How to turn on a flashlight on Xiaomi during a call: 5 proven ways

Have you ever lost your phone in the dark because you didn't see an incoming call? Or tried to find the keys in your bag while someone called you? The automatic flashlight feature when you call Xiaomi solves these problems — but not all users know how to activate it. In this article, we'll look at all possible ways, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features and third-party applications.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t always include this option by default, and in some firmware it’s not on the menu at all. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13) and highlighted those that work consistently. If you’re a Xiaomi user with custom firmware or an outdated version of MIUI, there’s a separate section for you at the end of this article.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. Unfortunately, it is not available on all models, but if your smartphone supports the flashlight when calling feature, look for it here:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Always on Screen and Lock (on some devices – Lock Screen).
3. Select Additional Settings or Advanced Features.
4. Find the flashlight option when calling (may be called flash at notifications).
5. Activate the switch.

If this is not the case, don't worry. On the POCO F4, Redmi 10 and many other models, the option is hidden elsewhere or not at all, so move on to the following.

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone | Make sure the flashlight works manually (test through the notification panel) | Update the firmware to the latest version | Check if notifications for the Phone app are disabled

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Why might the option be missing? Xiaomi often removes or moves features depending on the region of the firmware. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T This is a setting, but it's not in Chinese, and it can be blocked on devices with a computer. NFR-Firmware version (for markets with strict rules, like the EU).

2.Use of the “Flash on Notification” mode

If you don't have a direct call option, you can use the general flash setting for notifications, which will work for all incoming calls and SMS, but not for alarms or other alerts:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Hearing (or Sound and Vibration on some models).
3. Activate the Flash option at notifications.
4. Turn on the switches for Call and Message.

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro with MIUI 13, this feature only works when Do Not Disturb mode is turned on – check this in the audio settings.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Turning on the flash for notifications can drain the battery faster. If you notice a high consumption, turn off the function and use alternative methods.

3. Hidden settings via ADB (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi does not support the feature at the interface level, it can be activated via the interface. ADB-This method requires you to connect to a computer and enable debugging. USB, It gives 100% results for most devices with MIUI 12–14.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

To disable the function, use:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 0

This command includes a flash for all notifications, including calls. If you want to dot only the calls, you will need to edit the system files (which can disrupt the phone).

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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will keep you from losing information when crashes occur.

Third-party applications for automatic flashlight

If the standard methods didn't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

• 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 supports flash color, flash frequency and exclusion for individual contacts. POCO M4 Pro MIUI 13.
• 📞 Flash On Call is a call-focused, minimalist interface and does not require root rights. A1 and other budgetary models.

How to set up:

1. Install one of the applications (links above).
2. Grant permissions for Notifications, Camera and AutoRun.
3. In the application settings, select Only calls (so that the flashlight does not work on SMS).
4. Set the duration of the blinking and brightness.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Flash Notifications) may conflict with Xiaomi's energy-saving modes. If the flashlight doesn't turn on, add the app to battery exclusions via Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Flash Alerts 2|Flash On Call| Built-in settings MIUI|Other |Not used-->

5. Alternative solutions for older models

If you have Xiaomi based on MIUI 11 or older (e.g. Redmi 8, Mi A3), the standard methods may not work.

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Update system, even if your model doesn't officially support new versions MIUI, You can install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).
• 🛠️ Use Tasker, an automation application. Create a task: Event → Phone. → Incoming call → Action. → Lantern → Turn it on.
• 📱 Buy a case with LED-backlit – some Xiaomi accessories have built-in indicators that flash when you call.

Devices running Android 8 and below (like Redmi 5A) may require manual editing of a build.prop file or installing a modified kernel.These methods require root rights and are not recommended for beginners.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting the flashlight properly, the flashlight may not turn on, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check the physical health of the flashlight. On Xiaomi, it often fails after falls or moisture. You can check the performance through the engineering menu:

1. Dial in the dialer: ##4636##.
2. Select Equipment Testing → Flashlight.
3. If the test does not pass, contact the service center.

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On Xiaomi AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Lite), the flashlight function can be turned off automatically when you call to prevent the display from overheating.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions