Xiaomi flashlight: how to turn on blinking and why it doesn’t work

You miss important calls because your phone is down screen or in a noisy room? The flashlight feature on incoming calls on Xiaomi smartphones can be a lifeline — a flash flash will attract attention even in the most uncomfortable situations. But where can you find it in the settings? Why do some Redmi or POCO models not have this option? And can you adjust the color or the frequency of the blink?

This article provides a complete guide to activating flashlights when calling on all current MIUI firmware (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), bypassing restrictions for models without built-in functionality, and hidden commands for developers to fine-tune flash behavior. We will understand why the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 option may not be available, and what to do if the flashlight flashes too quickly or does not respond at all to calls.

Why the flashlight doesn’t flash when you ring: 5 reasons

Before you set up a function, it’s worth understanding why it might not work, and here are the main reasons why a flashlight doesn’t respond to incoming calls:

• 📱 The phone model doesn't support the feature. On budget Redmi A-series or old Mi 8/9 The option may not be available at the firmware level.
• 🔧 Disabled in access settings. Even if there is an option, it must be allowed in Special Options.
• 🔄 Conflict with other applications: programs like Flash Alerts or Flash On Call can block the standard function.
• 📲 Energy saving mode: Ultra-saving or low battery life MIUI disables "extra" functions.
• 🛠️ The light sensor is damaged, and if the phone thinks it's too light, it may not activate the flash.

For example, on the POCO X3 Pro, the function works out of the box, and on the Redmi 9A it does not even after upgrading to MIUI 13. This is due to hardware limitations - not all models are equipped with a notification LED, which is responsible for blinking.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) instead of flashing the flashlight can be used flashing screen – this is the normal behavior of the system.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for supported models)

If your Xiaomi is in the mid-range or flagship segment (Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5), chances are that the feature is already built into the system.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to the Hearing section (or Sound and Vibration in new MIUI versions).
3. Find Flash at Notifications or Flashing Lantern.
4. Activate the switch and select Calls in the event list.

On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the path may be different:

Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Additional → Flash at Notifications

If there is no point, then your model does not support the function at the firmware level, in which case move to Method 2 or Method 3.

Make sure the flashlight works manually (check through the notification panel)

Turn off the energy-saving mode.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Remove third-party flash management apps-->

Method 2: Hidden settings for developers

On some models (Redmi K50, POCO F3), the function is hidden in the developer menu to unlock it:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Simulate color space (or Imitation of color space) and select Disconnected.
4. Scroll down to the Notifications section and turn on Flash when calling.

If there is no point, try to enter the command via ADB (computer required):

adb shell settings put system notification_light_pulse 1

⚠️ Attention: Changing the developer settings can cause the phone to run unstable.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 3: Third-party applications (if no built-in function)

If your Xiaomi doesn't support flashing at the system level, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 allows you to adjust the color, frequency and duration of the blinking. 9C and POCO M3.
• 📞 Flash On Call – specializes in calls, there is a filter for contacts (you can turn off blinking for spam).
• 🎨 Flash Notification 2 – supports gradient blinking (smooth brightness change).

How to set up:

1. Download the app from Google Play (links above).
2. Grant permissions for Notifications, Camera and Calls.
3. In the application settings, select Only calls (so that the flashlight does not flash when SMS or messages in messengers).
4. Adjust the frequency of blinking (optimally 1-2 flashes per second).

On Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), some apps may require additional permissions in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Notification Management.

💡

If the flashlight flashes too often and drains the battery, set an interval of at least 1 second in the application settings and limit the running time to 30 seconds per call.

Method 4: Automation with MacroDroid (for advanced)

If you want to flexibly configure flashlight blinking (for example, only for certain contacts or at night), use MacroDroid. This app allows you to create automatic scripts without root rights.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro with an Inbound Call trigger.
3. Add the action Turn on the flashlight (see the Equipment section).
4. Set a delay before turning off (e.g. 500ms for blinking).
5. Add the Time of Day condition if you want to limit the function.

Example scenario for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:

Trigger: Incoming call (any contact)




Condition: Time between 20:00 and 8:00




Action 1: Turn on the flashlight




Action 2: Wait for 300ms




Action 3: Turn off the flashlight




Action 4: Repeat 10 times

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 MacroDroid may require permission to use over other windows (Settings) → Annexes → Special access. Without that, macros won't work.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after setting up, the flashlight may not work properly, and here are the typical errors and ways to correct them:

• 🔋 The flashlight does not blink at low charge → Turn off energy saving in Settings → Battery.
• 📵 It only works when the screen is unlocked. → In the application settings, turn on the Work in the background.
• 🔄 Blinking too fast/slowly → In Flash Alerts 2, adjust the interval manually (optimum: 1000 ms).
• 🚫 The function is disabled after restarting → Give the application permission to Autostart.

Xiaomi. 13T and other models with IR-The flashlight can conflict with the remote control:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Remote DU.
2. Turn off Automatic Device Detection.
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

If the flashlight flashes chaotically (like on the POCO X5 Pro), check if it conflicts with the "Rise to Wake Up" function (Settings → Screen → Raise to Wake Up).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions