Why Xiaomi doesnβt have a flashlight feature built-in when calling?
Many Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi and POCO) face an unexpected problem: when they call in, the screen lights up, the vibrator works, but the flashlight remains off. Unlike some brands (such as Samsung or Google Pixel), where this feature is often activated by default, MIUI does not include it in standard settings, the reasons lie in the philosophy of energy saving and unification of firmware for different models.
The fact is that flashing a flashlight when calling increases battery consumption by 30-50% in standby mode, and Xiaomi has traditionally optimized its devices for maximum autonomy. In addition, not all models are equipped with notification LEDs (for example, the budget Redmi 9A or POCO M3), so the manufacturer does not implement the feature at the system level.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways, including hidden settings. MIUI, third-party applications and even ADB-Important: Some methods require permission to change system settings, so check before you start to see if you have a blocked system. USB-Debugging or Root Access (if you plan to use the latter method).
Method 1: Enable via hidden MIUI settings (without Root)
The easiest and safest method is to activate the feature via the MIUI engineering menu. It works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 firmware and does not require superuser rights. Importantly, before you start, make sure you have USB debugging enabled (path: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version β press 7 times, then return to Additional Settings β For Developers).
Instructions:
- π± Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##8483636882##
- π§ In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing. β Flashlight (or LED indicator on Russian firmware).
- π¦ Find Flashlight blink on incoming call (or similar) and switch the switch to position ON.
- π Restart the phone and check the function by calling the device from another number.
If the combination doesn't work, try the alternative code: ##36446337## (for some POCO models). Note: on Android 13+ devices, this method may not work due to security limitations.
USB| Battery Charge > 30%| Data backup created | Phone model checked (does flashlight support)
-->
Method 2: Google Play apps (for non-technical users)
If the hidden settings didn't help, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. Google Play has several proven apps that emulate flashing flashlights when you call.
| Annex | Ratings. | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash On Call | 4.7 β | Simple interface, work without Root, blinking frequency setting | Advertising can be in conflict with energy saving |
| Flash Alerts 2 | 4.5 β | Support for notifications from messengers, color customization | Paid version for advanced functions |
| Flash Notification | 4.3 β | Minimalist design, low energy consumption | It doesnβt work on Android 14 without additional permissions. |
How to set up (for example, Flash On Call):
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Run it and provide all the permissions you request (access to notifications, camera, phone).
- In the settings, enable the Flash on incoming call option.
- Adjust the blinking frequency (recommended 1-2 times per second to save battery).
- Add the app to battery optimization exceptions: Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β All apps β Flash On Call β Do not optimize.
β οΈ Note: Some applications may conflict with system notifications MIUI. If you have stopped coming after installation SMS or calls are displayed with a delay, delete the program and try another.
π‘
Before installing third-party apps, check the reviews from the last month β some utilities stop being supported after MIUI updates.
Method 3: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users
If the first two methods do not work, the most reliable (but also the most difficult) way remains β editing system settings through the system. ADB. This method requires a computer, USB-Advantage: Once set up, the function will work at the system level, without additional applications.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone (see Method 1).
- Connect the phone to your computer and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).
- Give permission to change system settings: adb shell pm grant com.android.settings android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
- Activate flashing flashlight when ringing: adb shell settings put global flashlight_notification_enabled 1
- Reboot the phone.
If the command doesnβt work, try an alternative (for some Redmi models):
adb shell settings put system flashlight_notification 1β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the device starts to brake or overheat after the instructions are executed, reset the settings via adb shell settings reset global (remove all customizations).
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Problems and Solutions: Why Does the Lightning Not Blink?
Even after you set it up properly, it may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:
- π Energy conservation: MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes. Add the flashlight app (if you use it) to exceptions: Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β Select the application β Not optimize.
- π± Incompatible firmware: On custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature may not be available. MIUI In Settings β The phone.
- π¦ Hardware limitations: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) The flashlight cannot physically blink at a high frequency. Try to reduce the interval in the application settings.
- π Blocking Permits: After Updating MIUI Some permissions are reset. Go to Settings. β Annexes β Manage permissions and check access to the camera/flashlight.
If neither of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem: For example, on Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (devices with pure Android One), flashing flashlights are not available at the iron level when calling, which is a limitation of the platform, not the firmware.
π‘
On devices with AMOLED-In the case of the flashlight, flashing flashing flashes are less noticeable during the day due to the high brightness of the display.
Additional chips: how to customize blinking
If you don't want to blink, you can customize unique patterns for different contacts or notification types, such as making the flashlight flash red when calling from unknown numbers and green when calling from contacts from the phone book, and applications like Light Flow (paid but with trial version) are suitable for this.
How to set up:
- Install Light Flow and give all permissions.
- In the Notifications section, select Phone calls.
- Adjust the color of the blink (the options are available: white, red, blue, green - depending on the model of the phone).
- Set a blinking interval (e.g. 500 ms on / 500 ms off for a uniform rhythm).
- Save the settings and test.
For models with RGB-backlit (for example, Xiaomi Black Shark or POCO F4 GT) you can configure even gradient blinking, but this will require Root access and the Tasker application with the AutoNotification plugin.
How to avoid burning a flashlight with frequent flashing
The constant flashing of a flashlight when calling can shorten its life, because LEDs in smartphones are designed for short-term operation (usually up to 10-15 minutes of continuous glow).
- π₯ Decrease in brightness over time (LED degradation).
- π Increased phone charging time (due to increased power consumption).
- β‘ Short circuit risk (in rare cases, if contacts are oxidized).
To avoid problems:
- π οΈ Set up blinking at intervals of no more than 1 time in 2 seconds.
- π Turn off the function if the battery charge is below 20%.
- π‘οΈ Watch the temperature of the phone (if the case is heated more than 40).Β°C, turn off the blinking).