How to turn on a flashlight when calling Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have many hidden features that are often overlooked by ordinary users. One of these useful options is the ability to activate a flash during an incoming call, which is especially true in noisy places or for people with hearing impairments. Device owners often wonder how to turn on a flashlight when calling Xiaomi, since the standard MIUI shell interface does not always provide this feature in the obvious place.

This option depends on the specific version of the Android operating system and the modification of the MIUI interface or the new HyperOS. In some cases, the system offers native settings, in others it requires the use of specialized applications or the activation of hidden engineering menus. Understanding these nuances will allow you to maximize the potential of your gadget and not miss any important conversation, even if the phone is lying down.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of activating light notifications. We will look at the standard system tools, features of the Pocket Set mode, as well as proven third-party solutions. You will get comprehensive information on how to configure the light indication without risking damage to the software of your device.

Staff settings MIUI and HyperOS

The first thing to start looking for a cherished feature is the phone's standard settings menu. Xiaomi developers periodically change the layout of interface elements, so the search logic may differ on different versions of the firmware. Most often, the flash option when calling is hidden in the section responsible for special features or additional features of the phone.

To access the basic settings, you need to go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, the path can vary: look for Additional Features or Special Features. Within these menus, you often find the option Light Effects or Flash at Notifications. If standard methods fail to find the switch, your version of the shell may not support this feature out of the box without additional manipulation.

It’s worth noting that global firmware versions are less likely to have this feature than Chinese builds. However, new HyperOS updates tend to unify features, so take a closer look at the Sound and Vibration section. Sometimes the switch is hidden in the settings submenu of the Phone app itself.

• 🔍 Open Settings and search for the phrase “flash” or “flash".
• 📞 Check the settings of the phone application through a menu of three points.
• ⚙️ Study the section Additional functions in system settings.

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If you don’t find the switch in the standard menu, try updating the Phone and Google Play Services app through the GetApps store or Play Market – new features often come with updates to system components.

The "pocket set" mode as an analogue

Many users confuse flash when calling with Pocket Dialing. Although these features differ, in some use cases they can partially replace each other or work in a bundle. The pocket dial mode is designed to prevent random calls when the smartphone is in your pocket, but it also has visual indicators.

When random press protection is activated, the screen can briefly light up or flash to signal a lock. However, to make the phone flash the flashlight as a call alarm, you need to look for a separate option. In some versions of MIUI, there is a hidden dependence: if Pocket Dial mode is turned on, the system can allow the use of a proximity sensor to control the flash.

To activate, go to Settings → Lock & Protect → Mode in your pocket. Make sure the switch is active. This won't give you a 100% guarantee of turning on the flashlight when you call, but will set the sensors up to be more sensitive to external events.

⚠️ Attention: Pocket dial mode can consume additional battery power, as the proximity sensor is in the background all the time. If you don't carry your phone in your pockets, it's best to turn off this feature.

Use of the Phone App from Google

Many Xiaomi smartphones, especially the global versions, pre-installed a standard caller from Google. This application has its own set of features that can overlap the system settings of the MIUI shell. Recent versions of this application have a built-in feature “Flash on notification”, which works regardless of system restrictions.

To activate the function, open the Phone app (blue handset icon). Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen to call the menu. Select Settings. In the list that opens, look for Notifications or Incoming Calls. There should be a Flash switch when notified.

If you use a third-party caller, such as from Truecaller or CallApp, the logic is similar: settings are always in the menu of the app itself, not in the general settings of Android. However, the native Google app is preferable, since it is better optimized for the system.

• 📱 Launch the Phone app and go to the settings menu.
• 🔔 Find the Notifications section and activate the flash switch.
• 🔄 Make sure the app has permission to use the camera/light.

Third-party applications for light notifications

When it is not possible to turn on a flashlight when calling Xiaomi, Google Play apps come to the rescue. There are many specialized utilities that take over flash management during an incoming call, and they often have more flexible functionality than system solutions.

One of the most popular solutions is Flash Alerts, or its analogues, which run on top of the system and activate an LED or screen flash using a given algorithm, allowing you to adjust the blink frequency, duration and even color (if you use a screen flash).

When installing an application, it is critical to give it all the permissions you want, because without access to the camera and telephony, it can't track the incoming call, and you also have to consider that the constant operation of these applications can increase energy consumption.

Set up notifications via "Schedule"

There's a powerful automation tool called Schedule (or Task Planner in some translations) in the MIUI shell that can create a custom script that will turn on a flashlight under certain conditions, like when a call comes in, and it's an advanced method that requires care.

To create a script, go to the Safety app (green zipper icon). Find the Schedule or Auto Tasks section. Press the Add New Task button. Select Inbound Call as the condition (Trigger). Select Turn on the flashlight as the action (Reaction).

It's also important to adjust the back-up, which is to turn off the flashlight when the conversation is over or reset, and if you don't, the flashlight can burn permanently after the first call until you manually turn it off or the battery runs out.

• 🛠 Open the Security app and find the schedule.
• ➕ Create a new task with the Incoming Challenge trigger".
• 💡 Add the action "Switch on the flashlight" and "Switch off the flashlight" (at the end of the process).

⚠️ Attention: Scenarios in MIUI They may not work smoothly after the device is restarted. Periodically check if the automation you create is active.

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Using a system task scheduler is the most energy-efficient way to get a flash when calling without installing any extra software, if your version of MIUI supports this functionality.

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you set it up properly, users can run into a situation where the flashlight doesn't light up, and most often the problem is application conflict, for example, if you have a flashlight app that runs in the background, it can block the system bell ringer from accessing the LED.

It’s also worth checking the permissions for the Phone app. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Permissions. Make sure that access to the camera or flash is not prohibited. With newer versions of Android, access rights have become more stringent.

Another reason could be energy saving mode: If a hard power saving mode is on, the system can block the flash for notifications to keep the battery power. Try turning off the energy saving and check the function again.

Way to verify permits:


Settings → Applications → All applications → Phone → Permissions → Camera (Allow)

If nothing works, try resetting the Phone app to factory settings, which won't delete your contacts, but will return the call settings to their original state, which often resolves software glitch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)