Flash notifications in Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to turn on and configure the light alert

Light alerts through a camera flash are one of the most prominent features of Xiaomi smartphones, which helps not to miss important notifications. On the Redmi 9 model, this feature is implemented through the branded shell. MIUI, But not all users know how to activate it properly, and unlike sound signals or vibrations, the flash even works in silent mode, making it indispensable in noisy places or for people with hearing impairments.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn on the flash when notifying on Xiaomi Redmi 9, consider the nuances of settings for different types of alerts (calls, SMS, We will also give recommendations on how to optimize battery consumption, and pay special attention to typical problems, such as why the flash does not work on some applications or how to return the function after resetting settings.

Important: The instructions are valid for all Redmi 9 modifications (including Redmi). 9A, Redmi 9C, Redmi 9T) base MIUI 12-14 If your smartphone runs on an older version of the firmware, some menu items may be different β€” that's what we'll mention, too.

Yeah, all the time.

Call only/SMS

No, I haven't.

Disconnected due to battery discharge-->

Why flash notifications are useful (and when to turn it off)

Light alerting through a flash has several key advantages over traditional notification methods:

  • πŸ”¦ Visibility in all conditions: a flash is noticeable even in a brightly lit room or outside during the day, unlike vibration or sound.
  • πŸ”• Working in silent mode: ideal for meetings, cinemas or night time when the sound is turned off.
  • 🚨 Priority for important notifications: You can only configure the flash to calls from selected contacts or SMS bank.
  • 🦻 Accessibility: indispensable for users with hearing impairments.

However, there are also disadvantages to remember:

  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption: Frequent flash activation can reduce battery life by 5-15% (depending on the intensity of notifications).
  • πŸ’‘ Wearing LED-element: with prolonged use, the brightness of the flash may gradually decrease.
  • 😴 Irritation: In the dark, bright flashes can interfere with other people (for example, in the bedroom).

⚠️ Warning: If you use a cover with the back panel closed, the light signal may be barely noticeable. Check the transparency of the material of the cover or temporarily remove it for a test.

Recommendation: Turn on the flash selectively, for example, only for calls or messages from key contacts, which will help save charge and avoid unnecessary irritation.

Preparation of the smartphone: compatibility check and updates

Before setting up the flash, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports this feature and runs on the current firmware version.

  1. Smartphone model: go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Model: Light Alerts are available on all Redmi 9 versions, but may not be available on some regional versions (e.g. India).
  2. Version. MIUI: In the same section About the phone, find the line Version MIUI. For stable operation of the outbreak is recommended MIUI 12.5 or newer.
  3. App Permissions: Some messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) require additional permissions to manage a flash.

If the version MIUI It's outdated, update the firmware:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version available.
  3. After the update, restart the smartphone.
MIUI versionSupport for the outbreakNotes
MIUI 11 and belowPartialThe function may be missing or not working well. Update is recommended.
MIUI 12–12.5Complete.Standard configuration through special. capabilities.
MIUI 13–14Full + Extended settingsAdded the option of selecting flash color (on supported models).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI flash stopped working, reset the settings of the application Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Settings (βš™) β†’ This often solves the problem of conflict of versions.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the flash on notifications

Now, to the main thing, activate the light alerts. In Xiaomi Redmi 9, this is done through the special features menu.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the Special Opportunities section.
  3. Tap on the item Rumor (or Alerts in some versions) MIUI).
  4. Find the Flash option at notifications (or Light Alert) and activate the switch.
  5. In the menu that opens, select the types of notifications that will trigger the flash: πŸ“ž Incoming challenges πŸ’¬ Communications (SMS/MMS) πŸ”” Notifications from annexes

Ready.

To check the function, ask a friend to call you or send a test. SMS. The flash should flash at intervals ~1 second for 5-10 seconds (depending on version) MIUI).

Is the flash at notification switch on?

Selected the required types of notifications (calls)/SMS)?

Is access to notifications for messengers allowed?

Does the case block the light signal?

Is the function tested on a real notification?-->

If the flash doesn’t work, move to the next section to solve typical problems.

Set up a flash for specific applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)

By default. MIUI Allows you to enable flash only for system notifications (calls, SMS). To activate it for messengers or social networks, you need additional actions:

WhatsApp

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find WhatsApp in the list and tap it.
  3. Select Notifications β†’ Categories of notifications.
  4. Activate the Flash switch for Messages and Group Chat categories.
  5. Return to the basic WhatsApp settings, go to Chats β†’ Message Alerts and enable Light signals.

Telegram

In Telegram, the configuration is carried out through the internal parameters of the application:

  1. Open Telegram, tap on three lines (menu) β†’ Settings.
  2. Go to Notifications and Sounds β†’ Notifications.
  3. Enable the option Light indicator (or flash in new versions).
  4. Individual chats can be set up with individual alerts: pinch the chat β†’ Notifications β†’ Outbreak.

Viber, Facebook Messenger and others

For other messengers, the algorithm is similar:

  1. Check the notification settings within the app itself (usually in the Settings section). β†’ Notifications).
  2. V MIUI Give the application permission to control the flash: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Camera (for some versions).
  3. If you don’t have an option, use third-party apps like Flash Notifications (available on Google Play).

πŸ’‘

To prevent the flash from going off at night, set up Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions. β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Do not disturb add important contacts to the exceptions, and for other notifications turn off light signals.

Solving the Problem: Why the Outbreak Doesn't Work

If the flash does not flash at notifications after setting up, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The flash doesn't work on the calls./SMSConflict with the energy-saving regimeTurn off energy saving for the system: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy conservation β†’ Settings β†’ Disable for system applications.
Doesn't work for messengers.There is no permission to notifyCheck: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [Name of messenger] β†’ Notifications β†’ Turn on.
The flash flash flashes weakly or intermittentlyCover blocks the lightRemove the case or check its transparency in the flash area.
The function disappeared after the updateResetting MIUI settingsReset the special features settings: Settings β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Settings (βš™) β†’ Reset.

If none of these methods worked, try calibrating the sensors:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Slip the kernel version several times (you are in testing mode)
  3. Return to Settings and open the Developer section (if not, turn on Developer Mode via About Phone). β†’ Assembly number, tapping 7 times).
  4. Find the Sensor Calibration option and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If the flash starts to work incorrectly after calibrating the sensors (for example, flashes arbitrarily), reset the settings to the factory!

What if the flash is triggered on all notifications except one application?
The most likely problem is the settings of the app itself, for example, Viber or Skype can block access to the flash because of privacy policy. Solution: 1. Remove the app and reinstall it. 2. Before you first run, give all the permissions you have requested (including camera and notification access). 3. Check if the app is added to the β€œOptimized” list in the battery settings (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery).

How to turn off flash notifications (and when necessary)

If the lights start to irritate or severely drain the battery, you can turn them off temporarily or completely.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Rumor β†’ Flash on notifications.
  2. Turn off the main switch or uncheck unnecessary notification types.
  3. For instant messengers, turn off the option in their internal settings (see section above).

When to turn off the flash:

  • πŸ”‹ At a critical battery level (less than 15%).
  • πŸŒ™ At night, if the smartphone is next to the bed.
  • 🎬 During video or photo shoots (the flash may overheat).
  • πŸš— In the car, if the phone is fixed to the holder (lights can distract the driver).

Alternatively, use the Do Not Disturb mode with flexible settings:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Do not disturb.
  2. Select a Schedule and set a time when the flash should be turned off (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
  3. In the Exclusions section, add important contacts or apps for which the flash will work even in Do Not Disturb mode.

πŸ’‘

Turning off the flash for individual apps (such as games or news feeds) can save up to 20% of battery life per day when using a smartphone.

Optimization Tips: How to Reduce Battery Consumption

Frequent use of flash can significantly reduce the battery life of the Xiaomi Redmi 9. Here are some ways to reduce power consumption without completely turning off the feature:

  • ⚑ Limit the number of applications: turn on the flash only for calls and SMS, For messengers, use sound notifications.
  • πŸ•’ Reduce the duration of blinking: in some versions MIUI You can adjust the interval (for example, 3 instead of 10 seconds).
  • πŸŒ“ Use Adaptive Brightness: In the Display Settings (Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Adaptive brightness, turn on automatic adjustment, which indirectly reduces the system load.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Optimized energy consumption of light alerts.

For advanced users, there is another way – limiting the background of applications:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization.
  2. Find apps that have flash enabled (like WhatsApp) and select Restricted mode for them.
  3. This will reduce background activity, but may delay notifications.

Critical: If your Redmi 9 is running at more than 1% per minute in an active flash, check the battery status through the AccuBattery app.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I adjust the flash color to Redmi 9?
No, in Xiaomi Redmi 9 flash is always white. the ability to choose color appeared only in some flagship models (for example, Xiaomi). 11T Pro) (c) MIUI 13 and above where used RGB-cameralight.
Why does the flash only work when the screen is unlocked?
This is a feature of energy saving in MIUI. To keep the flash going always: Open Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery optimization. Find the Settings app (or System) UI) And you can choose it without limits.
Can I use a front flash (selfie camera) for notifications?
No, Redmi 9 only uses the main flash for light alerts, the front flash is only used when taking selfies or video calls, and some custom firmware (like LineageOS) can activate this feature, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.
The flash flash flashes even when the phone is down. How do you turn it off?
It's standard behavior. MIUI. To disable: Go to Settings β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Rumor β†’ Flash at notifications. Turn off the option to Always Blink (or Ignore Position depending on version), after that flash will only work when the phone is lying up screen.
After resetting, the "Flash at Notifications" option disappeared.
Most likely, the reset returned the firmware to factory settings, where the feature is disabled by default. MIUI Reset the settings of special features: Settings β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Settings (βš™) β†’ If you don’t have the option, install a third-party app like Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play.