How to quickly turn on the flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from MIUI 12 to HyperOS

Why Xiaomi Redmi flashlight works differently than on other smartphones

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face surprises when they first turn on the flashlight. Unlike the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, where the LED is activated by a standard swipe in the notification panel, Redmi process can differ depending on the version of the MIUI firmware or the new HyperOS. The fact that the manufacturer has integrated several alternative control methods — from gestures to voice commands — but it is not always clear which one is supported on a particular model.

Another feature is software-based power optimization: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K60), the flashlight automatically shuts down after 3-5 minutes of inactivity to save battery power. This behavior can be changed in settings, but not everyone knows where to look for the appropriate settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to turn on the flashlight, including hidden functions and solutions for non-standard situations (for example, when the touch screen does not respond).

Method 1: Standard Enablement through the Notification Panel

The most versatile method, which works on all Redmi models with MIUI 10 and later (including HyperOS), is suitable even for devices with a faulty proximity sensor or disabled gestures.

1. Unlock the screen (not necessarily enter) PIN-code or pattern lock – swipe up is enough).
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Notification Panel.
3. If the panel is displayed in a shortened form (with 4-6 icons), swipe down again for full disclosure.
4. Find the flashlight icon (🔦) And you can tap it. Some of the firmwares may have the icon hidden -- see "If there's no flashlight button».

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 10C, Redmi 9A And other budget models, the notification panel can hang up when you first swipe. If the icons don't respond, try holding the flashlight button. 2-3 Seconds, it will throw off the interface's temporary glitch.

Method 2: Quick activation by double pressing the power button

The "Double Press for Flashlight" feature appeared in MIUI 12 and is saved in HyperOS, but it is disabled by default, which is convenient when you need to light the path without unlocking the phone (for example, in a dark entrance).

1. Open Settings → Special features → Gestures and movements.
2. Select the option Double pressing the power button.
3. In the action list, find the flashlight and set the switch to the "On" position.

Now, you just need to press the on/off button twice quickly (even on a locked screen) to turn the flashlight on or off. Note: on the Redmi Note 11 Pro and older, the feature may conflict with calling the Google Assistant voice assistant, in which case you will have to choose priority in gesture settings.

Method 3: Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Xiao AI)

If you have a voice assistant set up, you can use a team to turn on the flashlight, which is especially useful when your hands are busy. Both options are supported:

• 🤖 Google Assistant: Say "OK, Google, turn on the flashlight" (in English and Russian). on Redmi with pure Android One (e.g. Mi Mi A3) It's the only reliable way.
• 🧠 Xiao AI (Chinese MIUI): Say "" (Chinese-enabled firmware only) on global versions. MIUI Xiao AI Replaced with Google Assistant.

⚠️ Warning: Voice flashlight control requires an active Internet connection (to process commands on Google servers) and a microphone turned on. 9T and similar models with a weak processor may be delayed in 1-2 seconds.

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To speed up the response of Google Assistant, add a flashlight to Favorite Devices in the Assistant settings, and say, “OK, Google, show me my devices,” and select the flashlight icon.

Method 4: Screen gestures (for MIUI 13+ and HyperOS)

MIUI 13 and later (including HyperOS) have added custom gestures to control flashlights, such as setting up a swipe diagonally or two fingers to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Gestures and movements → Launch gestures.
2. Tap Add a gesture and select the action of the flashlight.
3. Write down your gesture (e.g. swipe down from the top right corner) and save.

This method is convenient for users who often use a flashlight with gloves or busy hands. However, note that on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and similar models gestures can accidentally trigger in your pocket - in this case, reduce sensitivity in the settings or turn off the function on the locked screen.

Method 5: Desktop widget (for quick access)

If you use a flashlight a lot, it makes sense to add a flashlight widget to the home screen, so you don't have to open the notification bar.

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop, then select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools or Utilities section.
3. Find the flashlight widget (usually a round icon with a lantern image).
4. Drag it to the desktop. Now tap on the widget will turn on/off the lights.

On HyperOS, the flashlight widget can be customized for yourself: for example, change the size (1×1 or 2×2) or add a shortcut to the quick access panel (hold the widget icon and drag it to the bottom panel).

If the flashlight is not turned on: diagnosis and solutions

Sometimes the flashlight fails to work even after doing the right thing, and the reasons can be either software (firmware failure) or hardware (LED damage).

• 🔧 Check the energy saving settings: In Ultra-Economic or High Performance mode, the flashlight can be turned off. Go to Settings → Battery → Modes and select Balanced.
• 📱 Reboot the phone: press the power button for 10 seconds until the device turns off, then turn it on again.
• 🔦 Check the LED: put a flashlight on a wall in a dark room. If there's light, but it's very dim, the driver is the problem. LED (repair).
• 🛠️ Reset the settings: if the flashlight stopped working after the update, return the settings of the application to the factory: → Annexes → Lantern → Warehouse → Clear the data.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8/8A And older models, a common problem is the oxidation of LED contacts due to moisture. If the flashlight started after rebooting, but stopped turning on again after a while, contact the service center to clean the board.

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If the flashlight flashes or turns off spontaneously, the cause may be damaged camera software (the flashlight LED is often connected to the same controller).

Hidden flashlight features on Xiaomi Redmi

Few people know, but the flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi can do more than just shine. Depending on the model and firmware, there are additional features available:

• 🌓 Brightness Adjustment: on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ redmi K60 You can change the light intensity of the swipe by the flashlight icon in the notification panel (HyperOS is required).
• 🔥 SOS-signal: In emergency situations, the flashlight can flash the Morse code. → A memorial. → SOS.
• 🎥 Backlight for video: when shooting in the dark, the flashlight automatically turns on as a flash (configured in the Camera app) → Settings → Outbreak).
• 🔋 Saving charge: in MIUI 14 appeared mode "Eco-lantern", which reduces brightness by 30%, but increases the operating time to 1 hour (included in the battery settings).

On the Redmi Note 11S and similar models, you can use the flashlight as a notification indicator. To do this, install the Flash Alerts app from Google Play and give it access to notifications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi Redmi