How to turn on the backlight when calling Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + troubleshooting

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with rich customization capabilities, but many users face a problem: when an incoming call, the screen is not illuminated, and the notification indicator is silent. This is especially true in noisy rooms or when the phone is down, and in this article we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to turn on the backlight when calling, including settings. MIUI, work LED-Indicator and workarounds for cases where standard methods do not work.

It is important to understand that backlighting when calling Redmi 9 is implemented in two ways: through the screen notifications (when the display “wakes up” when an incoming call) and through the LED indicator (if you have one in your device modification).

1. Check the hardware capabilities of your Redmi 9

Before you set up the backlight, make sure your Redmi 9 model physically supports the desired features. There are several modifications to this smartphone, and their capabilities vary:

• 📱 Redmi 9 (Global/China) — Most versions are available LED-indicator (white/multicolor) and screen wake-up.
• 📱 Redmi 9A/9C/9AT — budget modifications often lack LED, but there is screen lighting.
• 📱 Redmi 9 Prime/9 Power – Advanced display settings, including color schemes.

To determine your model, go to Settings → About Phone → Model. If the name has the letters AT, C or A, it is a simplified version without LED, in which case you only have the backlight.

Also check for LED visually: when you connect to a charge or receive a notification (such as an SMS), look at the top of the screen next to the front camera. If there's a light flashing, there's an indicator. If not, you'll have to limit your screen settings.

2. Turning on the screen light when the incoming call

The easiest way to get Redmi 9 to wake up when you call is to activate the option in the notification settings, which works on all modifications, including the Redmi 9A without LED.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Select Notifications on the lock screen.
3. Activate the Switch to Show Call Notifications.
4. Below, turn on the option to raise to wake up (if you want the screen to light up when you raise the phone).
5. Return to the Notifications section and select Additional → Notifications indicator.
6. Make sure to flash the screen when you call.

If after these manipulations the screen still does not light up, check:

• ⚙️ Energy saving mode: in Settings → Battery shut down Super Power Saving – it blocks screen wake-up.
• 🔕 Do not interfere: in Settings → Make sure the Do Not Disturb mode is turned off or set to skip calls.
• 📵 Background restrictions: for the Phone application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Select the battery without restrictions.

3.Tune in. LED-call indicator (if any)

If your Redmi 9 is equipped with an LED, it can be set to blink when an incoming call is made, and by default, this feature can be turned off or only work for notifications.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification indicator.
2. Activate the Notification Indicator (if any) switch.
3. Click Setting the indicator and select Calls.
4. Set the Blinking Color (e.g., red for missed, green for incoming).
5. In the Blinking Style section, select Permanent or Intermittent.

If the menu does not contain the Notification Indicator, it means:

• 🔴 Your Redmi model. 9 supportive LED (for example, 9A/9C).
• 🔴 You have a custom firmware installed that has removed this function.
• 🔴 The option is hidden in developer mode (see next section).

4. Hidden settings through developer mode

Some of the backlight settings are hidden in the developer menu to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Now find and turn on:

• 🔦 Blinking the screen at notifications – causes the display to turn on briefly.
• 🔦 Show notifications about calls on the lock screen – duplicates the previous setting, but with expanded options.
• 🔦 Debugging by USB — It does not affect the lighting, but may be necessary for further manipulation.

⚠️ Attention: The developer menu has the option to turn off the flashing screen (in some firmwares). If it is activated, the backlight will not work when the call is made, even if all other settings are correct.

You can also configure Windows Animation in this section – if you set the value of 1x or Off, system notifications (including calls) can be displayed without visual effects.

5. Problem Solving: Why the backlight doesn't work

If you’ve followed all the instructions, but Redmi 9 still doesn’t light up when you call, check out this table of typical causes and solutions:

A critical feature of Redmi 9 is that in some MIUI 12.5+ firmware, the screen blinking when you call conflicts with the "Rise to Wake Up" option. If both are on, the backlight may not work. Turn off one of them.

If the problem persists, try resetting the notification settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and press Warehouse.
3. Select Clear Data (do not delete the cache!).
4. Reboot the phone.

6. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods didn't work, you can use apps from Google Play that emulate backlighting.Best options for Redmi 9:

• 🔆 Flash Alerts 2 – flashes screen and camera when calling (requires permission for special features).
• 🔆 LED Blinker Notifications – controls LED and screen lighting (works even on models without any LED).
• 🔆 Always On AMOLED — displays call notifications on the always-on screen (suitable for Redmi 9s) AMOLED-display).

How to set up Flash Alerts 2:

1. Download the application and open it.
2. Select Flash on Call (Flash on Call).
3. Press Camera Flash (for flash flash flash) or Screen Flash (for screen flashing).
4. In the settings, specify the color, frequency and duration of blinking.
5. Grant permission for Special Features (in your phone settings).

⚠️ Warning: Flash flash flash apps drain your battery. On a Redmi 9 with a weak battery, this can reduce your battery life by 15-20%. Use them only when necessary.

If you use MIUI 13+, some applications may not work due to system limitations.

• Before installing, disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.
• Install. APK-manual file (e.g. from APKMirror site).
• In the battery settings for the application, select No Limits.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when you need to service

If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be hardware. Typical Redmi 9 malfunctions affecting backlighting:

• 💡 Burned. LED-indicator – check it when charging or notifying.
• 📱 Display plume damaged - screen does not wake up, but the call is coming.
• 🔌 Contacts of the proximity sensor are oxidized – the screen does not light up if the phone is lying on the table.
• 🔋 Power controller malfunction – the backlight only works when charging.

How to diagnose:

1. Connect the phone to charge and check if the indicator flashes.
2. Call your phone from another device and flash a flashlight on the proximity sensor (near the front camera). If the screen lights up, the sensor works.
3. Try calling Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and if it's backlighting, it's third-party software.

Cost of repair in the service center:

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 proximity sensor and LED often go in the same module with the front camera. If the service offers to replace the entire module, the cost will increase to 3000-5 000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about lighting on Redmi 9