How to turn on flash when notifying on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12-15

Why you need a flash notification and how it works on Xiaomi

A flash camera flash flash flashing when incoming calls or messages is one of the most useful features for those who often miss important notifications. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, Poco and Black Shark models), this option works through built-in MIUI tools, but its setting is not always obvious. Unlike audio signals, the visual indicator is visible even in a noisy room or when the phone is lying down.

The technology uses the LED flash as a vibration-light signal: when a notification arrives, it starts flashing at a given frequency. On new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) even maintained RGB-Backlighting – the flash may change color depending on the type of notification (call, SMS, However, on budget devices (e.g. Redmi). A2) Only standard white light is available.

It’s important to understand that the feature only works when the screen is locked – if you’re actively using your phone, the flash won’t work, and it automatically shuts down when the battery is low (usually below 15%) so you don’t waste energy.

Does your Xiaomi smartphone support flashing?

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with hardware support for this feature, and here are the key compatibility criteria:

  • πŸ“± LED flash: If your model doesn’t have a physical flash (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3 or some versions of Poco) M6 Pro), function not available.
  • πŸ”„ Version. MIUI: firmware MIUI 10 option may be missing or may not work β€” MIUI 12 and newer.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge level: with the battery lower 10-15% The system automatically blocks the flash to save energy.
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom firmware: on custom ROM (For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the function can be disabled by default.
Xiaomi modelSupport for flash notificationsFeatures
Xiaomi 13/14 seriesβœ… Yes.RGB-lighting, color setting for different applications
Redmi Note 12/13 Proβœ… Yes.Standard white flash, works with all messengers
Poco X5/F5βœ… Yes.Requires manual inclusion in Additional settings
Redmi A1/A2❌ No.There's no hardware flash.
Black Shark 5/6βœ… Yes.It only works for calls (not for messages).

⚠️ Note: on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) function may conflict with the power saving mode. If the flash is not working, check the battery settings.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi Note 12/13
Poco X/F series
Black Shark
Another model
I don't know.

Method 1: Enable via standard MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most MIUI 12-15 devices, and the instructions are relevant for Redmi, Poco and Xiaomi’s flagship models:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to Notifications and Status bar β†’ Call Notifications.
  3. Select Flash when incoming call (or Light indicator on some models).
  4. Activate the switch to the position VL.
  5. For messages: go back and select Notifications from apps β†’ find the right messenger (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) β†’ turn on Flash.

If the flash item is not on the menu, your model does not support the function at the software level, and method 2 (see below) will help.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before setting up

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: on the Xiaomi Mi 11 and some other models, the option may be called Light Indication instead of Flash).

Method 2: Use hidden settings (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, try activating the feature through a hidden menu of engineering settings, which is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices (most Xiaomi and Poco):

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
  2. In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing β†’ LED.
  3. Find the Flashlight Test and activate it.
  4. Go back to the main menu and select Notification LED (or Flash Notification).
  5. Check the boxes in front of Incoming Call and Messages.
  6. Save the settings and restart the phone.

This method may not work on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 10C or Poco M5). Also be careful: changes to the engineering menu may cause system failures.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after you enter the code, the manufacturer has blocked access, and the alternative is to use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm USB Driver (for Snapdragon).

Method 3: Third-party applications for flash control

If the built-in MIUI tools do not allow you to turn on the flash, you can use third-party utilities.

  • πŸ”¦ Flash Notifications (Play Market): Supports color settings, blinking frequencies and separate rules for each app. runs on Android 10+.
  • πŸ’‘ Flash Alerts 2: Allows you to assign different colors to your calls, SMS It requires permission for special access.
  • ⚑ Light Flow: Advanced settings including support for Ambient Display.Paid version removes ads.

To ensure that the application works correctly:

  1. Download and install it from Google Play.
  2. Open the application settings and provide all the permissions you request (including Notification Access and Auto Run).
  3. In the Flash Settings section, select the applications for which you need to enable blinking.
  4. Activate the Use Camera (or Use Camera Flash) option.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Light Flow) may conflict with the power saving mode MIUI. Add them to the exceptions in the battery settings.

πŸ’‘

If the flash is triggered too often, limit the app’s settings to only select contacts or important messengers.

Blinking frequency and color setting (for supported models)

On Xiaomi flagship devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3), an advanced flash setting is available.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Notifications and Status bar β†’ Light indicator.
  2. Choose flash colors and assign different shades to: πŸ“ž Calls (e.g. red) πŸ’¬ Messages (green) ⚠️ System notifications (blue)

Frequency of flashing

  • 🐒 Slowly (1 blink in 2 seconds)
  • πŸƒ Normal (2 blinks per second)
  • ⚑ Fast (3 blinks per second)
  • Activate the Preview option to test the settings.

In the models with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the flash can automatically adjust the brightness to the level of indoor lighting, which saves battery power without losing visibility.

ParameterRecommended valueExplanation
Color for callsRed.Better visible during the daytime
Colour for messagesGreen.Less annoying at night
Frequency of flashingIt's okay.Optimal balance between visibility and battery economy
Brightness70-80%100% quickly plant the battery

Why the outbreak doesn’t work: Common problems and solutions

If you have enabled the feature but the flash does not flash at notifications, check the following points:

  • πŸ”‹ Low battery power: at levels below 15%, the system turns off the flash.
  • πŸ“΅ Do Not Disturb Mode: Even if the flash is on, it won't work in this mode. β†’ Sounds and vibrations.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Application restrictions: Some messengers (like Viber) block access to the flash. Go to the app settings and allow notifications.
  • πŸ”„ Conflict with other features: If Always-on Display is enabled, the flash may not work.
  • πŸ“± Cover or safety glass: if the flash is closed, the light will not be visible.

On devices with MIUI 14+, automatic optimization can also trigger, which turns off the flash to save energy.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Battery Optimization.
  2. Find the app responsible for notifications (like Telegram) and select Unlimited.
  3. Reboot the phone.

πŸ’‘

If the flash doesn’t work after the MIUI update, try resetting notification settings to factory (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Three Points β†’ Reset settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you set up a flash for specific contacts?
Yes, but only with third-party apps like Flash Notifications. There is no such option in standard MIUI settings. In the app, select Blacklist/Whitelist and add the contacts you want.
Why does the flash flash flash even when the phone is unlocked?
This is abnormal behavior associated with a firmware error. Try: Clear the Settings app cache (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ App Management β†’ Settings β†’ Clear the cache). Disable and turn on the flash function again. Update MIUI to the latest version.
Can I use a flash for an alarm clock?
There's no such feature in standard MIUI settings, but you can use the Alarmy or Sleep as Android app, which supports flashing when the alarm goes off, and you need to give them access to the camera.
The flash works, but it's too dim. How do you get the brightness up?
The brightness of the flash depends on the phone model and the version of MIUI. On most devices, it can not be changed software, but you can: Use the engineering menu (see Method 2 above) and try to increase the value of the Flashlight Brightness parameter. Install a third-party application (for example, Flash Alerts 2), which sometimes allows you to adjust the intensity. On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, the brightness is automatically adjusted by the light sensor.
Will the flash work if the phone is turned off?
No, it only works when the phone is on and on standby (the screen is off, but the system is active) and when the power is completely off, no notifications will work.