Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with many features that often remain hidden in the depths of system settings. One of these useful options is the ability to activate an LED flash during an incoming call. This feature not only helps not to miss a call in a noisy place or when the phone is lying down, but also serves as a convenient indicator in the dark. Owners of devices with shells MIUI and the new HyperOS can adjust this setting in just a few seconds without having to install third-party software.
However, despite its simplicity, many users have difficulty finding the right switch. The shell interface is constantly changing, and the names of menu items may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the notification flash, what alternative methods are available, and what to do if the standard feature does not work. You will learn how to adapt the behavior of the smartphone to your personal needs, making its use more comfortable and noticeable.
Standard Activation through System Settings
The most reliable and energy-efficient way to make your phone flash when you call is to use the built-in operating system. Xiaomi has a separate module for managing visual signals, which is integrated directly into the settings menu. To get started, you need to open the main menu and find the gear icon that is responsible for all system parameters of your device. After you log in, you should be careful, because the location of items can vary.
You'll need to find a section that's usually called Advanced Settings or Additional Features. This is where you hide options that aren't directly connected to the network or display, but affect the behavior of the gadget. Inside this section, look for "Lighting Indication" or "Flash at Notifications." On some firmware versions, this item may be simply called "Indicator."
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If you can't find the item on the menu, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Type in "flash" or "indicator" and the system will redirect you to the desired section.
Once you've entered the light indicator control menu, you'll see a list of events that the LED can respond to. We're interested in the Inbound Call option. Activate the switch opposite this item. Now, when a call comes in, your smartphone will rhythmically flash the flash, attracting attention even in complete silence. It's important to note that this feature can work differently depending on whether the screen is locked or not.
Use of the "Themes" application to expand the functionality
If you don't have enough standard settings or they're missing from your firmware version, Xiaomi's proprietary Themes app will come to the rescue, not just a wallpaper catalog, but a powerful customization tool that can change the look and feel of system components, including the call screen. The standard feature set is sometimes limited, and it's the thematics that circumvents those limitations.
To implement the plan you will need:
- 🌟 Open the “Themes” app on your smartphone.
- 🌟 Go to the user profile (the icon of the person in the lower right corner).
- 🌟 Select "Settings" in the profile menu.
- 🌟 Find the "Block Screen" or "Call Screen" section and activate the necessary options.
However, the most effective method is to set a specialized theme. Many authors create themes that already have flash logic on a call, even if it is systemically disabled. Find a popular theme, download and apply it. After applying the theme, check the flash settings again in the system menu, often using a third-party theme will unlock hidden controls.
Configure through the application "Security"
Another hidden reservoir of settings is the system application "Security", which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices. It combines the functions of antivirus, memory cleaner and battery optimizer, but also contains partitions for peripheral management. Sometimes access to LED control can be found here, especially on older versions of MIUI.
Launch the Security app and look at the top of the screen where the tool icons are located, and you may need to click on the More button or swipe to the left to see the full list of available utilities, sometimes including the Notification Management or Event Indicator.
⚠️ Note: On the new versions of the HyperOS shell, the Security functionality has been significantly stripped down and moved to the main system settings. If you do not find the right options there, do not try to download older versions of this application from third-party sources - this may disrupt the work system's tab.
In some cases, the Security app can block the flash to save energy if Super-Savings mode is on. Check if you have this mode activated, as it turns off all background processes and visuals, considering them redundant.
Third-party flash management applications
When built-in tools fail to achieve the desired result, users turn to third-party software. Google Play Store offers dozens of apps that take control of the camera and flash, they can blink at a given rhythm, change color (if the phone has a multicolor LED), and respond to different types of contacts.
One popular solution is to use client applications for calls that replace the standard caller, which completely control the incoming call process and can include a flashlight as part of its visual design, and there are utility systems that work in the background and monitor network status.
Examples of popular application categories:
- 📞 Dialer Substitutes: Completely change the incoming call interface and have built-in settings LED-signal.
- 💡 Flash Alert: Specialized utilities that flash flash and screen at any notification, including calls and SMS.
- ⚙️ Macros: Automation applications that allow you to create a script "If a call is made" → Turn on the flashlight".
Risks of using third-party software
When installing such programs, be sure to check the permissions requested. If a simple flashlight requires access to your contacts, geolocation and microphone, you should think about the security of your data.
Comparison of flash activation methods
The choice of activation method depends on your phone model, Android version and personal preferences. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before setting up. Below is a comparison table to help determine the best solution.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| System settings | Low. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Annex Topics | Medium | Low. | Medium |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Medium/High | Depends on the software. |
| Macros and automation | Tall. | Low. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, native methods are always preferred, they are better optimized for the hardware of a particular device and do not create unnecessary load on the processor. Third-party solutions should be considered only as a last resort when the standard functionality is completely absent or does not meet the specific requirements of the user.
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Using system settings is the safest and most stable option that ensures the phone works correctly without the risk of software conflicts.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Even after setting the right setup, users may find themselves in a situation where the flashlight does not light up. Often the problem is not a software bug, but physical limitations or conflicting settings. For example, many modern Xiaomi models lack a separate LED notification indicator, and use the main camera flash. In Do Not Disturb or Quiet Mode, the system can block visual signals, believing them to be a violation of the user's silence.
It is also worth checking whether the camera is closed for system processes. In rare cases, a failure in the operation of camera drivers can cause the flash to not activate on the call signal. Try restarting the device or resetting the phone and contact settings application through the application management menu.
☑️ Diagnostics of the problem
Another common reason is an installed energy-saving theme or widget that forcibly disables the flash to save charge. Try switching to a standard MIUI theme and disabling all widgets on the desktop for verification. If the feature is activated after that, then the conflict caused a third-party design element.
The impact of MIUI and HyperOS versions on functionality
The MIUI and HyperOS shells are constantly updated, and with each major release, the location of the settings can change. In versions of MIUI 12 and 13, the menu was more branched, while in MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the company seeks minimalism, hiding many functions in the submenu or removing them. Since HyperOS 1.0, the control of the light display has been completely moved to the section "Sound and vibration" or "Special features" depending on the regional firmware.
Older users who don't get updates may not have access to the new menu logic, but new flagships may lose some functionality for optimization. If you upgrade to the latest version of the software and don't find the switch, use a global search by settings. Type the word "flash" or "flash" and the system will show the current path for your version of the firmware.
Remember that regional features also play a role: Chinese firmware (CN) versions often have advanced functionality compared to global (Global) or Russian (RU). However, firmware of the Chinese version on the global device is not recommended for beginners, as this can lead to the failure of banking applications and unstable communication.