Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with extensive customization capabilities, but many users face a problem: the LED notification indicator is disabled by default or does not work correctly. LED-The display is set up in a few clicks, where the process is hidden deeper in the system menus. This article will help you understand how to make the indicator flash when you miss calls, messages and other events - without root rights and complex manipulations.
It is important to understand that the light indication on Redmi 9 is implemented software: the physical LED in the device is one (near the front camera), and its behavior depends on the MIUI firmware. After the system updates, the settings can be reset or moved to other sections of the menu - we have taken into account these nuances and collected current methods for all versions of the software.
Why is Redmi 9 not running light display?
Before you turn on LED-It's worth looking at the possible reasons why they're not available:
- 🔹 Disabled function in settings — MIUI By default, it hides the display option in the depth of the menu, and many users simply do not know about its existence.
- 🔹 Energy saving mode – aggressive battery settings can block the LED, especially if the Ultra-Economic mode is activated".
- 🔹 Update of the firmware - after upgrade MIUI Some system parameters are reset, including indicator settings.
Less often, hardware malfunctions (such as damage to the LED plume after a phone falls) or conflicts with third-party applications that intercept notification management (such as some launchers or battery optimizers) are to blame. If none of the methods below work, it is worth checking the phone for physical damage.
Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI (without root)
The most reliable and safe method is to activate the display through the built-in MIUI settings. The instructions are suitable for Redmi 9 on any firmware version (including MIUI 12/13/14), but the path to options may vary slightly.
Follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to Always on Screen and Lock (in some versions, Lock Screen).
- Slip on the item Light indication (if it is not - see hidden settings).
- Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
- Set up colors for different types of notifications: 📞 Missed calls are usually red or green. 💬 Messages - blue or purple. ⚠️ Low battery charge - orange.
Save the changes and check the indicator (for example, by calling the phone from another device).
On Redmi 9 with MIUI 14 Global firmware, the Light Indication option may not be available in the Lock Screen menu, in which case use the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Hearing → Light Indication.
Make sure your phone is over 20% charged | Turn off Do Not Disturb mode | Check if the LED is blocking the cover or film |Update MIUI to the latest version-->
Method 2: Activate through hidden developer settings
If the standard path didn’t work, try turning on the display through the developer menu, which requires developer mode pre-activation, but doesn’t require root rights.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You're a developer!").
Settings
For developers
Light indication
Pulsifying notification
Pulse notification light
Activate it and select colors for different events.
If the option is not even in the developer menu, try resetting the network settings:
→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resetThis sometimes helps to "show" hidden settings. After reset, restart your phone and check for the option again.
What to do if the developer menu does not open?
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, not only activating the LED, but also extending its functionality (for example, allowing you to assign unique colors to each application).
1. Light Manager application (without root)
Light Manager is one of the few applications that can manage the system. LED-Xiaomi Redmi 9 with no superuser rights:
- 🎨 Color setting for 20+ notification types.
- 🔔 Blinking modes (constant, pulsating, wave).
- 📱 Individual settings for each application (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
How to set up:
- Download Light Manager from Google Play.
- Provide all permissions requested (including access to notifications).
- In the main menu of the application, activate the Enable Light Manager switch.
- Select the apps you want to set up the display for and assign colors.
2. Notification Light (requires ADB)
A more advanced solution is Notification Light, but it will require you to enable USB debugging and execute one command via ADB. This is secure and does not require root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Install Notification Light from Google Play.
- Activate debugging via USB: Settings → For developers → Debugging via USB
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb shell pm grant com.kookapp.notificationlight android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
- Restart the phone and set up the indication in the app.
The advantage of this method is a more stable operation compared to Light Manager, especially on custom firmware.
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If the LED doesn’t blink after installing a third-party app, try turning off system battery optimization for it: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Battery → No restrictions.
Table: Default Colors of the Indication in MIUI
MIUI for Redmi 9 pre-sets LED colors for different types of notifications, which can be changed, but it is useful to know the standard values for diagnosing problems:
| Type of notification | Colour of the display | Frequency of flashing |
|---|---|---|
| Missed call | Red. | 1 time 2 seconds |
| Unread SMS | Blue | 2 times per second |
| Notification by WhatsApp/Telegram | Green. | Constant glow |
| Low battery charge (<15%) | Orange | Blinking with pause 3 seconds |
| System error | White | Fast blinking. |
If the indicator flashes white for no obvious reason, this may indicate a failure in the operation of sensors (for example, a gyroscope or accelerometer), in this case, resetting the settings to the factory or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.
Problem Solving: The indicator is not working
If after all the manipulations the LED did not catch fire, check the following points:
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 9 batches (especially those released in 2021) have a physical absence of the LED due to cost optimization, and you can check this by flashing a flashlight on the area next to the front camera – if there is no small transparent window, there is no indicator in the device.
- 🔋 Battery charge below 15% — MIUI Automatically disables the indication to save energy.
- 📴 Do Not Disturb – Blocks all notifications, including lights.
- 🛠️ Optimizer conflict – apps like Greenify or AccuBattery can interfere with your work LED.
- 🔄 Resetting – if the indicator worked before but stopped, try resetting Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be deleted).
If the problem persists, check the phone for custom firmware. Some builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not support light display on that device, in which case only a return to the official MIUI will help.
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Before resetting or flashing, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, messages and application settings.