Xiaomi’s smartphones and their Redmi sub-brand are known for their functionality, but sometimes standard settings hide useful options. One such feature is a notification flash that allows you to visually identify an incoming call even in a noisy room or when the sound is off. This feature is especially relevant for models where there is no separate LED event indicator, as a flashing flashlight becomes a full-fledged replacement for it.
Enabling this feature requires several sequential actions in the system menu Settings. It is important to understand that the algorithms for the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS may differ slightly, but the basic principle remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
In this article, we will discuss the activation process in detail, look at the nuances of operation in different versions of the operating system and answer frequent questions, you will learn how to avoid rapid battery discharge and why the function may not work on a locked screen.
Preparing the smartphone to set up the indicator
Before you proceed to activate the feature, make sure your smartphone is working correctly. Check that the operating system version is up to date, as in older MIUI builds the path to settings may be different or the function may not work properly. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the system version to check for updates.
Also, make sure that the camera module and flash are working. Try running the standard Camera app and taking a picture with the flash on. If the flashlight does not light up even in the camera app, the problem may be in the hardware or driver conflict, and software setting up calls here will not help.
⚠️ Note: If the flash is not working in any application, it may be blocked by the system process or physically damaged, in which case the setting of the call notification is not possible until the root cause is eliminated.
For a comfortable setup, it is recommended to set the screen brightness to the average to better see changes in the interface.Be sure to also unlock the device, as access to deep system settings is often limited on a locked screen for security reasons.
☑️ Checking before setting up
Activation of the flash through system settings
The main and most reliable way to turn on flashing flashlights when incoming calls is in the back of the system menu, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices without the need to install third-party software.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 🔍 Find and select the Additional Settings section (in some versions it may simply be called "Advanced").
- 📞 Go to the Special Opportunities section.
- 💡 In the list that opens, find the Notification Flash option and activate the switch.
Once the slider is activated, the system can request confirmation or issue an alert about the increased energy consumption. LED-The module consumes significant current with frequent use. Confirm the action to make the changes take effect.
It’s worth noting that in some regions or firmware (e.g., China’s CN), the path may look different: Settings → Additional settings → Incoming calls → Flash when calling. If you don’t find an item in “Special Opportunities,” try searching through the search bar at the top of the settings menu by typing in “flash.”
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Use a Settings search by entering the word “flash” or “flash” to instantly find the right switch without wandering through the menu.
Setting up the function in the Phone application
Sometimes system settings can conflict with the settings of the call app itself. There is a backup setup inside the standard call in the MIUI and HyperOS shells, and this is for the convenience of users who are used to looking for everything related to calls in one place.
To check and configure this setting, open the standard Phone app (green handset). Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen or the gear icon to open the menu. Select Settings, and then find the Incoming Calls section.
Inside this section, there should be a flash switch on an incoming call, and activating it ensures that even if the system notification service fails, the phone app will force the flashlight on, which is especially important for users who use third-party themes, as they often break standard ways to integrate system functions.
| Parameter | System menu | Application Phone | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Globally for all applications | Only for calls. | Equally. |
| Impact on the battery | High. | Average. | Depends on the frequency. |
| Work in your pocket | Depends on the sensor. | Depends on the sensor. | Same thing. |
| Compatibility | MIUI 10-14, HyperOS | All versions. | Tall. |
It is recommended to activate the function in both places for maximum reliability, which will create a "double guarantee" that you will notice the call, but watch the behavior of the device: if the phone starts to heat up very much in standby mode, one of the options will have to be turned off.
Features of MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS
With the release of new versions of the Xiaomi shell, the menu structure is constantly changing. In MIUI 13 and MIUI 14, developers sought to unify the interface by moving many functions to the Special Features section, which was done in order to free the main settings menu from secondary options.
The newest HyperOS system has the same logic, but the visual design and response speed have changed. HyperOS has added a smart algorithm that turns off the flash if the proximity sensor is closed (for example, the phone is lying down screen or in a dense case), which saves charge. This is an important difference that owners of new devices should remember.
If you upgraded from an older version of the system, the old settings may reset or move, in which case the search algorithm remains the same, but the names of items may be slightly changed by translators. For example, "Notification Flash" may be referred to as "Event Indicator".
⚠️ Note: After a major firmware update (e.g., with a MIUI 13 by 14) special features settings are often reset by default. Be sure to recheck flash activation after the update.
Users of custom firmware (Global, EEA, Russia) may notice that in the Chinese version (CN), some items are hidden. Their activation sometimes requires changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Singapore, where the functionality is often expanded.
Using third-party applications to manage the flash
Built-in tools don't always work. Sometimes Android system constraints or MIUI shell bugs don't allow you to turn on the desired function. In these cases, apps come to the rescue from the Google Play Store, and they have more flexible settings, allowing you to set blinking patterns or color.
- 📲 Flash Alerts 2 is one of the most popular applications that allows you to adjust blinking for different contacts.
- 💡 LED Flash for Alerts is a simple solution with a minimalist interface and low resource consumption.
- 🔔 Blink Call & SMS — application specializing in visual notifications with the ability to adjust the duration of the flash.
When installing such programs, be sure to provide all the requested permissions, including access to the phone, contacts and camera. Without these permissions, the application will not be able to intercept the incoming call signal and activate the flashlight.
Using third-party software has its own risks. An incorrectly written application can cause conflicts with the system, leading to reboots or quick battery discharge. So choose only proven programs with high ratings and a lot of reviews.
Security of Third Party Applications
Problems and their solution: why does not flash flash a flashlight
Even after setting it up properly, users may find themselves in a situation where the flashlight is not lit, and the most common reason is to work in Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode, where the system blocks all visual and audible notifications, and only selected contacts are prioritized.
Another reason could be energy saving: If Super Savings is on or the battery is critically low (less than 10%), the system forcibly shuts down power-intensive functions, which include LED flash. Check the battery settings and add the Phone app to the exceptions if necessary.
Also, consider the physical factor. If you wear a tight case on your phone that covers the camera module, the flash will work, but you won't see it. Remove the case for verification. If that doesn't work, try resetting the application settings: Settings → Apps → All apps → Phone → Reset.
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Most often, the problem is solved by checking the "Do Not Disturb" mode or cleaning the cache of the "Phone" application.
The effect of the function on the autonomy of the device
Active use of flash as an indicator inevitably affects battery life. LED module consumes current, albeit briefly. If you take many calls during the day, energy consumption can be anywhere from 3% to 7% per day depending on the intensity of use.
However, compared to a constantly burning screen or vibrator, a flash is a relatively energy-efficient way to notify. LED-It's a technology that allows you to get bright pulses of light at minimal energy costs. For most users, this tradeoff is entirely justified by convenience.
To minimize the impact on the battery, you can use the feature selectively, for example, to turn on the flash only for calls from selected contacts, this is done through contact settings or through sound profiles, where a specific ringtone and visual alert are set for a particular group.