The flashlight when calling Xiaomi Mi 9: 5 ways to turn on automatically

Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 often face a situation when it is difficult to find a phone in the dark during an incoming call. Turning on the flashlight when calling solves this problem - bright light helps to quickly detect the device and see who is calling. However, in standard MIUI firmware, this feature is hidden or not explicitly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate a flashlight when you call, from built-in settings to third-party apps. You’ll learn how to set up automatic backlighting through Settings → Special features, which apps from Google Play are best to use, and how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI with hidden commands. We’ll also look at frequent errors and give recommendations for optimizing the function.

Important: The methods vary depending on the version of MIUI. If you have global firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13), some methods may not work — they will require the installation of additional modules or root rights.

1. Built-in feature in MIUI: where to look for settings

Some versions of MIUI for Xiaomi Mi 9 have a hidden option to turn on the flashlight when you call, which can be called variously: "Lighting at notifications", "Light signal" or "Lightlight at call", the problem is that the path to it is not obvious and depends on the regional firmware.

To find this setting:

• 🔍 Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the "Hearing" or "Sound and Vibration" section".
• 🔍 Look for items related to light notifications (may be called "Blinking Light" or "Screen Lighting").
• 🔍 If you don't have an option, your firmware doesn't support it out of the box.

On Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 11 and older, this feature is often absent from global builds, but is available in Chinese firmware versions.If you use custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), the odds of finding a customization are higher.

⚠️ Warning: Turning on the flashlight when calling through the built-in settings may conflict with Do Not Disturb mode. If the function does not work, check if this mode is activated in Settings → Sound and vibration.

2. Apps from Google Play: Top-3 decision

If you don't have a built-in feature, you can use third-party apps that run on all versions of MIUI and don't require root permissions, and we tested more than 10 programs and selected the three most reliable ones:

For installation:

1. Download one of the apps from the links above (or search Google Play by name).
2. Open the application and grant permissions: 📱 Access to notifications (to track calls) 🔦 Flashlight control (to enable it)

"Flash on Call"

self-start

Settings → Applications → Auto Launch

⚠️ Note: Some applications may conflict with battery optimization MIUI. If the flashlight doesn’t work, add the app to the optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery and productivity → Optimizing the battery).

Install the app from Google Play|

Provide access to notifications |

Enable the "Flash on Call" option |

Add to auto-run MIUI|

Disable battery optimization for the application-->

Hidden MIUI commands: how to turn on a flashlight through the engineering menu

MIUI firmware has a hidden engineering menu that allows you to activate additional features, including flashlight control, which doesn’t work on all versions, but it’s worth trying if other methods haven’t worked.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## This will open the CIT (Customer Engineer Mode) menu.
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Lights section.
3. Find the Torch Light (or Flashlight) option and select it.
4. Enable the option "Enable during call" (if any).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Usage Statistics → Battery History and check if there are any options related to flashlight management.

This method is the most risky: the wrong actions in the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the phone. If you are not sure, you should use the apps from Google Play.

Automation through Tasker: for advanced users

If you like fine-tuning, you can use the Tasker app to create an automatic flashlight rule when you call, which takes longer to set up, but gives you complete control over the logic of the operation.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Tasker from Google Play and provide all the necessary permissions (including special features).
2. Create a new profile ("+" → Event → Phone → Incoming call).
3. As an action add: 🔦 "Flash" (in Net section → Flash - install On: True. ⏱️ "Wait" (in Task section → Wait – Specify the time (for example, 30 seconds). 🔦 "Flash – Install On: False (to turn off flashlight after ringing).

Save the task and activate the profile.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎛️ Full customization: you can adjust the blinking, the duration of the glow, exceptions for certain contacts.
• 🔄 Integration with other automations (e.g., enabling vibrations) + flashlight).
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI rootless.

⚠️ Attention: In new versions MIUI (MIUI 13+) Tasker may require additional permissions to control the flashlight. If the task is not performed, check the settings "Other permissions" in the application information.

💡

To prevent the flashlight from draining the battery, in Tasker add a charge check condition. For example, turn on the backlight only if the charge is above 20%.

5.Problems and Solutions: Why the flashlight doesn't turn on when ringing

Even after setting the flashlight correctly, let's look at the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 The flashlight is operational: try to manually turn it on through the notification panel. If it doesn't work there, there's a problem in the hardware (possibly damaged LED).
• 📱 Version MIUI: on certain assemblies (for example, MIUI 12.0.1) function can be disabled at the firmware level.
• 🛠️ Root rights: If you are ready for radical measures, you can install the Xposed or Magisk module to force the function to be enabled.

💡

If the flashlight doesn't work in any app, check its hardware health first, and type the code ##0673# or ##0289## into the engineering menu and run the LED test.

6.Alternative methods: vibration, screen and smart devices

If you can’t turn on the flashlight when calling, consider alternative warning options:

• 📱 Screenlighting: in settings MIUI You can turn on "Lift for Activation" (Settings) → Display. → When the phone is called, the screen will light up when the phone is moving.
• 🔊 Smart watch or bracelet: If you have a Mi Band or Amazfit, set the vibration on it when you call.
• 💡 Smart Lamps: With Google Assistant or Mi Home, you can configure the smart lamp (e.g. Yeelight) to turn on when you call in.
• 🔔 Sound notifications: increase the volume of the call and set the melody with a gradual increase in sound (Settings) → Sound and vibration → The ringing melody).

For owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 with NFC There is another life hack: you can program NFC-I'll put a flashlight on:

1. Buy it. NFC-sticker (stands) ~100 rubles).
2. Install the NFC Tools app.
3. Write down the flashlight command on the label.
4. Stick the sticker to the back of your phone or case, and when you call, you just have to put your hand on the tag to activate the backlight.

7 Safety and battery: how to minimize risks

The constant use of a flashlight when making calls can affect the autonomy and resource of the LED, to avoid problems:

• ⚡ Limit flashlight time: In applications like Flash On Call, set a timer (e.g., 20-30 seconds).
• 🔋 Watch the temperature: if the phone heats up in prolonged glow, turn off the function. Overheating can shorten battery life.
• 🔄 Use the energy saving mode: in MIUI There is an option "Ultraeconomic mode" (Settings) → Battery and performance, but it can block background processes.
• 🛡️ Check permissions: Some flashlight control apps request access to contacts or SMS. Refuse if it is not necessary for the main function.

On the Xiaomi Mi 9, the LED flashlight is designed for ~50,000 hours of operation (approximately 5-6 years with moderate use). If you turn it on every call (for example, 20 times a day for 30 seconds), the resource will be reduced to 3-4 years. However, in practice this is not critical - replacing the LED is inexpensive (from 300 rubles in the service center).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a flashlight when calling if the phone is in a sealed case or underwater. + Moisture can damage the LED or battery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a flashlight when calling