How to turn on the notification indicator on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

The LED notification indicator on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps you not to miss important messages, calls or reminders, but many users are faced with the fact that the indicator is disabled by default or is not working correctly. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the LED on Redmi devices, POCO and Mi, including hidden settings MIUI, Third-party applications and hardware features of different models.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a physical LED. 9A or POCO M3 The indicator may not be present, and in flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra, it is performed by the screen with Always-On Display. Before you start setting up, check if your device has an LED - usually located next to the front camera or under the screen.

If you are not sure about the model of your smartphone, you can find it in the Settings menu. β†’ The phone. β†’ And look at the version. MIUI β€” in old firmware (below) MIUI 12) The path to indicator settings may differ. In this article, we will look at current methods for MIUI 13/14 newer versions.

1. Check for LED on your Xiaomi model

Before you try to turn on the indicator, make sure that your smartphone is equipped with it. Recently, Xiaomi has been actively abandoning physical LEDs in favor of software solutions such as: AOD (Always-On Display, or flashing screens, here's how to tell if your device has a hardware indicator on it:

  • πŸ” Visual inspection: shine a flashlight on the top of the screen next to the front camera. On most models, the LED looks like a small dot (most often white or multicolored glow).
  • πŸ“± Model check: LEDs are usually in the Redmi Note series (before the Redmi Note series) 10-model), POCO F, Mi 9/10. In budget Redmi A or new POCO M cut them often.
  • πŸ› οΈ Testing through the Engineering Menu: Enter the code ##4636## β†’ Choose Phone Information β†’ Scroll to the LED indicator block. If the partition is missing, there is no indicator.

If your model isn’t equipped with an LED but you need visual notifications, consider alternatives:

  • πŸŒ‘ Always-On Display (AOD): available AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT). Included in Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On Display.
  • πŸ”„ Screen blinking: in Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Blinking the screen can enable a short-term display tanning with new notifications.
  • 🎡 Sound or vibration signals: set up in Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) have LEDs physically present but disabled at the software level, and only firmware via Fastboot or custom software installation will help.

2. Include indicator through standard MIUI settings

If your smartphone is equipped with an LED, the first thing you should do is turn it on through the standard settings. MIUI The path may be slightly different, but the general logic is maintained:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section (in MIUI 14 may be referred to as Notices).
  3. Select the Notification Indicator or LED indicator (if no item, see the next section).
  4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
  5. Set up colors for different types of notifications (calls, messages, mail, etc.).

In some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 9 Pro) LED settings can be hidden deeper:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Additional (three dots in upper right corner).
  2. Choose Special Opportunities β†’ Rumor β†’ Notification indicator.
  3. Turn on the option and set the blinking parameters.

If you're in your version MIUI There is no explicit item to set up the LED, but you are sure it is on the device, try resetting the notification settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on three dots in the corner. β†’ Reset the notification settings.
  3. After the reboot, check if the partition with the LED appears.

Check the smartphone model for the indicator|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Make a backup copy of notification settings|

Try resetting notification settings if the indicator doesn't show up-->

3. Set up the indicator for specific applications

By default, the LED on Xiaomi can only blink when missed calls or SMS. To activate it for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) or social networks, you will need additional configuration:

For standard applications (calls, messages):

  • πŸ“ž Go to Settings. β†’ Notifications β†’ Notification indicator.
  • Select the notification type (for example, Missed Call or Unread) SMS).
  • Adjust the blinking color and frequency (the available colors depend on the model).

For third-party applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.):

  1. Open the settings of the desired application (for example, Telegram).
  2. Go to the Notifications section β†’ LED indicator (in some applications, the item may be called Light or Indicator).
  3. Turn on the option and select a color (if available).
  4. Get back to the settings. MIUI and make sure notifications are allowed for this application (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Management of notifications).

If there is no built-in LED setting option for the application, use the workaround:

  1. Install the Light Manager app or LED Blinker from Google Play.
  2. Give him the right to notify (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Access to notifications).
  3. In the app settings, select Xiaomi as the device type and adjust the colors for each messenger.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, some applications (such as WhatsApp) may block access to the LED due to privacy policies, in which case only root access or a rollback to an older version of the firmware will help.

WhatsApp|

Telegram|

Viber|

Facebook Messenger|

Other-->

4. Use of third-party applications to control the indicator

If the standard settings MIUI They don't allow you to configure the LED flexibly, and third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and they're especially useful for device owners where the indicator is turned off at the software level (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO X3 Pro: Let's look at the best solutions:

AnnexFunctionsNeed a Root?Reference
Light ManagerCustomize colors for each application, adjust the frequency of blinking, support MIUINo.Google Play
LED BlinkerWorks with most Xiaomi models, support AOD, animationNo.Google Play
MacroDroidAutomation of notifications (for example, turning on the LED at a low charge)No.Google Play
TaskerAdvanced LED setup via plugins (requires skills)Sometimes.Google Play

To install and configure Light Manager (the most versatile solution), follow the following steps:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, give notifications (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Access to notifications β†’ Light Manager).
  3. In the main menu of the application, select LED Management.
  4. Activate the option to Enable LED control.
  5. In the Applications section, select the messengers for which you want to configure the indicator.
  6. Assign a flash color and frequency for each type of notification.

If the LED does not respond to settings in Light Manager, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the smartphone after installing the application.
  • πŸ“‹ Check if it's blocking. MIUI Application operation in the background (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Light Manager β†’ No restrictions).
  • πŸ”§ Enable Developer Mode and Disable Background Process Limitation (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Press 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For developers).

πŸ’‘

If the LED is flashing too fast or slow, you can manually adjust the blinking interval in Light Manager, with an optimal value of 1000 ms (1 second) for comfort.

5. Problem Solving: Why is the indicator not working?

Even after setting up the LED on Xiaomi correctly, let’s look at the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

  • πŸ”‹ Saving charge: MIUI Aggressively optimizes background processes. Turn off restrictions for LED-controlled applications: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Select the application β†’ No restrictions.
  • πŸ”„ Conflict with shell: After the update MIUI LED settings may be reset. Try resetting notification settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three points. β†’ Reset the notification settings
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware malfunction: If the LED has never worked, it may be damaged. Check it through the engineering menu: ##4636## β†’ Phone information β†’ LED indicator β†’ Test
  • πŸ“± Lack of firmware support: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) The LED is disabled at the kernel level, and the solution is to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) the LED may not work due to driver limitations, in which case only the replacement of firmware or the use of the LED will help. AOD.

If you suspect a software failure, reset to factory:

  1. Create a backup of data (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Resetting settings.
  3. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only settings).
  4. After restarting, re-set the LED.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 13/14 Some LED control applications may require additional permissions. If the light manager fails after installation, check if it blocks the light. MIUI Access to notifications through Settings β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Special access β†’ Access to notifications.

How to check if the LED is working at the physical level?
If you are not sure if the LED is working, try this: 1. Connect your smartphone to charging – on some models, the indicator flashes when charging. 2. Record the video screen in total darkness and increase the brightness – sometimes the LED glows too dim. 3. Use test software like Phone Tester (available on Google Play), which checks all sensors, including the LED.

6. LED alternatives: AOD and flashing

If your Xiaomi smartphone is not equipped with an LED or it is broken, consider alternative ways to display notifications. AMOLED-Screens offer more flexible solutions:

Always-On Display (AOD):

  • πŸŒ“ Available on flagships (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) and some medium-sized models (Redmi) K50).
  • πŸ”§ Included in Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On Display.
  • 🎨 Allows you to display time, date, notifications and even custom wallpaper.

Screen blink:

  • πŸ“± It works on all devices with MIUI.
  • ⚑ Included in Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Screen blinking.
  • ⏱️ The screen lights up briefly when the new notification is received (you can adjust the frequency).

Notification widgets:

  • πŸ“² Use widgets on the home screen (e.g. from Google or Microsoft Launcher).
  • πŸ”” Set up sound or vibration signals for important notifications.

For owners of devices with AMOLED-We recommend using AODNotify, an application that adds the functionality of Always-On Display even on models where it is not supported by default:

  1. Download AODNotify from Google Play.
  2. Provide access to notifications and permission to overlay (Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ AODNotify).
  3. In the application settings, select the display style and activate the option.

πŸ’‘

If your smartphone isn't equipped with an LED, Always-On Display or a flashing screen is a better alternative. AMOLED-Black pixels do not consume energy.

7. firmware and modifications for advanced users

If standard methods didn’t work, and your Xiaomi LED is definitely there, but it’s turned off at the software level, there’s still a firmware or system modification option, which is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and could potentially lead to a loss of warranty.

Method 1: Installation of custom firmware

  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
  • πŸ“₯ Download firmware with LED support (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid).
  • πŸ”§ Set it through TWRP or Fastboot.

Method 2: Modification of system files (Root required)

  1. Get Root Access via Magisk.
  2. Open the file. /system/build.prop any file manager with superuser rights (e.g. Root Explorer).
  3. Add a line: ro.config.notification_light=1
  4. Save the file, restart the device.

Method 3: Use ADB-team

If you don’t have a Root, you have access to it. ADB, Try to turn on the LED through commands:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Press 7 times, then additionally β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  2. Open the command line on PC and type: adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 1
  3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Modifying system files or firmware custom software can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable). TWRP Also note that after unlocking the bootloader, all data will be reset, and some functions (for example, Mi Pay or Widevine) will be reset. L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

FAQ: Frequent questions about LED on Xiaomi

πŸ”Ή Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have a Notification Indicator section in the settings?
This can mean one of three: Your model doesn’t have a physical LED (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3). In your version. MIUI function is disabled at the program level (relevant to the MIUI 12.5+ There's been a firmware failure. Try resetting notification settings or updating. MIUI To find out if your smartphone has an LED, check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the engineering menu (#4636##).
πŸ”Ή Can you customize different colors for different applications?
Yes, but only with third-party applications like Light Manager or LED Blinker. Standard settings. MIUI Allows you to set only one color for all notifications (usually white, blue or red, depending on the model). To set up: Install Light Manager from Google Play. Give access to notifications. In the Application section, select a messenger (such as WhatsApp) and assign a color. Please note: MIUI 14 Some apps may block access to LED due to privacy policy.
πŸ”Ή The LED is flashing, but not in the right way?
If the indicator is not working correctly (for example, flashing too fast or in the wrong color), try it: πŸ”„ Rebooting your smartphone – sometimes helps with temporary failures. πŸ“‹ Reset notification settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three points. β†’ Reset the notification settings). πŸ”§ In Light Manager manually set the blinking interval (optimally - 1000 ms). πŸ”‹ Check if it's blocking. MIUI background operation of the application controlling the LED (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Battery optimization.If the problem persists, the LED itself may have malfunctioned. Check it through the engineering menu (#4636##).
πŸ”Ή Will the LED work when the screen is off?
Yes, that's what the LED light is designed for -- it flashes when the screen is off, signaling new notifications: πŸ”‹ On some models, the indicator is turned off in Ultra Battery Saver mode. πŸ“΅ If Do Not Disturb mode is activated, the LED may not work (depending on the settings). πŸ”Œ When charging, the indicator may flash a different color (usually orange) to check if the LED is working when the screen is off, send yourself a test message or call from another phone.
πŸ”Ή Can I turn on the LED on Xiaomi without Root?
Yes, in most cases, the Root is not required: πŸ”§ Use standard settings MIUI (if the section is available). πŸ“± Install third-party applications like Light Manager or LED Blinker. πŸ”„ Activate the flashing of the screen or AOD Root is only required in two cases: If the LED is turned off at the kernel level (relevant for some models on MediaTek); if you want to manually edit system files (e.g. build.prop). For most users, installing Light Manager without additional manipulation is enough.