Flash notifications Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 3 working ways to enable + error solving

Do you miss important messages because your phone is in your bag or in a noisy room? The flashlight notification for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is the perfect solution! This feature will make the camera blink when you make an incoming call, SMS or notification from the messenger, even if the screen is off. But where can you find it in the MIUI settings? Why does it sometimes not work? And can you adjust the color or the frequency of the blink?

In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), including hidden settings for advanced users, and we’ll also break down common bugs (such as when a flash doesn’t work on WhatsApp) and give you tips on how to optimize battery consumption. If you want your Redmi Note 9 to become even more visible, read on!

Why flashing on notifications is helpful (and when it gets in the way)

Light signal is not just a “chip”, but a practical tool for those who:

• 🔇 Works in noisy places (construction sites, factories, concerts).
• 👂 Has hearing problems or is sleeping with a phone nearby.
• 👜 Carrying a smartphone in a bag/backpack where vibration is not audible.
• 🚗 Drives a car and can’t be distracted by the sound signals.

However, the function has pitfalls:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to) 5-7% day by day with active use).
• 😴 It can interfere at night if the phone is near the bed.
• 📸 Wear of the LED with frequent blinking (especially important for older devices).

Redmi Note 9 flash is implemented through LED-Notification indicator, which is combined with the LED of the main camera:

• ✅ The blinking will be brighter than on models with a separate indicator (for example, the Redmi Note 8).
• ❌ The function does not work if the camera is occupied by another application (for example, while shooting a video).

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (works on 90% of devices)

This is the main method that is suitable for most Redmi Note 9 users on MIUI 12/13/14 firmware. Follow the instructions carefully - some menu items may vary depending on the shell version.

Open the Settings and follow the steps:

1. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
2. Select Light Effects (or Notification Indicator on older versions).
3. Activate the Flash switch at notifications.
4. In the list of applications, mark those for which you want to enable blinking (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Calls).

If the lighting effects item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flash notifications

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure that the camera is not used by another app

Check that notifications are allowed in the app settings (such as WhatsApp)

- Turn off the power saving modes-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 for the European Region (EEA) In this case, use Method 2 (section below).

Method 2: Hidden settings via Engineering Mode (for advanced)

If the standard method doesn't work, you can activate the flash through an engineering menu, which requires caution but gives you access to additional parameters (for example, blinking frequency settings).

Follow the following steps:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633##.
2. In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Flashlight.
3. Select Notification Flash and activate the function.
4. Return to the main menu and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in Engineering Mode unless you understand their meaning! This can cause camera or speaker failures.

Method 3: Apps from the Play Market (if MIUI does not allow you to configure)

If the built-in MIUI features don't allow you to turn on the flash, you can use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the best ones:

To set up flash through Flash Notifications:

1. Download and install the app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and provide access to Notices and Camera.
3. Enable Flash on Notifications switch.
4. In the Apps section, select the apps that need blinking.
5. In Settings, adjust the frequency and duration of the flash.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, LED Blinker may be in conflict with MIUI If you start to brake after you install it, remove the utility and use the standard settings.

1. Open WhatsApp → ⚙️ Settings → Notifications.

2.Make sure that "Show notifications" and "Sound" are enabled.

3. In the Notification Tone section, select any sound (even if you don't need the sound, this sometimes solves the flash problem).-->

Why the outbreak doesn’t work: 5 common causes and solutions

Even when you set the light right, it might not work.-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:

1. Energy saving mode: MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes. Turn off Battery Mode or add an app (like WhatsApp) to Exceptions: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Select an app → No restrictions
2. Conflict with other apps: If you have a utility like Greenify or Battery Doctor installed, it can block the flash, delete it or whitelist it.
3. Outdated firmware: On MIUI 11 and below, the function may not work well. Update via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
4. Damaged. LED-indicator: If the flash does not flash even when the camera is tested, the LED may have failed. Check it by starting the camera manually with the flash on.
5. Limitations of Android 12+: On new versions of Android, apps are forbidden to control flash in the background. ADB-command: adb shell pm grant com.example.flashapp android.permission.CAMERA adb shell pm grant com.example.flashapp android.permission.FLASHLIGHT (replace com.example.flashapp with your app package).

1. Notification permissions for this application.

2. settings of the application itself (sometimes there is a separate switch for lighting effects).

3. Update the application to the latest version.-->

How to adjust the color and frequency of blinking (hidden chips)

On the Redmi Note 9, you can change the flash color from white to red/blue/green, but only through ADB or root! This is due to the limitations of MIUI, which uses white light by default. There are two ways for advanced users:

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 1


adb shell settings put global notification_light_color 0xFFFF0000 # Red




adb shell settings put global notification_light_color 0xFF0000FF #Blue




adb shell settings put global notification_light_color 0xFF00FF00 #Green

The color is indicated in ARGB format. After completing the commands, restart the device.

Method 2: Magisk (requires root)

Install MIUI Notification Light from the Magisk repository, which allows you to:

• 🎨 Choose color from the palette (including gradients).
• ⏱ Adjust the duration and interval of blinking.
• 🔄 Create separate profiles for different applications.

⚠️ Note: Change system settings through ADB Or Magisk can cause warranty resets or unstable phone performance!

Impact on the battery: how to reduce energy consumption

According to our tests, active use of flash notifications increases battery consumption on the 5-7% But there are ways to reduce that:

• 🔋 Limit the list of applications. Turn on blinking only for the most important (calls, SMS, WhatsApp).
• ⏳ Reduce duration. In application settings (e.g. Flash Notifications), set the blink to 1-2 second 5.
• 🌙 Turn off overnight. Use the automatic rule in Settings → Notifications → Schedule.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI. In new versions, the management algorithm is optimized LED, reducing energy consumption.

Battery consumption comparison table (Redmi Note 9 Pro test with MIUI 13):

1. Install the Shortcut Maker app.

2. Select the Notification Light action.

3. Create a shortcut with the off command.

Now, with one tap, you can deactivate the blinking!-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions