How to turn on flash when calling Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Flash incoming call on Xiaomi is a useful feature that helps you not miss an important call, especially in noisy places or when the phone is down. However, many users find that this option is disabled by default or hidden in the depths of MIUI settings. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the flash, including hidden settings for old and new versions of firmware.

It is important to understand that the switching algorithm may differ depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14).We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific devices. If you do not find your model in the instructions, check the section with alternative solutions or update the firmware to the latest version.

Why does the flash not work when calling Xiaomi?

Before you move on to settings, it is worth understanding the possible reasons why the flash does not work:

  • πŸ”Ή The function is disabled in notification settings (most common reason).
  • πŸ”Ή An outdated version MIUI β€” In firmware older than 2021, the option may not be available.
  • πŸ”Ή Conflict with third-party applications (such as Truecaller or Call Recorder).
  • πŸ”Ή Hardware restrictions: on some budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) The flash may not support notification mode.
  • πŸ”Ή Damage to firmware after unofficial rut or custom recavery.

If your device falls under one of these points, the solutions will be different, for example, for older models (Xiaomi Mi A1, Redmi 5) you may need to install a third-party application, while on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) you just need to update the MIUI to the current version.

⚠️ Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A2, Mi A3) standardization MIUI They will need to use alternative methods described at the end of the article.

Method 1: Enable via notification settings (MIUI 12/13/14)

This is the easiest and most versatile method for most modern Xiaomi smartphones.Instructions are suitable for MIUI 12 firmware and newer, including HyperOS (for Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70).

Steps:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
  3. Select Call Notifications (or Incoming Calls in some versions).
  4. Activate the Flash switch when you call (may be called Light Indication or Flashing Flashlight).
  5. Optional: Customize the flash color (available on Xiaomi 12T and later) and blink frequency.

If Flash is not on the menu, your model doesn't support this feature at the software level, so move on to alternatives.

Are the notification settings open?

Is there a "flash on the bell" item?

Is the flashlight manually turned on (test)?

Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->

Method 2: Use Do Not Disturb (for MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the flash function when calling can be hidden in the Do Not Disturb settings.

How to turn on:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sounds and vibration β†’ Do not disturb.
  2. Choose Allow Exclusions.
  3. Activate Calls and Repeat Calls.
  4. At the bottom of the screen, the Flash option will appear at important notifications - turn it on.

This method works on Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other flagships from 2023-2026. on budget models (Redmi 12C, POCO M5) option may not be available.

⚠️ Attention: If the flash flash flash flashes too often after activation (for example, 10 times per second), this may indicate a failure in the camera driver. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Camera. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.

Method 3: Hidden settings for older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

If you have Xiaomi on MIUI 11 or older (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9), there may not be a standard flash switch, in which case the engineering menu or USSD codes will help.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## This will open the CIT (Camera Image Tuning) menu.
  2. Go to the Hardware Testing β†’ Flashlight section.
  3. Select Flash when incoming call and activate the option.
  4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:

##86583##

This is a hardware component testing menu where you can manually turn on the LED indication for calls.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after you enter the code, it means that the manufacturer has blocked access to CIT on your model, in which case there are two options: 1. Update the firmware to MIUI 12+ (if available). 2. Use third-party applications (see Method 5).

Method 4: Configure via the Security app (for Chinese firmware)

On smartphones with Chinese firmware (such as Xiaomi for the Chinese market), the flash feature is often hidden in the Security app.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
  2. Go to Optimization or Battery and Performance.
  3. Select Notification Settings.
  4. Find the Special Permits for Notifications.
  5. Activate the flash at important events.

If the interface is in Chinese, use a translator or focus on the icons:

- πŸ”¦ β€” flash,

- πŸ“ž β€” call-up,

- ⚑ β€” notice.

Xiaomi modelSupport for flash when callingWhere to look for settings
Xiaomi 13/13 Proβœ… Yes (MIUI 14/HyperOS)Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Incoming calls
Redmi Note 12 Pro+βœ… Yes.Settings β†’ Sounds β†’ β€œDo Not Disturb” mode
POCO X5 Proβœ… Yes (only on global firmware)Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Notifications
Redmi 10A❌ No (budget model)Third-party software required
Mi 11 Ultraβœ… Yes (with update to) MIUI 13.5+)Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Flash

Xiaomi 13/14 Series

Redmi Note 11/12

POCO X3/X4/X5

Redmi 9/10 series

Another model-->

Method 5: Third-party applications for flash control

If none of the above methods worked, there is a option to install specialized utilities, and we recommend two proven applications:

  • πŸ”¦ Flash Alerts 2 (Play Market) – supports color, frequency and background settings. Suitable for Android 10+.
  • πŸ“ž Flash On Call is a simple tool with a minimalist interface, works even on older versions. MIUI.
  • ⚑ Light Flow (paid version) – advanced settings for notifications, including calls and SMS.

Instructions for setting up Flash Alerts 2:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and grant permissions to the Chamber and Notifications.
  3. Turn on the Flash on Call switch.
  4. Adjust the flash color (white/blue/red) and Duration.
  5. Add the app to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization).

⚠️ Warning: Some flash control applications require permissions Special features. Be careful - only give access to proven high-rated utilities (4.5)+ Play Market).

πŸ’‘

If the flash doesn’t work after installing the app, check if MIUI Optimizer blocks it. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Three points (menu) β†’ Special Access β†’ Battery Optimization and turn off optimization for the utility you select.

Alternative solutions for non-standard cases

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support flash when calling at the software level, or you use custom firmware, try these methods:

1.Use of Tasker (for advanced users)

Tasker is an automatic application that allows you to create custom scripts, for example, you can set the rule: "When you call in, turn on the flashlight for 3 seconds."

Example of the task:

  1. Create a new profile (Event β†’ Phone β†’ Inbound Call).
  2. Add the action Plugin β†’ Flashlight β†’ Enable.
  3. Set the delay (Task β†’ Wait) for 3 seconds.
  4. Add the action Plugin β†’ Flashlight β†’ Turn off.

2. ADB-command

If you have experience with ADB, you can manually activate the function through the console. Connect the phone to your PC and do:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

To verify the current status:

adb shell settings get global flash_notification_enabled

If the command returns 1, the function is enabled. If 0 or error, your firmware does not support this setting.

3. Manual editing of the build.prop file

This method requires root rights and can lead to unstable system operation. Use at your own risk.

Instructions:

  1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with root access.
  2. Open the file /system/build.prop.
  3. Add a line: ro.miui.has_flashlight_notification=1
  4. Save the file, restart the device.

πŸ’‘

Before editing build.prop, make sure to back up the file. An error in syntax can make it impossible to boot the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the flash when calling Xiaomi

Question: Why does the flash only work when the screen is locked?
This is standard MIUI behavior to save battery power. If the screen is on, the system thinks the user already sees the notification. To turn off this restriction, try: Use Flash Alerts 2 with the Ignore Screen Status setting, Activate Developer Mode and turn off optimization for the Phone app.
Question: Can you adjust different flash colors for different contacts?
At MIUI, there is no such feature, but it can be implemented via Tasker or Light Flow. For example, in Light Flow: Open the notification settings for contact. Select the color of the LED (white, red, blue, green are available for flash). Keep the rule. Note that not all Xiaomi models support color flash (for example, Redmi 9 will only have white light).
Question: The outbreak is triggered with a delay - how to fix it?
Latency is usually associated with battery optimization. Try: Disable optimization for the Phone app and Notifications. In the developer settings (Settings β†’ Phone β†’ MIUI version – tap 7 times) turn on Do not turn off background processes. If you use a third-party application (for example, Flash Alerts 2), add it to the exceptions of MIUI Optimizer.
Question: After the MIUI update, the flash stopped working. What do we do?
This is a typical problem when you upgrade to a new firmware version. Solutions: Reset the Phone: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Phone β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the data. Check the notification settings: sometimes they are reset after updating. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI (if the problem is critical). Use Fastboot or Recovery. If nothing helps, report the bug via MIUI Feedback (Feedback app on your phone).
Question: Can I use flash for SMS and other notifications?
Yes, in MIUI 13/14, you can set this up by going to Settings β†’ Notifications and Status bar. Select an app (like Messages or WhatsApp). Activate Flash when notified. For older versions, use Light Flow or Flash Alerts 2.