Xiaomi smartphones hide many useful features that users learn about after months of use, one of which is the flashing flashlight when an incoming call or notification is sent, which not only makes the device more visible in noisy environments, but also helps people with hearing impairments not miss an important call, but it is not easy to find it in the settings: depending on the model and version of MIUI, the path to activation may vary.
Many people mistakenly think that you need root rights or third-party apps to turn on lights. In fact, 90% of the time, standard system tools are enough to know where to look. In this article, we'll look at all the working ways for different versions of firmware, including hidden settings for older Redmi and POCO models. You'll also learn how to make the flashlight only flash on calls, ignoring messages in messengers.
If your Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the actions described below, check two things: the MIUI version (an update can add a feature) and the smartphone model – some budget devices (like Redmi 9A) don’t have an option due to hardware limitations.
1. Standard method: setup in MIUI 12–14
Since MIUI 12 (Android 10+), the call light function has been part of the basic function to activate it:
1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to the Special Features section (some firmwares call Universal Access).
3. Find the Light Indication or Blinking Lantern (may be in the Rumor submenu).
4 Activate the switch next to Incoming Calls. Optionally, you can turn on the response to Messages and Notifications.
If Light Indication is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware. On MIUI 14 (Android 13/14), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Special. features → Functions for people with hearing impairment → Flashing flashlight.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Make sure the flashlight works manually (test in the Camera app)
Check if the energy saving mode for the system is turned off
Disable third-party flashlight management apps (such as Flash Alerts)-->
Important: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the function only works when the screen is unlocked. This is a firmware restriction, you can bypass it through Automation in Settings → Additional.
Alternative method: through “Driving mode”
If the standard method didn’t work, try activating the light indication through Driving Mode, which works even on older versions of MIUI (9-11):
1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Driving mode.
2. Turn on the mode and press the driving mode settings.
3. Find the flashing flashlight option when calling and activate it.
4. Go back and turn off the driving mode itself - the function will remain active.
This trick works because MIUI's lights are designed to be safety-focused at the wheel, and once activated, the flashlight will flash on all incoming calls, whether or not the driving mode is currently on.
⚠️ Attention: POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T This method may conflict with navigation gestures. If the screen starts to brake after setting up, reset the gesture settings to Settings. → Display. → Navigation panel.
3. For older models: hidden settings through code
If you have a Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5 or other MIUI 8-10 model, the standard methods may not work.
1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination:
##6484##2. In the menu that appears, select Testing → LED.
3. Find Incoming call flash and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.
This method works on 80% of Xiaomi’s older models, but it has risks:
- 🔧 It may be reset after the firmware update.
- 📱 On some models (Redmi) 3S) causes the camera to crash.
- ⚡ Increases battery consumption by 5–7% in standby mode.
What if the code doesn't work?
4. Configure via the "Security" app
On some firmware (MIUI 11 for Europe/Global), the option is hidden in the Security app (shield icon):
1. Open Security. → Optimization → Cog badge (⚙) top-right.
2. Select Special Options → Light Indication.
3. Activate the switch for Calls and, if necessary, for Messages.
If you don’t have one, update the Security app via Google Play. On some regional firmware (e.g. India), this section may be called Emergency SOS.
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | The path to adjustment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 14.0.5+ | Settings → Special. capabilities → Flashing flashing flashlight | It only works with an unlocked screen. |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 12.5–13.0 | Settings → Driving Mode → Settings → Flashing flashlight | Could be in conflict with the NFC |
| POCO X3 Pro | 12.0.8–12.5.3 | Settings → Display → Light indication | Requires to disable battery optimization for "Phone" |
| Redmi 9C | 12.0.1–12.0.3 | No built-in function | Use the applications in Section 5 |
5 Third-party applications: if nothing works
If the built-in methods don’t work, install one of these apps (checked on MIUI 12–14):
- 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 — supports customized settings for contacts, works in the background.
- 💡 Flash Notification is a minimalist interface, low battery consumption.
- 📞 Call Flash – specializes only in calls, integrates with the standard application “Phone".
How to set up:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Provide permissions for the Camera (for flashlight control) and Notices.
- In the app settings, select Call Only (to ignore messages).
- Turn off battery optimization for the application in Settings → Applications → Battery Management.
⚠️ Note: Flash Alerts apps may conflict with Google Assistant MIUI 13+. If the voice assistant stopped working after installation, clear the cache of the Google app in the settings.
💡
To save battery power, set the flashlight only when repeated calls (the option is in Flash Alerts 2) so it will not trigger spam calls.
6.Problems and solutions
If the flashlight does not flash despite all settings, check these points:
Problem 1: The flashlight is not responding to calls.
Decision:
- Check if the flashlight is manually turned off (press the power button + increase the volume).
- Turn off the power saving mode in the battery settings.
- Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).
Problem 2: The flashlight flashes on all notifications, not just calls.
Solution: In the light display settings (Settings → Special. features), turn off options for Messages and Other notifications, leave only Incoming calls.
Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the function is gone.
Solution: Reset your settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset (select Network and Application Settings Reset). This is the only way to return the feature to MIUI 13.0.4–13.0.6 for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
💡
If after all the manipulations the flashlight did not work, check the hardware serviceability of the module. NE and POCO M4 Pro known for failure bug LED-In this case, only the service center will help.