Flash when calling Xiaomi 9A: how to set up notifications

Light flash when incoming call or notification on Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a useful feature that helps not to miss an important call, especially in noisy environments or when the phone is down. Many users do not even suspect that their smartphone can flash a flashlight when calling, although this option is built into the default MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the flash, including standard settings, third-party apps and little-known tricks for owners of Redmi 9A.

It’s important to understand that the path to settings may vary slightly between MIUI versions (12, 13, or 14), but the general principle remains the same: If you upgrade your firmware or reset your phone to factory settings, you may have to reset the flash, and we’ll also look at why the feature may not work even after you turn it on — a common problem associated with battery savings or application conflict.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your Xiaomi 9A has the latest firmware installed. Check for updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update. Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) may not support some notification features.

1. Standard method: Configure through “Special features”

The most reliable and versatile way to enable flash when you call Redmi 9A is to use the built-in special features of the system, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require the installation of additional applications.

Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the home screen) and go to Special Options. Next, select Rumors (or Audio/Visual prompts in new versions of MIUI). Here you will find the Notification Flash option - activate it by moving the slider to the right. After that, the system will prompt you to select the events for which the flash will trigger:

• 📞 Incoming calls – blinking on any call;
• 💬 Communications and notifications – reaction to SMS, messengers and other alerts;
• 🔔 Alarms and timers - lighting when triggered.

By default, the flash will only work when the screen is off. If you want it to flash and with an active display, turn on the option of Flash when the screen is on (not available on all versions of MIUI). Note: frequent activation of the flashlight can slightly increase battery consumption, but on the Xiaomi 9A with its capacious battery of 5000 mAh it is almost invisible.

Make sure the flashlight is working (check through the Quick Settings Panel)

Turn on Do Not Disturb mode and check if it blocks notifications

Restart your phone after changing your settings

Call from another device to test the flash-->

2. Alternative method: setup via "Notifications and Status Bar"

If there is no flash option in the Special Options section (this happens on custom firmware or after a reset), try turning it on through the notification settings. This method is less obvious, but also effective.

Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Application Notifications → Phone

In the notification menu for the standard Phone app, find Flash on Call or Visual Alerts. Activate it and save the changes. In some versions of MIUI, you can also adjust the flash color (white or color if supported) and the blink frequency.

If this item is not available, then your firmware does not support this method, in which case go back to the first method or use third-party applications (we will discuss them later), and check if notifications for the Phone application are disabled - without this flash will not work.

3. Flash management applications: top-3 utility

If standard methods didn’t work or you need more features (such as adjusting color, blinking rhythm or working with specific contacts), install one of the specialized applications. We tested dozens of utilities and selected the three most reliable for Xiaomi Redmi 9A:

Before installing any of these applications, check the permissions: the utility must have access to Notifications, Camera (for flashlight control) and Phone (for calls).

• 🔦 Type of event (calls, SMS, messengers);
• 🎨 Flash color (if supported);
• ⚡ Duration and frequency of blinking;
• 🔋 Battery Saving Mode (disables flash at low charge).

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If the flash doesn’t work after installing the app, try turning off battery optimization for it. → Annexes → Application management → [Name of utility] → Battery and select No Limitations.

4. Hidden MIUI settings: how to enable flash through the engineering menu

For advanced users who want to get full control of the flashlight, there’s a way to activate the flash through Xiaomi’s engineering menu. This method allows you to adjust the intensity of the blinking and even assign different colors for different types of notifications (if the hardware supports the blinking). RGB-However, be careful: incorrect changes in the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the phone.

To open hidden settings, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (code to access EngineerMode).
2. In the menu that appears, go to the Hardware Testing → Lights section.
3. Find Flashlight Test or Notification Light (the name may vary).
4. Activate Enable Notification Flash and save the changes.

If you don't have a flash after this manipulation, your firmware version will block access to these settings, so you can either update your MIUI or use third-party apps, and remember that the engineering menu is designed to test the device, and changing some settings may void the warranty.

💡

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but it's dangerous. Don't change the settings you don't know what you're going to do. You might need to reset your phone completely to reset the incorrect settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up correctly, the flash on Xiaomi 9A calls may not work. Let’s consider the typical causes and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the flash only works when the screen is off, check the energy saving settings. In Ultra-Saving Mode or low battery charge (<15%) The system can automatically turn off the flashlight to extend the operating time.

Problem 1: The flash does not flash when calling, but operates in manual mode (via the notification panel).

Solution: Most likely conflict with the notification blocking app (like Do Not Disturb or Game Turbo) Disable these modes or add the Phone app to exceptions.

Problem 2: The flash is delayed (starts flashing 5-10 seconds after the call starts).

Solution: This is a feature of some versions of MIUI. Try:

• 🔄 Reinstall updates for the Phone application;
• ⚡ Disable battery optimization for system applications;
• 📱 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Problem 3: The outbreak works, but is too dim or uneven.

Solution: This may be due to contamination of the LED flashlight. Wipe it with a soft napkin dipped in alcohol. If the problem persists, check the integrity of the glass over the flashlight (cracks or chips can scatter light).

Energy consumption and battery impact

Many users fear that the constant flashing of the flash when calling and notifications will significantly reduce the time of Xiaomi. 9A In practice, the effect is minimal: according to the tests, a flashlight operating in notification mode consumes about 0.1-0.3% charge per hour (provided that it is activated no more often) 10-15 For comparison: background synchronization of mail or messengers "eats" in the 5-10 more energy.

However, if you want to completely eliminate the impact of a flash on the battery, use these tips:

• 🔋 Turn off the flash for unnecessary notifications (such as games or news apps);
• ⏱️ Set up a function schedule (for example, only during daytime hours);
• 🌙 Turn on the option only when the screen is off (if available);
• 🔄 Calibrate the battery regularly (once in a week). 2-3 Unload your phone for a month. 0% and load up 100% breaklessly).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone becomes significantly faster after activating the flash when calling, check it for viruses. Some malware disguises itself as system utilities and uses a flashlight to send signals (for example, in beacon mode). Scan your device using Google Play Protection or Avast Mobile Security.

7.Extra chips: how to make a flash "smarter"

The standard flash when calling on Xiaomi 9A is just the beginning, and with additional settings and apps, you can turn it into a full-fledged notification tool. Here are some ideas for advanced users:

1. Different colors for different contacts

Apps like Flash Alerts 2 allow you to assign unique flash colors to individual subscribers, such as red for boss calls, green for family calls, blue for friends.

1. Open the contact in the phone book;
2. Press Edit;
3. Find the Notification Color (or Flash Color in English)
4. Choose the color and save the changes.

2.The flash is like a beacon to search for a phone

If you often lose your phone at home, set it so that the flashlight flashes when you send an SMS from another device.

• Find My Phone: Flash & Alarm
• Ask for a code phrase (for example, where is the phone)
• Send this message from any number, the phone will start to blink and make a sound.

3.Sync with smart watches

If you have a Mi Band or Amazfit smartwatch, you can set it to vibrate at the same time as the flash on your phone. In the Mi Fit app, activate Notifications → Sync with your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi 9A