Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer a handy notification light display feature, a camera flash that flashes when new messages or calls arrive, which is especially useful in noisy places or when the phone is down, but many users don’t know how to activate and configure this option correctly or face problems in its operation.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to enable flash notifications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including hidden MIUI settings, solutions for older models, and bypass system constraints. You’ll also learn how to make the flash only work for certain apps or contacts.
The feature is available on most Xiaomi devices starting with MIUI 9, but its layout on the menu and the set of options may vary depending on the version of the shell and the model of the smartphone. If you do not find the right item in the standard settings, do not be upset: we will show alternative methods, including the use of special applications and hidden commands.
Important: on some budget models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO C31), the flash may not support flashing due to hardware limitations, in which case we will propose a replacement – a screen flash that simulates a light signal through the display.
1. Standard method: Configure through “Special features”
The most reliable method of enabling a flash is to use built-in MIUI tools, which works on most modern devices, including the Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.
Open Settings → Special Features → Hearing → Notification flash. Here you will find two main parameters:
- 🔦 Camera flash - blink LED-flash at notifications (calls, SMS, messenger).
- 📱 Screen flash – flashing the screen in white (alternative for devices without a screen) LED).
Activate the switch next to the desired option. To fine-tune, tap on the flash settings, where you can select:
- 🔔 Type of notification: only calls, only messages or all together.
- ⚡ Frequency of blinking: slow, normal or fast.
- 🎨 Color of screen flash (if the option with the display is selected).
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If the Notification Flash option is not in the Special Features menu, upgrade to the latest version of the MIUI or use an alternative method from Section 3.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), the path may differ:
Settings → Additional → Special. features → Flash at notifications2. Set up for specific applications
By default, the flash works on all notifications, but you can limit it to only important messengers (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) or calls.
Go to Settings → Applications → Notification Management. Select the desired application (for example, Viber) and activate the Notification Flash option. If it is not available, go back to the main flash settings (section 1) and turn on the option Only for selected applications.
For calls, the setting is in:
Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Flash when callingImportant: Some apps (such as Instagram or Facebook) block access to system-level notification settings, in which case only third-party software will help (see Section 5).
3. Alternative method: Hidden MIUI settings
If the standard method doesn’t work, try to enable flash through the MIUI test menu.This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 10–14, but requires caution – do not change the other options in this menu!
Open the phone application and enter the combination:
##6484##After that, the Manual Test → LED menu will open.
- 🔴 LED Red - a test of the red flash.
- 🔵 LED Blue test - blue test (if available).
- ⚡ Flashlight Test – Checking the operation of the main flash.
If the flash flash flash flashes in test mode but doesn't work in notifications, the problem is with MIUI settings. Return to Special Options and reset the flash settings to factory.
What if the #6484## code doesn’t work?
4.The solution for older Xiaomi models (MIUI 8–9)
On devices with MIUI 8 or MIUI 9 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), the flash settings path is different.
Settings → Additional → Flash notificationsIf there is no item, try to enable it through the settings editor:
- Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
- Find com.android.settings/.notification.LightSettings.
- Run it - a hidden flash settings menu will open.
On some older models (Redmi 3S, Mi 4i), the flash function is not supported with hardware notifications due to the lack of a separate LED, in which case only the on-screen flash or the use of third-party applications remains.
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On Android One devices (e.g. Mi A2, Mi A3), the standard flash setting may not be available. Use the method in Section 5.
5. Third-party applications for advanced settings
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, install one of the specialized applications. We tested the three best options:
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Notifications | 🔹 Color and frequency setting🔹 Works with any notifications🔹 Support MIUI | 🔸 Requires Availability Permits🔸 Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Light Flow | 🔹 Flexible rules for applications🔹 Support LED flash-on🔹 It works without root. | 🔸 A complex interface🔸 Paid after the trial period | Google Play |
| Flash Alerts 2 | 🔹 Simple interface🔹 Minimalist design🔹 Low battery consumption | 🔸 Limited customization🔸 No support. MIUI 14+ | Google Play |
To install any of these applications:
- Download it from Google Play.
- Open and provide access to Notices and Special Opportunities.
- In the application settings, select Camera Flash or Screen Flash.
- Set up rules for specific apps (like WhatsApp only).
Install the app from Google Play|
Provide access to notifications in Android| settings
Enable the option “Use flash” in the application settings |
Add the required applications to the list of exceptions (if required)-->
Warning: Some applications (e.g. Light Flow) may conflict with energy-saving MIUI modes. If the flash stops working after Battery or Ultra Battery Saver is activated, add the application to the exceptions.
6 Why the outbreak doesn't work: Common problems
If you have enabled all settings but the flash does not flash at notifications, check the following points:
- ⚡ Application permissions: Make sure that messengers (such as Telegram) have access to notifications in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
- 🔋 Power Saving Mode: The flash may not work if Ultra Battery Saver or battery optimization for system applications is enabled.
- 📱 Background blocking: Some shells (e.g, MIUI 13) block background activity. Add a flash app to Settings → Battery → No restrictions.
- 🔧 Hardware restrictions: On devices without LED-flashes (e.g. Redmi) 9C) function will not work.
If the problem remains, try resetting the settings:
Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset application settings💡
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI China), flash can be disabled at the regional limit level, in which case flashing to the global version will help.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI When the flash stops working, check if the settings in the Special Options are reset, and often after the system update, all the parameters return to the factory settings.
7. Additional chips: customization of the outbreak
The standard MIUI settings only allow you to turn on or off the flash, but with third-party tools you can make it smarter.
- 🎨 Color indication: Set different colors for different apps (green for WhatsApp, blue for Telegram).
- 🕒 Schedule: Turn on the flash only at certain times (for example, from 20:00 to 8:00).
- 🔕 Exceptions: Turn off blinking in Do Not Disturb mode or with connected headphones.
This is the MacroDroid app (free on Google Play) and you can create a macro from the template:
- Trigger: New notification (select the app).
- Action: Enable flash (set duration and interval).
- Restriction: Only if the screen is turned off.
For advanced users, there is an option with Tasker, but it requires root rights or ADB-Example of a command to enable a flash through ADB:
adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 1