How to turn on flash when notifying on Xiaomi: a complete guide to problem solving

The flash of light when notifying on Xiaomi is a useful feature that helps you not to miss important messages, especially when the phone is down or in silent mode. However, many users face difficulties in setting it up: somewhere the option is hidden in the depths. MIUI, Some of them require additional permissions, and some models do not have any standard settings at all. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a flash, from basic settings to using third-party applications and other devices. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.

Xiaomi’s peculiarity is that even within a single line (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs POCO X5), the layout of options may differ due to MIUI versions or hardware limitations, and we’ll take these nuances into account and provide universal solutions that work on most of the brand’s devices, and you’ll learn why the flash may not work even after it’s turned on and how to fix it without resetting.

Where is the flash setting in MIUI: the official way

In most Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14, the flash option is hidden in the special features menu.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Special Features section (sometimes called Additional Features).
3. Choose the Rumor. → Notification flash.
4. Activate the switch and adjust the settings: 🔦 Camera – Choose which flash to use (main or front if supported). 🔔 Applications – specify which notifications to trigger (all or selectively). ⚡ Repeat – the number of blinks (usually 1-3 times).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Notification flash. If you don’t find this item, then your firmware doesn’t support system-level functionality, you’ll have to use workarounds (described below).

Why the outbreak doesn’t work: 5 common causes and solutions

Even after you turn on the option in the settings, the light signal may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Important: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K60) Instead of flashing, you can use flashing screens — this option is often located in the same settings, in special features. If your smartphone supports both functions, choose a priority.

💡

If the flash is unstable, try turning off the power saving mode for the com.android.systemui system application via Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

Activating the flash through ADB: for advanced users

If your Xiaomi model does not support the system-level notification flash, but is hardware capable of doing so (e.g., there is a system-level notification flash). LED-flash, you can force the function to be enabled through ADB. This method works for most devices with MIUI 11 and newer, but requires a computer connection.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → Enter cmd) and execute: adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 1 This command includes flashing for all notifications.
3. For select applications, use: adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse_custom "com.whatsapp;com.telegram" (replace com.whatsapp with the packages of the desired applications).
4. Reset the device.

Critical: On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for Redmi 9A), this command can only work after disabling MIUI Optimization via ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.powerkeeper

Warning:

Third-party flash management applications

If the system methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔦 Flash Notifications (Play Market) – supports color, frequency and duration of blinking, even on devices without any flashing speeds. LED-flashes (using a screen).
• ⚡ Light Flow - Advanced settings for notifications including flash, vibration and sounds. ADB-permissions for full functionality.
• 📱 Flash Alerts 2 – a simple interface with support MIUI. Allows you to assign different colors to different applications (on devices with different colors) RGB-flash).

How to set up Flash Notifications:

1. Install the application and provide all the permissions you request (including Special Access in MIUI settings).
2. In the main menu, select Flash → Notification Type (e.g., calls, SMS, instant messengers).
3. Adjust the color, duration and interval of blinking.
4. Enable the option to Work in the background and add the application to battery exclusions.

Note: Some applications (e.g. Light Flow) may conflict with MIUI system services, causing notifications to freeze. If push messages stop coming after installation, clear the com.android.systemui app cache through Settings → Applications → All Applications → System Interface → Storage.

Check compatibility with your Xiaomi model

Download APK only from official sources (Play Market, APKMirror)

Provide all permissions (notifications, camera, special access)

Add to the Battery Optimization Exceptions

Reboot the phone after setting up-->

Flash on custom firmware (Xiaomi.EU, Pixel Experience)

If you use an informal firmware (e.g., Xiaomi.EU, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the flash setting may be different. In most custom builds, the feature is activated via the Settings menu → System → Gestures → Notification Flash or Settings → Special Features → Flash.

Features for popular firmware:

• 🔄 Xiaomi.EU: The feature usually works out of the box, but may require manual inclusion in Settings → Notifications → Additionally.
• 📱 Pixel Experience: Uses the standard Android mechanism, so the path is as follows: → Special facilities → Notification flash.
• 🛠️ LineageOS: You may need to install a Magisk module (such as FlashLight Notification) to work properly.

If the flash stopped working after the firmware:

1. Check if the permissions for system applications have been reset.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version (flash bugs are often patched).
3. Install Magisk Notification Light Control (available in the Magisk Module repository).

💡

On custom firmware, the flash often works more stable than on stock MIUI, due to the lack of aggressive battery optimizations.

Alternatives to flash: screen blinking and vibration

If your Xiaomi smartphone does not support flash light (for example, Redmi A1 without LED), you can use alternative ways to alert:

• 🌈 Screen blinking: works on AMOLED-Included in the settings. → Special facilities → Rumor → Blinking screen. Supports color and frequency settings.
• 📳 Vibration with pattern: in MIUI You can assign unique vibration patterns to different contacts. → Sound and vibration → Notification vibration.
• 🔔 Sound signals through the speaker: if the phone is lying up screen, increase the volume of notifications in Settings → Sound. → Media volume.

For devices with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it is useful to configure notifications to display on the locked screen: Settings → Lock screen → Always-On Display → Show notifications. This visually replaces the flash.

Note: On some models (POCO M4 Pro, Redmi Note 11) flashing screen can drain battery faster than LED-If autonomy is critical, give preference to vibration or audible alerts.

Solving battery and overheating problems

Frequent use of flashes (especially at maximum brightness) can lead to two problems:

1. Increased battery consumption — LED-flash ~0.5–1% charge per long blink.
2. Local overheating – When used intensively, the area around the chamber may heat up.

How to minimize the impact:

• ⚡ Reduce the number of blinkings in the settings (optimally - 1-2 times).
• 🔋 Turn off the feature overnight or when your phone is connected to charging (Flash Notifications has a schedule).
• 🌡️ Avoid using flashes in high ambient temperatures (above 30)°C).
• 🔄 Regularly clean the flash connector from dust (carefully, without alcohol-containing liquids).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi notification flash