Flash on messages in Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure the notifications highlighting

The flash of light on notifications in Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps you not miss important messages, especially when the phone is down or in silent mode.This option activates a camera flash or screen light when you receive SMS, calls or notifications from messengers. However, many users have difficulty configuring it due to frequent updates to the MIUI interface and hidden settings.

In this article, you will find current instructions for different firmware versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), how to turn on the flash for specific applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), as well as solving common problems – from the lack of an option on the menu to conflicts with power saving mode.

Why is not the flash on notifications in Xiaomi?

Before you get into the setup, it's important to understand why the feature might not be available.

• 🔋 Power saving mode: Enabled background activity restriction blocks the flash to save charge.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: On versions MIUI below 12.5 the option may be missing or may not work smoothly.
• 🔧 Lack of permissions: The app (such as Messages or Viber) is not given access to the camera or notifications.
• 💡 Hardware restrictions: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO C31) may not support function due to a weak flash.

If your smartphone is a Redmi Note, Poco X or Xiaomi 12/13/14, the problem is likely software. In the next section, we will discuss how to check the compatibility of your model.

How to Check if Your Xiaomi Supports Flash on Notifications

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with this feature. To avoid wasting effort, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app → The phone.
2. Find the device model line (e.g. 2201116PI for Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
3. Check for flash module: if the characteristics indicate Double LED-flash LED Flash, the function should work.

If your model is in a table marked "Yes" but the function is not working, move to the next section. For devices marked "Partially" or "No", consider alternative ways of alerting, such as vibration with individual patterns.

Step-by-step: how to turn on flash on messages in MIUI 14 and HyperOS

The MIUI interface is updated regularly, so the path to settings may vary, and the latest firmware algorithm is listed below:

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the battery is more than 20% charged.

Turn off the power saving mode in Settings → Battery

Close all background applications-->

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and select Hearing → Notification Flash (in some versions, the item is called Visual Alerts).
3. Activate the Camera Flash or Screenlight switch (depending on the model).
4. Click Flash Settings and select: 📩 Messages for SMS/MMS; 📞 Calls - for incoming calls; 🔔 Other notifications for messengers and social networks.

Flash color

Frequency of flashing

For HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path may be different:

Settings → System applications → Special features → Flash notifications

Once activated, check the function by sending a test SMS or calling your number from another phone. If the flash doesn't work, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) screen lighting consumes significantly less power than LED-Use this mode to save your charge.

Setting up a flash for specific applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

By default, MIUI allows you to turn on the flash only for system notifications (SMS, calls), to activate it for instant messengers, you will need additional configuration:

For WhatsApp:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find WhatsApp and select Notifications.
3. Activate the Notification Flash switch (if there is no option, use the method below).

The universal method for any application:

If the desired option is not in the application settings, use automation:

1. Install the MacroDroid or Tasker app from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro command with the application notification trigger (select the desired messenger).
3. Add the Enable Flash action (in Tasker it is Flash in the Display section).
4. Adjust the duration of the blinking (recommended 1-2 seconds to save charge).

For Telegram and Viber, the algorithm is similar. Note that automation may not work in the background if notifications in MIUI settings are disabled for the trigger application.

Problem Solving: The flash doesn’t work or flashes incorrectly

If the flash does not work after setting up, follow this checklist:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ The function may conflict with Concentration Mode. Turn it off in Settings. → Digital Well-Being Before Testing.

• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes a basic phone reboot helps.
• 📦 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Special facilities → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Resetting: In the same menu, Special Options click Reset Settings (does not affect personal data).
• 🔋 Energy saving: Add Special Opportunities to the list of exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Special facilities → No restrictions.

If the problem persists, check the error logs:

1. Install the Logcat Extreme app from Google Play.
2. Enable log recording and play back the problem (e.g., send a test SMS).
3. Search the logs for keywords: flashlight, notification, CameraHal.

Common errors and their meanings:

• E/CameraHal: setTorchMode(1) failed → Camera conflict (try to close all applications using the camera).
• W/NotificationManager: Flashlight not available → Hardware incompatibility

Alternative methods of visual alerts

If the flash on your Xiaomi model isn’t supported or is not running smoothly, consider alternatives:

• 🌈 Screenlight: Turns on in the same menu as the flash, but consumes less power. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔴 LED-Indicator: On models with an indicator (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), set it up via Settings → Notifications → Notification indicator.
• 📱 Always-on Display (AOD): Shows notifications on the screen off. Available on flagships (Xiaomi) 12T Pro and newer).
• 🎨 Color themes: Use themes with notification animations (installed via Themes).

For maximum customization, install the Light Flow app (requires root on new Android versions):

1. Download Light Flow from Google Play.


2. Grant permissions for notifications and special opportunities.




3.Tune the color, frequency and duration of the backlight for each application.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Light Flow can conflict with system alerts MIUI. Before using, back up the settings in Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

How to turn off flash notifications if it interferes

If the function becomes irritable (for example, at night), it can be quickly deactivated:

1. Open the Notification Panel and hold the Flash icon (if any).
2. Or go to Settings → Special Options → Notification flash and turn off the switch.
3. For a temporary shutdown, use Do Not Disturb Mode (Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb).

On models with HyperOS, you can configure the flash schedule:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional settings.
2. Select Notification Flash → Schedule.
3. Set time limits (for example, from 8:00 to 22:00).

If the flash continues to work after the shutdown, check:

• Active macros in MacroDroid/Tasker.
• Permissions for applications to access the camera (Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Camera).

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Flash notifications can significantly reduce battery life.If you notice that the battery is going down faster than usual, limit the use of the feature or switch to the backlight of the screen.

FAQ: Frequent flash questions on Xiaomi notifications