How to turn on flashing notification light on Xiaomi: all ways

The LED notification indicator on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to avoid missing important messages or calls. However, many users are faced with the fact that by default this indicator is turned off or is not working correctly. Depending on the device model and the version of MIUI, the setting process may differ: somewhere the option is hidden in deep menus, and somewhere it is not at all (for example, on some budget Redmi models without a physical LED).

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn on a flashing light, from standard settings to hidden features and third-party apps. You’ll learn how to adjust the color of the indicator for different types of notifications (calls, SMS, messengers), why the function may not work, and what to do if your Xiaomi model has no LED physically. We’ll also look at alternative solutions such as Always-on Display (AOD) and notification widgets on the lock screen.

Checking the presence of LED on your Xiaomi model

Before you try to turn on the flashing indicator, make sure that your Xiaomi smartphone is equipped with it at all. Physical LED is absent in most budget Redmi models (for example, Redmi 9A, Redmi 10A) and some devices of the POCO series. At the same time, flagship and mid-budget devices (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F4) are usually equipped with an indicator.

How to check:

  • πŸ” See the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation.
  • πŸ’‘ Carefully inspect the front panel of the phone: the LED is usually located next to the front camera or under the screen (on models with a high-end camera). AMOLED).
  • πŸ“± Try calling a notification (for example, a missed call) – if the indicator flashes, it means that it is there.
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model is equipped with an LED indicator?
Yeah, flashes at notifications.
Yes, but it doesn't work.
No LED.
I don't know how to check.

If you haven’t found an LED, don’t be upset: at the end of the article, we’ll talk about alternative ways to display notifications (for example, through Ambient Display or third-party apps).

Standard way to include notification indicator in MIUI

On most Xiaomi models with a physical LED, the function is enabled through standard settings. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (may vary slightly depending on the version):

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to Always Active Screen and Lock (or Lock Screen in older versions).
  3. Select the Notification Indicator (or LED indicator).
  4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
  5. Set up colors for different types of notifications (optional).

Update MIUI to the latest version |Check LED |Check your phone at least 50% |Switch off power-saving mode-->

If the Notification Indicator is not in the menu, it can mean:

  • πŸ“΅ Your model is physically missing an LED.
  • πŸ”„ The function is hidden in your version. MIUI (decision - see the following section).
  • πŸ”§ You have a custom firmware installed where the option is disabled.

Hidden settings: how to turn on the indicator through the engineering menu

If there is no standard path, try activating the feature through the engineering menu, which works on many Xiaomi models, but requires caution – incorrect changes can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##6484## (some models may work ##64663##).
  2. You will be taken to the MTK Engineer Mode (or similar) menu.
  3. Go to the Hardware Testing section β†’ LED.
  4. Turn on the Notification LED option and save the settings.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some Xiaomi models (especially those with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors), the standard engineering menu codes are locked. In this case, try: 1. Install the app MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play (only for MediaTek devices). 2. ADB-commands (requires a connection to the PC and enabled debugging on the USB). 3. Update MIUI Update - sometimes the function appears after the update.

Attention! Changes to the engineering menu can cause your phone to malfunction, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you might want to use the other methods in this article.

⚠️ Note: On models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) The engineering menu may be missing or require root rights. Do not try to root for the sake of one feature - this will void the warranty and increase the risk of hacking the device.

Set up indicator colors for different notifications

If your Xiaomi LED is successfully turned on, you can adjust its colors for different types of notifications, which will help you visually distinguish missed calls from messages in messengers.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Always Active Screen and Lock β†’ Notification Indicator.
  2. Select the Notification Color (or LED setting).
  3. For each type of notification (calls, SMS, apps) select a color from the palette.
  4. Save the changes.
Type of notificationRecommended colorExample of applications
Missed callGreen.Phone, WhatsApp calls.
SMS/MMSBlueMessages, Google Messages
MessengersRed/OrangeTelegram, Viber, Facebook Messenger
System notificationsWhite/VioletUpdates, warnings

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50 Pro) the LED can only flash white, even if the settings have a different hue.

Why the notification indicator doesn’t work: common problems

If you have turned on the LED but it doesn’t blink, check the following points:

  • πŸ”‹ Power Saving Mode: Ultra Battery Saver or Charge Saving mode enabled can turn off the indicator. β†’ Battery.
  • πŸ“΄ Incorrect application settings: Some messengers (such as Telegram) block notifications in the background. Go to the app settings and allow notifications to be displayed.
  • πŸ”„ System failure: Restart your phone – sometimes it helps to return the indicator to work.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update MIUI: On some models, the function only appears after updating the firmware. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Always-on Display (AOD) The LED light can be turned off automatically. To activate it, first turn it off. AOD in lock screen settings.

If the problem persists, try resetting the notification settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select an app that doesn’t have an indicator (like WhatsApp).
  3. Click Notifications and reset the default settings.
  4. Reboot the phone.

Alternatives to the LED indicator on Xiaomi

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t have a physical LED, use alternative ways to display notifications:

  • πŸ“± Always-on Display (AOD): Shows the time, date and notification icons on the screen turned off. β†’ Always active screen. Only works on AMOLED-display.
  • πŸ”„ Lock screen animation: C Settings β†’ The lock screen can enable animation when notifications are received (e.g., a screen flash).
  • πŸ“² Third-party apps: Apps like Light Flow or Notification Light emulate LED operation through a screen or camera (flash).
  • πŸ”Š Sound or vibration signals: Set up unique melodies or vibrations for different contacts in Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations.

πŸ’‘

On models without LED, the best alternative is Always-on Display, which consumes minimal energy. AMOLED-technology) and shows all the necessary information on the screen turned off.

For owners of POCO and Redmi without LED, the β€œRaise to Wake” function (Settings β†’ Lock Screen β†’ Raise to Wake up) is also suitable. When you receive a notification, you just lift your phone to see the information on the screen.

Use of third-party applications to emulate the indicator

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications that emulate how the LED works through a screen, camera or speaker.

Top.-3 apps:

  1. Light Flow (requires root for full functionality): 🎨 Customize colors for each application. ⚑ It works even on models without a physical LED (using a screen). ⚠️ Nana MIUI may require additional permits.
  2. Notification Light (free version with advertising): πŸ’‘ Simulates LED through camera flash. πŸ”‹ Saves battery power (flash flashes only when new notifications are issued).

AOD Notify

  • πŸ“± Shows notifications on the screen turned off (analogue) AOD).
  • 🎨 Supports customization of fonts and animations.

πŸ”Ή Can the indicator be flashed only for certain contacts?
The standard MIUI settings do not support pin-specific pin-linking, but you can: Set up unique call melodies for important contacts; use third-party apps like Light Flow (requires root for full functionality); Alternatively, turn on Always-on Display and configure the contact name when a missed call is displayed.