Flash notifications on Xiaomi: how to set the light indication for calls and messages

Notification flash is one of the most useful features for those who miss important messages or calls. On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, this option is hidden in the depths of MIUI settings, and many users do not even know it exists. Meanwhile, a properly configured flash can be a real salvation in noisy places or when the phone is lying down.

The function works through a camera flash or screen lighting (on models with AMOLED-With displays, flashing bright pulses when notifications arrive, especially for users with hearing impairments or when the sound is turned off, but there's a nuance: not all apps support this option by default, and on some firmware, the path to settings is different. Next, we will analyze all the activation methods - from standard to hidden.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 12-14 Android 10-14
• 📱 List of Xiaomi models where the function works stably
• ⚙️ Setup for individual applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
• 🚨 Common mistakes and their solutions
• 🔋 Effect of function on battery consumption

Where is the flash setting in MIUI?

Depending on the version of the shell, the path to the option may vary. In the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, developers have made access easier, but on older firmware (MIUI 11-12), you will have to dig into the Special Features menu.

The main path for most models:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Hearing (or Sound and Vibration on some devices).
3. Slip on the Notification Flash (may be called Light Signal).
4. Activate the slider and select the applications that need an indication.

On POCO F3/F4 and some Redmi Notes, the item may be in Settings → Notifications → Additional → Notification Flash. If you don’t find an option, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone.

Step-by-step setting up flash for calls and SMS

The standard instruction works for system notifications (calls, SMS, alarm clocks) and here's how to turn it on as quickly as possible:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing → Notification flash.
2. Activate the main switch at the top of the screen.
3. In the section Types of notifications tick tick: 📞 Incoming calls 💬 SMS-message ⏰ Alarm clock

Flash test

If the option is inactive, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery level above 15% (on some models, the function is turned off when the charge is low).
• 📵 Do not disturb off mode.
• 🔦 The flash is not occupied by another application (for example, a flashlight).

Flash setting for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

For third-party applications, you'll have to set up notifications separately, and let's take a look at popular messengers:

Important: On models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4) You can adjust the color of the flash through the screen menu → Color temperature → Set-up of notifications.

⚠️ Note: If after setting up the flash does not work in messengers, check the application permissions in Settings → Annexes → [Name of messenger] → Notifications. Disabled notifications block light indications.

Why is the flash not working at notifications?

If you have everything set up, but the flash does not blink, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware: On MIUI 10 and below the function is unstable. Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Hardware restrictions: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) The flash may not be supported due to a weak processor.
• 🔧 Application conflict: Antiviruses or optimizers (e.g. Clean Master) block access to the flash.
• 🔋 Energy saving: In Ultra-Economic mode or when Adaptive Charge is activated, the function is automatically turned off.

For diagnosis:

1. Try to manually turn on the flash through the Notification Panel → Flashlight. If it doesn't work, the problem is in the hardware.
2. Install a third-party app like Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play and check it out.
3. Reset the Special Opportunities settings in Settings → System → Resetting of Settings → Resetting of special. capabilities.

How to adjust the color and frequency of blinking?

On devices with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 11T Pro, POCO F3 GT) Advanced light indication settings are available:

1. Open the Settings → Screen → Color Temperature.
2. Select Notification Settings (or Always-on Display on new models).
3. Activate the Color LED and select the color for each notification type: 🔴 Red - calls 🟢 Green — SMS 🔵 Blue is messengers.

Frequency of flashing

In the models with IPS-screens (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) color setting is not available - only white light from the camera flash will be used. The blinking frequency can be changed through third-party applications, for example:

• 📌 Flash Alerts 2 (allows you to adjust the blinking interval from 0.5 to 3 seconds).
• 📌 Light Flow (extended settings for each application separately).

⚠️ Warning: Frequent flashing (interval less than) 1 Seconds) may cause the camera module to overheat on budget models — 1-2 flashing.

Impact on the battery and how to reduce consumption

According to Xiaomi’s tests, using flash notifications continuously increases battery consumption by 3-7% per day, especially on small-battery models (Redmi 9, POCO M3).

• 🔋 Turn off the flash for unimportant notifications (e.g. news apps).
• ⏱️ Install blinking only when you receive repeated notifications (available in Light Flow).
• 🌙 Use the Dark Theme -- on AMOLED-screens, it reduces the load.
• 🔄 Enable the feature only during business hours (via Tasker or MacroDroid).

💡

In the models with IR-a blaster (for example, Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, you can use the infrared port for notifications instead of flash, and that eliminates battery consumption entirely.

Alternative methods of light indication

If a standard flash doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

1. The screen lighting (Always-on Display): 📱 Works on AMOLED-screen. 🔋 Battery consumption: ~2% per hour. ⚙️ Settings: Settings → Screen. → Always-on Display.
2. LED indicator (on older models): 💡 Available on Xiaomi Mi A1/A2, Redmi 5/6. 🎨 You can customize the color for different types of notifications.

Third-party annexes:

• 📲 Flash Alerts 2 – supports custom colors and rhythms.
• 📲 Light Manager – Extended Rules for Every Contact.

If you don’t have an option, use third-party apps like Flash Alerts 2.