How to turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi: 7 ways + secret MIUI chips

The flashlight on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know how to use it effectively. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 12-14), the ways of inclusion may vary.

In this article, we'll break down all the current techniques, from the standard to the hidden, how to light a flashlight even with the screen off, why it sometimes doesn't work, and how to set up an automatic shutdown after 30 seconds, and also a unique life hack for POCO F5 owners with an infrared port that allows you to control the flashlight through the air conditioning remote!

1. Standard method: notification panel

The most obvious and universal method is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and version of MIUI (12 to 14).

What to do:

• 📱 Unlock the screen (if it is turned off).
• 👆 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔦 Find the flashlight icon (usually in the front row) and tap it.
• 🔄 To turn off, re-click on the icon.

If the flashlight icon is not in the visible area, swipe to the left of the panel — it can be on the second page of the quick settings. On some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K60), the panel can be customized: pinch the flashlight icon and drag it to the right place.

💡

On smartphones with AMOLED-The flashlight can be turned on even at 1% battery charge – the system will automatically limit the brightness to save energy.

2. Quick activation from the screen off

Not everyone knows, but on most Xiaomi flashlights you can activate without unlocking your phone, which is convenient when you need to light the road at night or find the keys in your bag.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the screen is off (but the phone is not in sleep mode).
2. Twice press the power button (or lock button).
3. The flashlight will turn on for 3 seconds. To extend the work, unlock the screen and use the standard method.

⚠️ Note: This function only works if the settings have enabled the option Double press power button. → Screen. → Double press of the power button (POCO M5, Redmi 10A) This option can be disabled by default.

3.Voice control: "OK, Google" and XiaoAI

If your Xiaomi supports voice assistants, the flashlight can be turned on by the team, which is especially convenient when hands are busy or the phone is lying on the table.

Ways:

• 🎤 Say, “OK Google, turn on the flashlight” (on all models with Google Assistant).
• 🤖 For Chinese firmware: "(XiaoAI, works for Xiaomi for the Chinese market).
• 🔊 In some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite can configure your own voice command in Settings → Voice assistant → Team settings.

⚠️ Note: Voice flashlight control may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone for the assistant is turned off (check permissions in Settings) → Annexes → Google).
• 🌐 Phone not connected to the Internet (voice commands require cloud processing).
• 🔋 Power saving mode is enabled (limits background activity of assistants).

4.Gestural and Hidden MIUI Functions

MIUI hides a few non-obvious flashlight controls that only advanced users know, such as some models that allow you to turn on the light by gesture over the screen off.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Draw a letter on the screen off” (called differently depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Select a letter (for example, “V”) and assign it the action “Lightlight”.
4. Now that the screen is off, swipe your finger across the display, drawing the given letter.

🔹 A secret regime for POCO: On smartphones. POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) has a Game Turbo feature that allows you to assign a flashlight to triple-press the back panel, which is convenient for gamers who often play in dark rooms.

5. Flashlight control through third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which offer advanced features: automatic shutdown timer, brightness adjustment (on supported models), and even flashing a flashlight into the rhythm of music.

Top.-3 apps:

*Color filters work only on models with RGB-flash (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro).

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party applications:

• 🛡️ Check Permits: The utility should only request access to the camera and flashlight.
• 🔋 Some programs (such as strobes) quickly drain the battery.
• 🚫 Avoid apps that require root access – on Xiaomi, it can disrupt the work MIUI.

6.Why the flashlight doesn't work: Diagnostics and solutions

If the flashlight doesn't turn on, it could be both software and hardware, and we'll look at the causes and ways to fix them.

Software malfunctions:

• 📱 Failure MIUI: Reset your phone. If it doesn't work, reset your settings to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be deleted).
• 🔄 Application Conflict: Remove newly installed flashlight management utilities.
• 🔒 Energy saving restrictions: Add the Camera app to the exceptions in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Hardware problems:

• 💡 Burned out. LED-flash: Check if the camera is flashing. If not, you need a module replacement (cost) ~1500-3000₽).
• 🔌 Contact oxidation: If the phone falls or gets wet, disassemble it and clean the flash contacts with alcohol (for power users only!).
• 🔧 Train damage: On Xiaomi with a retractable camera (e.g. Mi) 9T) The plume may be rubbed. Diagnosed at the service center.

Check the camera's flash performance|Reboot the phone.|Remove third-party flashlight apps|Reset the settings. MIUI|Check the physical condition of the flash module-->

7.Secret chips and life hacks

Over the years, MIUI users have found some undocumented flashlight control features, and here are the most useful ones:

lifehack 1: Management through IR-port (only for the purpose of POCO F5/X5 Pro)

If your smartphone is equipped with an infrared port, you can program the remote from the air conditioner or TV to turn on the flashlight:

1. Open the Mi Remote app.
2. Add a new device. → «Customized».
3. Assign a button to the remote and select the flashlight action.

Lifehack 2: Automatic timer shutdown

To turn off the flashlight after a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), use the MacroDroid app:

• Create a macro with the flashlight on trigger.
• Add the action “Wait for 60 seconds”.
• Then add the action "Switch off the flashlight".

Lifehack 3: Increased brightness of flashlight

On some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Gaming) you can increase the brightness of the flashlight through the engineering menu:

#36446337## → Hardware Testing → Flashlight → Set Max Current (set 300-350 mA)

⚠️ Warning: Do not exceed 350 mA – this can lead to overheating and outflow LED failing!

💡

On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13) flashlight consumes 30-40% less power than on devices with LCD, Thanks to Local Dimming Technology.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi