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 β 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.
Itβs important to understand that the feature only works when the screen is locked β if youβre actively using your phone, the flash wonβt work, and it automatically shuts down when the battery is low (usually below 15%) so you donβt 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:
- π± LED flash: If your model doesnβt have a physical flash (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3 or some versions of Poco) M6 Pro), function not available.
- π Version. MIUI: firmware MIUI 10 option may be missing or may not work β MIUI 12 and newer.
- π Charge level: with the battery lower 10-15% The system automatically blocks the flash to save energy.
- π οΈ Custom firmware: on custom ROM (For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the function can be disabled by default.
| Xiaomi model | Support for flash notifications | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 series | β Yes. | RGB-lighting, color setting for different applications |
| Redmi Note 12/13 Pro | β Yes. | Standard white flash, works with all messengers |
| Poco X5/F5 | β Yes. | Requires manual inclusion in Additional settings |
| Redmi A1/A2 | β No. | There's no hardware flash. |
| Black Shark 5/6 | β Yes. | It only works for calls (not for messages). |
β οΈ 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.
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 Xiaomiβs flagship models:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to Notifications and Status bar β Call Notifications.
- Select Flash when incoming call (or Light indicator on some models).
- Activate the switch to the position VL.
- 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.
βοΈ Checking before setting up
β οΈ 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 didnβt work, try activating the feature through a hidden menu of engineering settings, which is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices (most Xiaomi and Poco):
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
- In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing β LED.
- Find the Flashlight Test and activate it.
- Go back to the main menu and select Notification LED (or Flash Notification).
- Check the boxes in front of Incoming Call and Messages.
- 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?
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.
- π¦ Flash Notifications (Play Market): Supports color settings, blinking frequencies and separate rules for each app. runs on Android 10+.
- π‘ Flash Alerts 2: Allows you to assign different colors to your calls, SMS It requires permission for special access.
- β‘ Light Flow: Advanced settings including support for Ambient Display.Paid version removes ads.
To ensure that the application works correctly:
- Download and install it from Google Play.
- Open the application settings and provide all the permissions you request (including Notification Access and Auto Run).
- In the Flash Settings section, select the applications for which you need to enable blinking.
- Activate the Use Camera (or Use Camera Flash) option.
β οΈ Note: Some applications (e.g. Light Flow) may conflict with the power saving mode MIUI. Add them to the exceptions in the battery settings.
π‘
If the flash is triggered too often, limit the appβs 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.
- Go to Settings β Notifications and Status bar β Light indicator.
- Choose flash colors and assign different shades to: π Calls (e.g. red) π¬ Messages (green) β οΈ System notifications (blue)
Frequency of flashing
- π’ Slowly (1 blink in 2 seconds)
- π Normal (2 blinks per second)
- β‘ 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.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Color for calls | Red. | Better visible during the daytime |
| Colour for messages | Green. | Less annoying at night |
| Frequency of flashing | It's okay. | Optimal balance between visibility and battery economy |
| Brightness | 70-80% | 100% quickly plant the battery |
Why the outbreak doesnβt work: Common problems and solutions
If you have enabled the feature but the flash does not flash at notifications, check the following points:
- π Low battery power: at levels below 15%, the system turns off the flash.
- π΅ Do Not Disturb Mode: Even if the flash is on, it won't work in this mode. β Sounds and vibrations.
- π‘οΈ Application restrictions: Some messengers (like Viber) block access to the flash. Go to the app settings and allow notifications.
- π Conflict with other features: If Always-on Display is enabled, the flash may not work.
- π± 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.
- Go to Settings β Battery and Performance β Battery Optimization.
- Find the app responsible for notifications (like Telegram) and select Unlimited.
- Reboot the phone.
π‘
If the flash doesnβt work after the MIUI update, try resetting notification settings to factory (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Three Points β Reset settings).