Many Xiaomi smartphone owners prefer visual signals over sound, especially in quiet rooms or when hearing is poor. The LED flash feature on an incoming call or message makes it possible to keep an important alert from being missed even if the device is lying down. Redmi Note 10S owners often wonder where this option is hidden, since it is not always obvious in the standard settings menu.
The MIUI system on which the smartphone shell is based has its own parameters distribution features. Unlike pure Android, here the settings are divided between the system menu and the caller apps. This creates confusion when the user searches for a switch in one place and it is in another. Understanding the logic of the Xiaomi interface will help quickly activate the desired function.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the two main ways to activate the indicator: through the system availability settings and through the Phone application menu. We will also discuss the nuances of the function in different versions of the firmware and possible reasons why the flash may not work. You will learn how to configure blinking specifically for incoming calls, since it is more difficult for SMS standard systems to do this.
Features of the MIUI interface on the Redmi Note 10S
The Redmi Note 10S runs a MIUI shell that significantly modifies standard Android. Xiaomi developers often move system features to sections designed for people with disabilities. This may seem counterintuitive to the average user looking for just "notifications." However, it is the "Advanced Settings" section that hides the key switches for hardware indicators.
It's important to understand the difference between a system flash and an event indicator. - Redmi Note 10S There is no separate LED indicator next to the front camera, so the role of the signaler takes on the main LED-It can flash when it makes calls, but its behavior when it receives messages depends on third-party apps or the specific settings of the theme.
The settings interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI (12, 12.5, or 13). If you don't find the menu item described below, try searching by settings. To do this, open Settings and type in a keyword at the top of the screen, such as "flash" or "blink."
It's worth noting that using a flash as an indicator increases battery consumption, albeit slightly. If every percent of autonomy is critical to you, consider how often you really need this visual signal. In power saving mode, the function can be forced to shut down by the system to save resources.
Activation through system availability settings
The most reliable way to make a flash flash flash flash when you call is to use the built-in system tools. This method does not require installing additional software and works consistently on all versions of the Redmi Note 10S firmware. The algorithm of actions is quite simple, but requires careful navigation on the menu.
To start, open the main settings menu of your device. Find a section called Advanced Settings. In some versions of MIUI, it can be at the bottom of the list or hidden inside the Advanced folder. This is where the settings that affect physical interaction with the device are concentrated.
Inside the menu, find the option "Special Features" (or "For People with Disabilities"). Going to this section, select the "Hearing" tab. This is where the "Flash for Notifications" or "Flash Blink" switch is located. Activate it, you turn on the mode in which the camera will light up when the call is in.
☑️ Checking availability settings
Once the function is enabled, the system can request confirmation or issue a battery consumption alert. Accept the terms for the change to take effect. Now, when an incoming call arrives, even if the phone is in No Sound or Vibration mode, the flash will briefly light up.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI This setting causes the flash to flash only when the phone's screen is off. If the screen is on, the visual signal may not work because you're supposed to see a notification on the display.
Configure through the application "Phone"
The second way to activate is directly with the call app. Xiaomi uses its own call, which has independent settings from the system, which means that even if the system setting is disabled, the application can force the flash to turn on if its logic so provides.
Open the standard Phone app, which you usually make calls through. In the upper or lower right corner of the screen, find the menu icon — usually three dots or three horizontal bars. Click on it to open the drop-down list of options.
In the menu that opens, select Settings. Scroll down to Incoming Calls. There should be a flash on incoming call. If there is no flash, then your version of the Phone app doesn't support this directly, and you need to rely on the system's accessibility settings.
Turning this option on ensures that the blinking will occur during the call. However, unlike the system method, you rarely configure the blinking for other events, such as SMS or messages from messengers. For the Redmi Note 10S, the combination of both methods (system and through the application) gives the most complete control.
If you upgraded the Phone app through Google Play or GetApps, the interface may change. In newer versions, Xiaomi sometimes hides the feature deeper or removes it altogether, shifting responsibility to the system level. So always check for updates and check the menu against current screenshots.
Why can the settings be reset?
Use of third-party applications for notifications
Xiaomi’s regular tools allow flashing to happen mainly when making calls. If you need your camera to light up when you receive SMS or messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, you will need third-party software. The standard system does not provide this functionality out of the box for all applications at once.
There are many notifying apps in the Google Play store that run in the background, track incoming events and activate flashes. Popular options are Flash on Call, LED Flash for Alerts, and their counterparts. When you install such an app on the Redmi Note 10S, be prepared to give it broad permissions.
To work properly, the program will require access to the camera, contacts and, most importantly, the right to work in the background without restrictions. MIUI is known for an aggressive energy saving system that can kill background processes.
Using third-party software has its downsides: constantly asking the system for new messages can increase battery consumption, and some applications may contain ads or ask for unnecessary permissions, choose programs with high ratings and a lot of reviews.
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When installing the notification app, immediately add it to the “No Limits” list in the “Battery” section, otherwise MIUI will block its operation 10 minutes after turning off the screen.
Problems with energy saving and background work
One of the main reasons why the flash stops working on the Redmi Note 10S is the MIUI Optimizer optimization system, which automatically closes applications that the system believes are not actively used, and if you use a third-party instant messaging app, it is likely to fall under this optimization.
To prevent this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find your notification app or system service Phone on the list. Go to Battery (or Energy Saving) and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from unloading the process from memory.
You also need to enable auto-start. In the same app settings menu, find Auto-Start and activate it. Without this permission, the app won't be able to start its monitoring service immediately after the phone is turned on, and the flash won't work on the first notification.
Another important aspect is Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode. If the phone is being transferred to deep sleep, the camera module may not be activated on command from the notification system.
| Setup parameter | Where to find out. | Recommended value | Impact on the outbreak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-start | Application settings | Included. | Launch of the monitoring service |
| Energy conservation | Application battery | No restrictions. | Prevents the background from closing |
| Permits | Rights of the annex | Camera, Telephone. | Access to hardware |
| Lock App | Memory settings | Locked down. | It's in memory. |
Diagnosis: why the outbreak does not blink
Even after you've done all the settings, the flash may not work. The first reason is often a software conflict. If you have multiple apps running the camera or notifications, they can block each other. Leave only one active solution.
The second reason is that the light sensor is physically close, and on the Redmi Note 10S, the sensor is located next to the camera, and if you put your finger on the area, or the phone is lying on a dark surface, the system can interpret that as being in your pocket and turning off the flash to avoid false positives or overheating.
The third reason is the outdated firmware version. Xiaomi regularly releases bug fixing updates. If you have an older version of MIUI, the feature may not work properly. Check for updates in the About Phone menu.
⚠️ Warning: Continuous use of flash as an indicator can cause the camera module to heat up.Do not cover the phone with a cloth or blanket when waiting for a call with the flash function on to avoid overheating.
It's also worth checking if the "In pocket" mode is too sensitive, and in some cases it blocks any light signals if the proximity sensor is glued with a low-quality protective glass.
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The main reason for the broken flash on the Redmi Note 10S is the aggressive power saving MIUI, which must be turned off for a specific application manually.