Flash notifications in Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure the camera backlight

Are you missing out on important messages because you can’t hear the sound of notifications? Or just want to make your Xiaomi more visible in a noisy environment? Notification flash is not only a stylish accent, but also a useful feature for those who often miss calls or SMS. In this article, we’ll break down all the ways to activate camera backlights when new notifications are coming, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for advanced users.

The feature works on most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 7 and later), but its menu location may vary depending on the firmware version. We'll look at options for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, as well as workarounds for devices where the option is hidden by the manufacturer. Important: on some budget models (for example, the Redmi A1), the flash may not work due to hardware limitations - check the specifications of your smartphone.

If you’ve never used this feature, prepare for the fact that it can drain your battery 2 to 5 percent faster when you’re in active use, but you won’t miss an important message in traffic or on the street again!

Why is not the flash on notifications in Xiaomi?

Before setting up the backlight, let’s look at the typical reasons why the function may not be available:

🔹 No hardware support: on some models (e.g, POCO M3 or Redmi 9A) The flash cannot physically blink at the desired frequency.
🔹 Outdated firmware: in MIUI 11 and below option is often missing or is not running smoothly.
🔹 Manufacturer restrictions: on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The function can be disabled at the software level.
🔹 Conflict with other settings: If Do Not Disturb or Energy Saving is enabled, the flash will not work.

Also check if you have battery optimization apps (such as Greenify or AccuBattery) that can block background activity on system services.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?

Redmi Note 10/11/12

POCO X3/X4/X5

Xiaomi 11/12/13

Another model

Method 1: Standard settings through “Special Features”

This is the most reliable method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+.

Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
Scroll down and select Hearing (on some firmware, the item is called Sound and Vibration).
Activate the Notification Flash (or Light signals) switch.
Click on the Flash Settings bar to select apps (works for calls and SMS by default).

If Flash Notifications is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Special Access → Notification flash

Make sure the flash is not occupied by another application (e.g. flashlight)

- Turn off Do Not Disturb mode.

Check that the brightness of the screen is not at a minimum (may block light effects)

- Update the firmware to the latest version-->

Method 2: Configure with Security (for MIUI 13/14)

In newer versions of firmware, the option is sometimes moved to the security section.

Go to Settings. → Security.
Select Notifications and Controls (or Privacy on some models).
Find Light Effects or Camera Flash.
Turn on the slider and select the applications that need backlighting.

Important: on POCO F3 and Xiaomi 12T, this item may be called Visual Notifications. If you do not find it, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

What to do if the flash flash flashes too often?

If light signals are annoying (for example, in the dark), limit their work: 1. In flash settings, select Only when you lock the screen. 2. Set the blinking interval no more than 1 time in 2 seconds. 3. Exclude messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) from the list of applications if they are memory notifications.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use apps from Google Play.

🔦 Flash Notifications – supports color setting (on LED-backlit devices) and flashing frequency.
🔦 Light Flow – Extended settings for each application separately (requires) ADB-permitting).
🔦 Flash Alerts 2 – runs without root, but can conflict with energy saving MIUI.

Important: Apps will need to access notifications and permission to use the camera, and don’t install them from unverified sources, which can lead to data leakage.

Instructions for Flash Notifications:

Download and install the app from Google Play.
Run it and provide all the permissions requested.
Enable Flash on Call/Notification.
In the Apps section, select messengers and social networks that need a flash.

💡

If the app doesn’t see notifications, check if they’re disabled in Android settings: Settings → Apps → [Messaging Name] → Notifications.

Compatibility table for Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi devices support flash notifications, and the table below shows the models and features that are tested:

Model	Support for the outbreak	Features	MIUI version
Redmi Note 10/11/12	✅ Yes.	It works through "Special Opportunities"	12–14
POCO X3/X4/X5	✅ Yes.	You need to disable Battery Optimization for system applications	13–14
Xiaomi 11/12/13	✅ Yes.	The flash flash only flashes when the screen is locked.	13–14
Redmi 9/9A/9C	❌ No/Partially	Only through third-party applications, lags are possible	11–12
POCO M3/M4	⚠️ Limited.	It works only for calls, not for messages.	12

If your model is not on the list, check it on the official Xiaomi website (Specification section). LED-indicator – if it is not, then the flash on notifications is most likely not supported.

How to turn off the flash on notifications if it interferes?

If light signals are irritating (for example, at night), they can be quickly deactivated.

Go back to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing.
Turn off the notification flash switch.
For third-party applications (such as Flash Notifications), go to their settings and uncheck Enable Flash.

You can also set the flash schedule:

🕒 V MIUI 14 is optional Day Only (in flash settings).
🌙 In applications like Light Flow, you can set the interval, for example, from 8:00 to 22:00.

💡

If the flash stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the special features settings: Settings → All settings → Recovery and Reset → Resetting special features settings.

Solving problems: flash doesn't flash at notifications

If you have enabled the function but it does not work, check the following points:

⚠️ Warning: Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) don't have a flash if the screen is on.

🔋 Energy saving: Turn off Super Energy Saving mode in Settings → Battery.
📱 Permissions: Make sure the app (like WhatsApp) has access to notifications.
🔄 Application Conflict: Uninstall other flash management software (e.g. Flashlight Widget).
🛠️ Resetting: If nothing helps, reset the Special Opportunities settings (see widget above).

If the problem persists, try clearing the cache of the system application Settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (menu) → Show system → Settings → Storage → Clear cache

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi notifications

Can you adjust the flash color?

Most Xiaomi devices have a fixed flash color (white or yellow) because they use a standard camera, but on LED-backlit models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you can change the shade through applications like Light Flow (root or ADB required).

Why does flash work only for calls, but not for SMS?

This is a firmware restriction. To turn on backlight for messages: Use a third-party app (like Flash Notifications). Or upgrade MIUI to the latest version — MIUI 14 fixes this problem.

Can you make the flash flash flash only for certain contacts?

Yes, but only through third-party apps: In Light Flow, select Per-contact settings. Add the contacts you want and set up separate signals for them. Normally, MIUI has this feature.

Does the flash drain the battery?

When you use it actively (50-100 notifications per day), you increase your battery consumption by 2-5%. If you don't get enough notifications (10-20 per day), the impact is minimal. To reduce your consumption: Reduce the blinking frequency in your settings. Turn off the flash for unimportant applications (such as games).

Does the flash work on notifications if the phone is down?

Yes, but the light will be less noticeable. On some models (e.g., POCO F4), the proximity sensor will turn off the flash when the screen is closed. To avoid this, turn off the screen option when closed in the display settings. Or use the Flash Notifications app with the Ignore Proximity Sensor option.