Flash on Xiaomi notifications: how to turn on and configure backlight for messages

The flash of light on notifications on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for those who do not want to miss important messages or calls, especially in noisy places where a vibration or sound signal may go unnoticed. However, many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi have difficulty in trying to enable this option: the settings are hidden in unexpected menus, the feature does not work properly after the MIUI update.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate a flash, from standard system settings to hidden settings for individual instant messengers, how to make your camera blink on calls, SMS or notifications from WhatsApp, Telegram and other apps, even if your Xiaomi model doesn’t support this out of the box option, and why sometimes the flash doesn’t work and how to fix it.

Where is the flash setting for notifications in MIUI

Depending on the firmware version, the path to the option may vary. In recent versions of MIUI 14/15, developers have made it easier to access the settings, but in older builds (for example, MIUI 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro) you will have to dig deeper.

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Notifications and Status bar (in some models, Sounds and Vibration).
  3. Tap on Call and Message Notifications or Notification Settings.
  4. Find the Flash item at notifications (may be called Light Indication or Camera Illumination).

If there is no such item, don’t despair. Your model (POCO X3 NFC, Redmi 9A or older) may require an alternative approach.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Mi 11/12/13
Another model
I don't know.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the flash on calls and SMS

For most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 11), the process looks like this:

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notifications about calls and messages.
  2. Activate the flash switch at notifications (should turn blue).
  3. Choose the types of events for which you need lighting: 📞 Incoming calls 💬 SMS messages 🔔 Notifications from applications (requires additional configuration)

Press Ready or go back to save.

After that, when a call or text comes in, the camera will flash at intervals of ~1 second. If the flash does not work, check whether it is blocked by the power saving mode or the blacklist of notifications.

Allow notifications for the "Phone" application"|Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode"|Make sure the camera is not covered with a cover|Check battery power (below 15% flash may not work)-->

Flash setting for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

The standard MIUI settings allow you to turn on the flash only for system notifications (calls, SMS).

Method 1: Through setting up special features

This method works for all Xiaomi models with Android 10+:

  1. Open Settings → Special features → Hearing → Notification flash.
  2. Turn on the option and select the Camera (not the screen).
  3. In the Applications section, add the necessary messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).

If the problem persists, try clearing the system cache:

Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Cash system

💡

In the models with IR-With a blaster (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the flash may conflict with the remote control. Turn off the infrared port in the settings if the camera blinks are unstable.

Alternative ways: how to flash the screen instead of the camera

If your Xiaomi doesn't support a flash camera, you can set up a flash screen, which is less noticeable, but still useful in the dark:

  1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing → Notification flash.
  2. Select the screen instead of the camera.
  3. Customize the color and frequency of the flash (available on MIUI 12+).

For models with Always-On Display (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F4 GT), you can activate constant notifications backlight:

Settings → Display → Always-On Display → Show notifications
Can you customize different flash colors for different applications?
No, standard MIUI firmware only has one color (usually white) available, and multi-channel backlighting requires custom firmware like xiaomi.eu or LineageOS.
Why does the flash only work when the screen is unlocked?
This is a power saving restriction. To remove it, turn off the Battery Optimization option for the Phone app in the battery settings.
How to turn off the flash on notifications if it interferes?
Return to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Call notifications and deactivate Flash switch at notifications.
Will the flash work in the case?
Depending on the model of the case, if it covers the camera with a dense material (for example, a book with a magnet), the light may not penetrate. For the test, point the camera at the wall - if you see a blink, the case does not interfere.
Can I use a flash for an alarm clock?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like Flash Alerts 2. The standard MIUI settings don't support this feature.

💡

On models with MIUI 14+, the flash on notifications is more stable than on older versions. If the function is lost after the update, try resetting the notification settings to factory ones.