How to turn on the flashlight on the Xiaomi phone: all ways + life hacks

The flashlight on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know that it can be activated not only through the notification panel. 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and firmware versions (MIUI 12/13/14) available 5 In addition, the devices have a variety of ways of turning on the flashlight, from the classic swipe to voice commands and gestures, SOS-signal, which the manufacturer does not mention in the official instructions.

In this article you will find not only basic methods, but also exclusive features: how to adjust the brightness of the flashlight, why it may not work on some models (for example, Xiaomi). 12T It's an infrared sensor, and how to turn it on even when the screen is off. AMOLED-In the display, we will tell you how to use the screen as an additional light source – this saves when the main flashlight breaks down.

1. Classic method: through the notification panel

The most versatile method, working on all Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Unlock the screen (if it is turned off).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the flashlight icon (🔦) and tap him.

On some firmware (MIUI 14 Global) the icon can be hidden under the button "More" (⋮) — If there's no icon at all, check the settings of the panel:

⚠️ Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A3) The notification bar may look different – look for the flashlight icon in the Quick Settings section".

Press the pencil (✏️) top-right corner of the panel

Find the flashlight icon in the list of inactive

Drag him to the active area.

Save the changes.-->

The flashlight brightness in this mode is fixed, but on models with dual LED (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) you can switch between modes:

• 🔦 Common: one LED, standard brightness.
• 💡 Maximum: two LEDs, brightness +30% (consumes the battery faster).
• 🆘 SOS: flashing mode for emergency situations (not available on all models).

Quick gesture: double pressing of the power button

The "Double Press for Flashlight" feature appeared in MIUI 12 and works on most modern devices.

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Find the option of Double pressing the power button.
3. Select the flashlight from the action list.

Now, even with the screen locked, you just need to press the switch twice quickly and the flashlight will light up, which is convenient when you hold the bag with one hand and you need to light the lock with the other.

Through the notification panel

Double press of the power button

Voice assistant

Gesture on the locked screen

Another option-->

⚠️ Note: On models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11), double-pressing may conflict with unlocking.

If the function is not working:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Check if there are any third-party shells (like Nova Launcher) that can block gestures.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

3. Voice commands: "OK, Google" and Xiao AI

Owners of devices with Google Assistant or Xiao AI can turn on a flashlight with their voice, which is especially handy when the hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

Method 1: Google Assistant (for global firmware)

Activate the assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or holding the Home button, then say:

Turn on the flashlight.


Turn on the flashlight (in English)




Lights.

Method 2: Xiao AI (for Chinese firmware)

Press the Home button or say, Xiao Ai Tongxue, then:

dǎkāi shǒudiàntǒng — "Switch on the flashlight"


 (kāidēng) - "Switch on the lights"

Voice control works even with the screen turned off if the assistant settings enable the “OK, Google” Recognition option at any time.

4. Desktop widget: one tap to the light

If you use a flashlight a lot, it makes sense to add a widget to the home screen, which will eliminate the need to open the notification bar.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select the widgets in the menu that appears.
3. Find the flashlight widget (usually in the Xiaomi or Tools section).
4. Drag him on the screen.

The widget may look like:

• 🔦 Button with flashlight icon (single tap - on / off).
• 📱 Brightness control panel (on supported models).
• 🔄 Mode switch (normal)/SOS).

💡

Some of the firmwares have a flashlight widget hidden, so to find it, search for the widgets and search for "torch" or "flashlight."

Advantages of the widget:

• ⚡ Faster than the notification panel (savings) 1-2 seconds).
• 🎨 You can change the size and style (to the MIUI 14).
• 🔒 Works without unlocking the screen (if the widget is on the main screen).

5. Hidden flashlight features on Xiaomi

Few people know, but the flashlight on Xiaomi can do more than just shine. Here are 3 hidden features that will come in handy in unusual situations:

SOS Mode (Blinking Signal)

On models with double LED (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50) you can activate emergency flashing:

1. Turn on the flashlight through the notification panel.
2. Slap on the flashlight icon again - the modes menu will appear.
3. Select SOS (Morse Signal: Three Short, Three Long, Three Short).

2. Use of the screen as a flashlight (for AMOLED)

If the main flashlight is broken and the AMOLED screen (e.g. on Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), turn on the maximum brightness mode with a white background:

1. Open the settings → Display → Brightness.
2. Set the slider to maximum.
3. Run any application with a white background (like Google Keep or a browser with an empty tab).

💡

The flashlight screen consumes up to 40% less energy than the LED, but the light is diffuse and less directional.

3. Automatic timer shutdown

To prevent the flashlight from draining the battery if you forget to turn it off:

1. Install the Tasker or MacroDroid app.
2. Make a rule: If the flashlight is on for more than 5 minutes → turn off the flashlight.

On some firmware (MIUI 13 China), this feature is built into the flashlight settings.

6 Why the flashlight doesn't work: 7 reasons and solutions

If the flashlight does not turn on, check these points:

Features for specific models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12T: The flashlight may not work because of a conflict with the infrared port. → Connected devices.
• 📱 Redmi 9A: weak LED – brightness 30% lower than that of flagships.
• 📱 POCO F4 GT: flashlight integrated with game mode - can be blocked when starting heavy games.

⚠️ Note: On root-righted devices, the flashlight may not work due to modified system files. /system/bin/flashlight via Root Explorer.

Alternative applications for flashlight

If a standard flashlight doesn’t suit you (for example, you need brightness adjustment or color filters), install one of these apps:

• 🔦 Flashlight + LED: brightness control, strobe, SOS-Minus is advertising.
• 🎨 Color Flashlight: A flashlight with color filters (red, blue, green) useful for photographers.
• 🔋 Tiny Flashlight: Minimalist design, no ads, weighs 1MB.
• 🛠️ FlashAlerts: flashing flashlights when incoming calls/SMS (hearing-impaired).

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Permissions: The flashlight doesn't need access to contacts or locations. If the app requests them, it's suspicious.
• 📊 Avoid programs with a score below 4.0 and complaints about viruses.
• 🔄 Relevance: The last update should not be older than 6 months.

For installation:

1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. Launch the app and give access to the camera/flashlight.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight on Xiaomi