How to make a flashlight flash when calling on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 5 working ways

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often face the problem of how not to miss an important call in a noisy room or when the phone is lying down? Standard tunes and vibrations do not always save you — especially if you are on the street or in transport. The solution is simple: adjust the flashlight flashing when the incoming call. This feature not only visually attracts attention, but also saves battery power compared to the constant backlight of the screen.

However, in standard MIUI settings, the flashing option is hidden or absent when calling, depending on the firmware version. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to activate the function, from hidden system settings to third-party applications, you will learn how to circumvent the restrictions of Xiaomi without root rights and why sometimes the flashlight refuses to blink even after you set it up correctly.

Before you get to the instructions, make sure your Redmi Note 8 has the current MIUI version installed. Old firmware (below MIUI 12) may not support some methods. Also check the flashlight's performance manually - it may be a hardware malfunction.

📊 You have already tried to set up flashing flashlight on Xiaomi?
Yeah, but it didn't work.
Yeah, it's working.
No, I just learned about this function.
I'm using a third-party app.

Method 1: Hidden MIUI settings (without applications)

In MIUI 12-14, the flashing flashing function of the flashlight is hidden in the special features section, and to activate it, follow the following steps:

  1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
  2. Go to Hearing → Notifications when calling.
  3. Activate the flashing flashlight switch (or Light Indication in some versions).
  4. Choose the color of the flash (if available) and frequency.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi Note 8, this item may not be available. If you don't find an option, move on to the next one.

If there is no Notifications section, try an alternative way:

  • 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
  • 📱 Find the Phone app and open its settings.
  • 🔔 Check the Notifications tab - sometimes the flashing flashing flashlight option is hidden there.

💡

If the flashlight flashes too fast or slow after activation, try resetting the Phone app settings to Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset settings.

Method 2: Flash Alerts 2 (for all versions of MIUI)

If the standard settings did not work, a third-party application Flash Alerts 2 will come to the rescue. It is compatible with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and allows you to flexibly adjust flashing flashlights not only when calling, but also when SMS, notifications from messengers.

How to install and configure:

  1. Download Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play.
  2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested (access to notifications, camera, phone).
  3. In the main menu, activate the Flash on Call switch (blinking when calling).
  4. In the Customize section, set up: 🔦 Blinking colour (white/coloured). ⚡ Frequency (slow/normal/fast). 📵 Exceptions (e.g., do not blink in "Do not disturb" mode").

⚠️ Warning: Once installed, the application may conflict with standard notifications MIUI. If the flashlight doesn’t blink, restart your phone and check the permissions again.

Application installed and updated | All permissions granted | Flash on Call| Phone rebooted after settings | Checked on test call-->

Method 3: Using Automate (for advanced users)

If you like automation, Automate will allow you to create a custom flashing flashing scenario when you call, a method that is suitable for users who need advanced settings (for example, blinking only from certain contacts).

Instructions for setting:

  1. Install Automate from Google Play.
  2. Create a new stream and add a Phone call received block.
  3. Add the Flashlight block and set the settings: 🔄 Turn on (turn on the flashlight when you call). ⏱️ Duration: 300 ms (glow time). ⏳ Interval: 500 ms (interval between blinkings).

Phone call ended

Flashlight: Turn off

Save the flow and start it.

Important: Automate requires permission to access phone calls and control the flashlight, and without those permissions, the script won't work.

Advantages of AutomateDeficiencies
Flexible setting (you can set the blinking only for the purpose of VIP-contact)More difficult to set up for beginners
It works without root rights.Requires constant work in the background (consumes battery)
It can be combined with other actions (vibration, sound)Sometimes conflicts with energy-saving MIUI regimes

Method 4: ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If you’re not afraid of the command line, you can activate the hidden flashlight function via ADB. This method works on most versions of MIUI, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
  2. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 8: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the flashlight doesn't blink after you've run the command, return the value to 0:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
If the adb device command doesn’t show your Redmi Note 8, follow the following steps: 1. Make sure File Transfer (not just charging) mode is enabled. 2. Update Xiaomi drivers via the official website. 3. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 4. Reinstall Platform Tools to another folder (without Cyrillic on the go).

Method 5: Firmware custom recovery (for enthusiasts)

If none of the above methods worked, the radical solution is to install custom recovery (e.g., TWRP) and modified flash flash-enabled firmware, which is only suitable for power users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and risks cancelling the warranty.

What will be required:

    ⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn your Redmi Note 8 into a brick.Before starting the procedure, make a full backup through the backup. TWRP Make sure the firmware is compatible with the Ginkgo model (codename Redmi Note 8).

    💡

    Installation of custom firmware is an extreme method. In 90% of cases, the flashing flashlight problem is solved by the first 4 methods.

    Even after you set it right, the flashing of the flashlight might not work. TOP-5 causes and solutions:

    1. Power saving mode: MIUI blocks background processes. Turn off mode in Settings → Battery.
    2. Application Conflict: Uninstall other flashlight control programs (e.g. Flashlight Widget).
    3. Outdated firmware: Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → System Update.
    4. No permissions: Check that the app is allowed to access notifications and the camera.
    5. Hardware malfunction: If the flashlight does not work even manually, contact the service center.

    If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

    1. Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
    2. Select Network Resetting.
    3. Reboot your phone and check the flashlight again.

    FAQ: Frequent questions about flashing flashlight on Xiaomi

    Can you adjust different colors for different contacts?
    The standard MIUI settings don't. But the Flash Alerts 2 app allows you to assign unique colors to individual contacts (in the premium version). To do this: Open the contact in the phone book. Click Edit → Additional settings. Choose the flashing color (if available). Alternatively, use Automate with the condition If caller is [contact].
    The flashlight is flashing, but it's very dim. How do you increase the brightness?
    The brightness of the flashlight on the Redmi Note 8 depends on the firmware: 🔦 Flash Alerts 2: Activate Max Brightness. 📱 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI flashlight. 🔧 If the phone is warranty - contact the service (possible defect of the LED).
    Will the flashlight flash in "Do Not Disturb" mode?
    Depending on the settings. Flash Alerts 2 has an Ignore DND option (ignore "Do Not Disturb"). In standard MIUI settings, blinking is usually turned off along with other notifications. To get around this: Go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → Do Not Disturb. Add the Phone app or Flash Alerts 2 to the exception list.
    Can I set up flashing flashlights when SMS?
    Yes, and it's even easier than calling. In Flash Alerts 2, activate the Flash on SMS option. In standard MIUI settings: Open Settings → Applications → Messages → Notifications. Turn on Lighting Indication (if available). Use Automate for flexible settings (e.g., blinking only from certain numbers).
    How much battery does flashing a flashlight consume?
    The flow rate depends on the frequency of the blinking and the duration of the call: 🔋 1 minute of blinking (standard frequency) — ~0.1-0.3% charge. 📞 5 missed calls of 30 seconds to 1-1.5% of charge. To save battery in Flash Alerts 2, reduce the blinking frequency or activate the Only when screen off option (only when the screen is off).