How to make a flashlight flash when calling Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Why Xiaomi doesn’t 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).

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Redmi 9/10/13
Mi 11/12/13
Other

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 – press 7 times, then return to Additional Settings β†’ For Developers).

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##8483636882##
  • πŸ”§ In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing. β†’ Flashlight (or LED indicator on Russian firmware).
  • πŸ”¦ Find Flashlight blink on incoming call (or similar) and switch the switch to position ON.
  • πŸ“ž 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)

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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.

AnnexRatings.FeaturesCons
Flash On Call4.7 ⭐Simple interface, work without Root, blinking frequency settingAdvertising can be in conflict with energy saving
Flash Alerts 24.5 ⭐Support for notifications from messengers, color customizationPaid version for advanced functions
Flash Notification4.3 ⭐Minimalist design, low energy consumptionIt doesn’t work on Android 14 without additional permissions.

How to set up (for example, Flash On Call):

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Run it and provide all the permissions you request (access to notifications, camera, phone).
  3. In the settings, enable the Flash on incoming call option.
  4. Adjust the blinking frequency (recommended 1-2 times per second to save battery).
  5. Add the app to battery optimization exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All apps β†’ Flash On Call β†’ Do not optimize.

⚠️ 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.

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Before installing third-party apps, check the reviews from the last month – 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 – 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:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see Method 1).
  3. 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).
  4. Give permission to change system settings: adb shell pm grant com.android.settings android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
  5. Activate flashing flashlight when ringing: adb shell settings put global flashlight_notification_enabled 1
  6. Reboot the phone.

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative (for some Redmi models):

adb shell settings put system flashlight_notification 1

⚠️ 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 can’t see the device?
1. Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed (download from the official website). 2. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 3. Enable the "Debugging by Debugging" option in the developer settings USB (Safe mode)” 4. Restart your phone and PC.

Even after you set it up properly, it may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”‹ 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.
  • πŸ“± Incompatible firmware: On custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature may not be available. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone.
  • πŸ”¦ 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.
  • πŸ”’ 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.

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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:

  1. Install Light Flow and give all permissions.
  2. In the Notifications section, select Phone calls.
  3. Adjust the color of the blink (the options are available: white, red, blue, green - depending on the model of the phone).
  4. Set a blinking interval (e.g. 500 ms on / 500 ms off for a uniform rhythm).
  5. 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).

  • πŸ”₯ Decrease in brightness over time (LED degradation).
  • πŸ“‰ Increased phone charging time (due to increased power consumption).
  • ⚑ Short circuit risk (in rare cases, if contacts are oxidized).

To avoid problems:

  • πŸ› οΈ Set up blinking at intervals of no more than 1 time in 2 seconds.
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off the function if the battery charge is below 20%.
  • 🌑️ Watch the temperature of the phone (if the case is heated more than 40).Β°C, turn off the blinking).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a flashlight when calling

❓ The flashlight flashes, but it's very dim?
The brightness of the flashlight depends on the phone model. Most Xiaomi devices have it fixed, but some (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro) can change it through the engineering menu: Dial ##36446337##. Select Flashlight β†’ Brightness Level. Set a value of 255 (maximum). If the menu is missing, the brightness can not be changed without Root.
❓ After updating MIUI The flashlight stopped blinking?
Xiaomi often resets custom settings after major updates.Try: Reinstall the blinking app (if you used to).Repeat ADB-Commands (Method 3) Reset the application settings Phone (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Warehouse β†’ If nothing helps, wait for the patch from Xiaomi (usually released within 1-2 weeks after the major update).
❓ Can a flashlight be flashed only for certain contacts?
Yes, but only with third-party applications, like Flash On Call: Open the app and go to Contacts. Select contacts that you want to flash for. Set up a unique pattern (like double blinking for important calls) at the MIUI level, this feature is not available.
❓ Does flashing flashlight work in silent mode?
Yes, flashing flashlights when calling does not depend on the sound profile. The function will work even if: Phone in silent mode (Do not disturb off), notifications are turned off. In-plane mode is activated (but calls must be allowed), except that if the Do Not disturb settings are enabled with the option to block visual notifications, the blinking will also be turned off.
❓ How to turn off the flashing flashlight if it becomes annoying?
How to turn off depends on how you turned on the function: If through hidden settings – repeat the steps from the Method 1 If you use the app, delete it or turn off the notifications in the settings. ADB β€” Adb shell settings put global settings flashlight_notification_enabled 0