Have you ever missed an important call because your phone was in your bag or in another room? A flash flash on Xiaomi can be your salvation — it will attract attention even in noisy rooms or in silent mode. But not all users know that this feature needs to be separately configured: by default, it is disabled on most Redmi, POCO and Mi models.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to enable flash flash flash flashing on incoming calls, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for advanced users, and why flashes sometimes don’t work (even when configured correctly) and how to fix them. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including the latest updates from 2026.
1. Standard method through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system options. It works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and the flagship Mi 11/12/13.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section Sound and vibration.
- Select Flash at notifications (some firmware may call it Light Effects or Notification Indicator).
- Activate the switch next to Incoming calls.
If you have MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Flash at notifications.
Is the "Do Not Disturb" mode on"?|Is there a camera license for the phone app"?|Is the battery enough (the blink eats) ~5% per hour)?|Does the flash work in flashlight mode?-->
Important: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) may not have this item, which means that the manufacturer has disabled the feature at the firmware level – move on to alternative methods from the following sections.
Configure via “Special Opportunities”
If there is no flash option in the Sounds section, try an alternative way through Special Features, which works even on budget models where the manufacturer has cut down on the functionality:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
- Select Hearing (or Audio/Visual Tips on newer versions of MIUI).
- Activate Flash at Notifications or Visual Alerts.
- In the menu that appears, tick the Incoming Calls.
MIUI 13/14 may require additional permission to enable the Phone application: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Camera.
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If the flash flash flashes too often or too little after switching on, try adjusting the intensity in the Special Options settings. Some models have a flash brightness slider.
3. Use of the "Flash on Call" app (for older models)
If your Xiaomi is released before 2019 (e.g. Redmi 5, Mi A2), the standard settings may not work, in which case the third-party Flash Alerts 2 or Flash Notification app from Google Play will help:
- Install the application (links: Flash Alerts 2, Flash Notification).
- Run it and provide all the permissions you request (especially Camera and Notification Reading).
- In the application settings, select Incoming calls and adjust the blinking frequency.
- Activate the Start When Boot option so that the feature works after the phone is restarted.
The advantage of this method is flexible setting: you can choose the color of blinking (if you have a flashing color). RGB-flash, interval, and even assign different signals to different contacts.
Redmi Note 10/11/12|POCO X3/X4/X5|Mi 11/12/13|Redmi 9/9A/9C|Another model-->
4. Hidden settings through the engineering menu (for advanced)
If none of the above methods worked, you can try to activate the function through the engineering menu. This method requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the phone, POCO F3 etc.).
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (code may vary depending on the model).
- In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing → Lights.
- Find the Flashlight Test and turn it on.
- Go back to the main menu and select Telephony → Call Settings.
- Activate the Flash on Call option (if you have one).
Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you know what they are intended for, and this may cause the camera or communication module to malfunction.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
5. Problem Solving: Why the Flash Doesn't Blink
Even after you set it up properly, the flash may not work. TOP-5 causes and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The flash doesn't blink when you ring. | No camera permission from the phone app | Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions and enable access to the camera |
| It only flashes once. | Energy saving mode limits the operation of the flashlight | Turn off battery mode in Settings → Battery or add the Phone app to exceptions |
| It only works when the screen is unlocked. | Security settings block camera access in the background | Enable the option to Allow background activity for the Phone app in the battery settings |
| The flash flash is flashing too weakly | Limiting brightness in special features settings | Increase brightness in Settings → Special features → Hearing → Visual alerts |
| The function disappeared after the MIUI update | Resetting settings after update | Repeat the settings again (see section 1 or 2) |
Critical: If the flash doesn’t work at all (even like a flashlight), the problem may be a hardware breakdown. Check it out is simple: Open the camera → Switch to flashlight mode → Click on the flash icon.
If the LED does not light up, repairs are required.
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On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or POCO F4) flashing can automatically shut down when the battery is low (less than 15%) to save energy.
6. Alternative methods of alerting (if the flash does not work)
If none of these methods worked, consider alternative visual alerts:
- 🔦 Screen flash: In the Special Options settings, turn on Screen flash – the screen will flash white when you call.
- 💡 Smart lamp: connect Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb to the phone and set up automation via Mi Home (the lamp will flash when incoming call).
- 📱 Vibration. + sound: combine tactile and sound signals in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration mode.
- 🔔 Smartwatch: If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, set up duplicate call notifications via the Zepp app.
For owners. POCO F3 or Redmi K40 There is another life hack: these models support RGB-You can activate it through the app. POCO Launcher (Settings section) → Effects. → Illumination).
Bonus: how to make the flash flash flash on messages
The flash flash flash function works not only for calls, but also for SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and other instant messengers.
- For standard SMS: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Flash at notifications → Messages.
- For instant messengers: Open the app settings (like WhatsApp). Go to Notifications → Notification Tones. Select Light signals or Flash.
For Telegram, you will need to additionally install the Flash Notifications app and manually add the messenger to the list of tracked notifications.
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If you use Dual Apps, be sure to set the flash separately for each clone in the notification settings.