make sure it does not overlap the LED. In such cases, the brightness of the flash may not be enough for a noticeable effect.
Experiment with combinations: flash plus vibration, or flash plus loud ringtone, a comprehensive approach ensures that you don't miss an important call in any situation.
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If the flash flash flashes but is very dim, try to wipe the camera area. Fat fingerprints can significantly reduce the brightness of the LED.