Flashlight at notifications on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure blinking

Have you ever missed an important message because the phone was down or silent? flashing flashlights on Xiaomi smartphones solves this problem — bright flashes will catch your attention even in noisy environments or at a distance. But not all users know that this option is hidden in the depths of MIUI settings and requires the right activation.

In this article, we’ll break down all the ways to turn on a flashlight when notified – from standard settings to hidden chips for Redmi models, POCO You will learn how to configure blinking for specific applications (for example, only for WhatsApp or Telegram), why the feature may not work on some firmware, and how to get around the restrictions. AMOLED-screens where the flashlight can be replaced by flashing the screen without losing charge.

Warning: new versions of MIUI 14 have changed the path to settings, and some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require additional manipulation. If you have tried to enable this feature and did not find it on the menu, do not despair.

Why flashlight notifications are a useful function

At first glance, a flashing flashlight may seem like a useless “trick”, but in practice it solves several important tasks:

• 🔔 Attracting attention in noisy places (office, transport, street) where vibration or sound may not be heard.
• 📵 Saving charge compared to a permanent on screen (a flashlight consumes less power than a backlight display).
• 🔍 Visual identification of important notifications – for example, you can set blinking only for calls or messages from specific contacts.
• 🛡️ Additional security: bright flashes can scare away intruders if the phone is in plain sight (e.g. in a car).

According to a study by Xiaomi Community, 68 percent of users who enabled the feature said they were less likely to miss important messages, and flashing a flashlight even works in “Do Not Disturb” mode if it is properly set up. IR-There is a bonus with a blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11): the flashlight can be programmed to blink when controlling household appliances via Mi Remote.

Official method: setup via the MIUI menu

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. However, the path to the option depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. Below is a universal algorithm for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (relevant to MIUI 12-14):

Open the Settings app|Go to Notifications and Status bar|Select the Notification Indicator|Activate the flashlight switch-->

If you have a MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different.

1. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Select the Notification Indicator.
3. Slip on the flashlight and turn on the option.
4. (Optional) Click flashlight settings to select the flashing color (available on RGB-backlit models, such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

On some devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro), the option is hidden deeper:

Settings → Applications → Notification Management → Additional → Notification Indicator → Flashlight

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F4 GT) It can be called a Light indicator instead of a Flashlight. If you don't find an option, check for firmware updates.

Hidden settings: how to turn on a flashlight for individual applications

By default, the flashlight flashes at any notification, but you can customize it selectively, for example, so that it only works on calls or messages from VIP-- For that, contact:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Notification management.
2. Select the desired application (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
3. Tap on Notification Category (or Notification Types on MIUI 14).
4. Activate the flashlight switch for a specific type of notification (for example, only for private messages, but not for group chats).

For calls, the way is different:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Call settings → Inbound call indicator → Flashlight

⚠️ Note: If the flashlight doesn’t flash for a particular app after setting up, check if it has notifications blocked altogether. → Annexes → [name] → Notifications and make sure they are allowed.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) You can turn off the flashlight and instead turn on the flashing screen in the notification indicator settings, which will save battery power, since the backlight of the pixels consumes less energy than the LED flashlight.

Problems and Solutions: Why the Lightning Don't Blink

If you have enabled the function but the flashlight is not working, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Low battery charge (less than 15%). MIUI Automatically disables power-intensive functions, including flashlights.
• 📱 Outdated firmware. MIUI Below 12.5, the option may not work properly.
• 🔧 Conflict with third-party applications (such as Greenify or Battery Saver) that block background processes.
• 🛠️ Hardware limitations: on some budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1) The flashlight does not physically support the flashing mode.

How to diagnose the problem:

1. Check if the flashlight flashes when the test notification (you can send yourself an SMS or call from another phone).
2. Make sure that in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode is not activated ultramode.
3. Run Safe Mode (press the power button → Disable → hold off power until the request appears). If the flashlight is running in Safe Mode, the third-party app is to blame.

POCO models with custom firmware (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro on Pixel Experience) may require manual editing of system files.

Alternative methods: applications and automation

If the built-in function doesn't work or it's not on your model, you can use third-party solutions.-3 tested applications:

You can use MacroDroid or Tasker to automate, for example, to keep the flashlight flashing at night or when you're notified by a specific contact:

Profile in Tasker:




1. Event: Notification → Select an application (e.g., Viber).




2. Action: Lantern → Enable → Delay 0.5 seconds → Turn off.




3. Repeat 3 times.

⚠️ Note: Flashlight applications require permission for Special Access (c Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Without this, they will not be able to read incoming notifications.

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The flashlight side of the app can drain the battery faster than the built-in MIUI function. Give preference to programs with a minimum set of resolutions (for example, Flash Alerts 2).

Optimizing work: how to reduce battery consumption

Flashing a flashlight is a useful feature, but when it's triggered frequently, it can significantly reduce battery life. Here's how to reduce energy consumption:

• ⚡ Reduce the blinking frequency. In the Notification Indicator settings, select Slow Blinking instead of Fast Blinking.
• 🔄 Limit the number of repetitions. For example, set up 3 blinks instead of an endless cycle.
• 📴 Eliminate unnecessary apps. Turn off the flashlight for social media or games, leaving only messengers and calls.
• 🌙 Use "Dark Mode." AMOLED-This will reduce the overall power consumption of the device.

For advanced users, there is a way to turn off the flashlight when the battery is low:

Settings → Battery → Additional → Automatic Shutdown → Add rule → Flashlight at notifications (disable when charged < 20%)

In the models with IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can go further and tune the infrared signal instead of the flashlight:

1. Install the Mi Remote app.
2. In the notification settings, select IR-flashlight.
3. Direct. IR-port to the wall – the signal will reflect and flash like a laser pointer.

Comparison with other brands: which is better?

Not only is Xiaomi’s flashing flashlight feature available for notifications, but let’s compare how it is implemented by other manufacturers:

Advantages of the solution from Xiaomi:

• 🔦 It works even on budget models (e.g. Redmi). 9A).
• 🔋 Less battery consumption compared to Samsung’s Edge Lighting.
• 🛠️ Flexible settings through ADB third-party.

However, Apple and Google have one advantage: built-in optimization to save energy, for example, on iPhone flashing flashlights at notifications is only turned on when the screen is unlocked, which reduces battery load.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlights at notifications