Flash when calling Xiaomi Poco X3: how to enable, configure and fix errors

Xiaomi Poco X3 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it has hidden features that many users are unaware of. One of them is a flash on an incoming call, which helps to avoid missing an important call in a noisy room or when the phone is lying down. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate this option, the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI, and also explain how to avoid common problems (for example, fast battery discharge or camera failures).

It's not only useful for those who miss calls, but also for people with hearing impairments. However, it's not always easy to find in standard Poco X3 settings, depending on the firmware version and regional build. We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions) and put together working solutions. If you've tried to turn on a flash but it didn't work, read the troubleshooting section.

Why a flash on a call may not work on the Poco X3

Before you get into the setup, it's important to understand why the feature might not be available.

• 🔹 An outdated version MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12.0.3 option is often missing or malfunctioning.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions: Chinese versions (China) ROM) The path to adjustment may be different.
• 🔹 Disabled permissions: Phone or Camera app denied access to flashlight.
• 🔹 Energy saving mode: Aggressive battery settings block flash.
• 🔹 Hardware restrictions: On some Poco modifications X3 NFC function disabled at the firmware level.

If your smartphone falls under one of these circumstances, don't worry. In the following sections, we'll explain how to get around each limitation. For example, for older versions of MIUI, there's an alternative way through Special Options Settings, and for Chinese firmware, there's manual activation instruction through ADB.

Official method: enable via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which works on most versions of MIUI 12-14 (except some Chinese builds).

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Scroll down and select Flash on Call (or Call Notices → Flash on some firmware).
4. Activate the Flash switch when an incoming call is made.
5. Optionally, set the Blinking Frequency (not available in all versions).

If Flash is not on the menu, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Firmware older than 12.0.2 will require an update or alternative method (see next section).

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the permissions for the phone application"|Turn off the power saving mode|Make sure the flashlight works manually.-->

Important! On some builds of the Poco X3 Pro, the path may be different: Settings → Special Features → Rumor → Notification flash. If you have this model, try both.

Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

If you don't have a flash option in the settings, don't despair. Here are 3 proven ways to get around the limitations:

1. through special facilities (for MIUI 12 and later)

This method works even on Chinese firmware:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Hearing (or Physical Features on some versions).
3. Activate the Notification Flash.
4. Turn on the switches for Call and Message (optional).

2. Using the Flash Alerts 2 application (for all versions)

If system settings don’t help, install a third-party app:

• 📱 Download Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play.
• 🔧 Provide all the permissions requested (access to notifications, camera, flashlight).
• ⚡ Enable the Flash on Call option in the app settings.
• 🔄 Restart your phone to apply changes.

The advantage of the method: the application allows you to adjust the flash color (if you have a flash). RGB-It's lighting up, it's flashing, it's even adding vibration, and it's a disadvantage, it's an extra battery charge (~5–7% daily with active use).

3. via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to work with the command line, this method gives 100% result:

adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command above via ADB.
3. Reset the device.

Blinking frequency and color setting (if supported)

Some Poco X3 firmware (especially with MIUI 13/14) has advanced flash options available.

Important: on the Poco X3 NFC with firmware up to MIUI 12.5, there are no advanced settings - only the basic mode is available (blinking white with a fixed frequency).

If you need to change the color, but there is no such option in the settings, try installing custom software like Pixel Experience (but this will require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of warranty).

How to turn off the flash when calling if it interferes

It's useful, but it can be annoying sometimes, like at night or in the theater, and this is how you can quickly deactivate it.

• ⚡ Through Settings: Settings → Sounds. → Flash when calling (turn off the switch).
• 📱 Through the notification panel: swipe down, find the flashlight icon and hold it – flash settings will open.
• 🔕 Temporary shutdown: Transfer the phone to Do Not Disturb (flash won't work).
• 🔄 Automatic Control: Flash Alerts 2 allows you to set a schedule (for example, turn off from 23:00 to 7:00).

Tip: If you often turn the function on/off, add a shortcut to your desktop.

1. Long press on the free space of the screen → Widgets.
2. Find the settings shortcuts → Flash notifications.
3. Drag the shortcut to the desktop.

💡

If the flash is triggered too often (for example, on messages in messengers), open Settings → Applications → Notification Management and turn off unnecessary alerts for specific programs.

Troubleshooting: The flash doesn't work

If after all the manipulations flash does not blink when calling, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention, some of the Poco firmware X3 This feature conflicts with Google Camera (GCam), and if you use a custom camera, try removing it or rolling it back to the stock.

If nothing works, try resetting (but not data!) through Settings → System → Reset. This will return all settings to factory settings, but will not delete your files.

💡

Before resetting, back up your contacts and SMS via Settings → Google → Backup.

Impact on the battery and how to minimize it

Many users fear that the constant flashing of the flash will quickly drain the battery.

• 🔋 Battery consumption: One blink consumes ~0.01% charge. 10 calls a day, that's it. ~0.1% per day.
• ⚡ Flash vs. LED-Notifications: A flashlight consumes 2-3 times more energy than an LED light.
• 🔄 Optimization: Disable the feature for unnecessary notifications (SMS, Messengers in Flash Alerts 2 settings.
• 🛡️ Safety: Frequent flashlight switching on/off can reduce LED life (but not critical when used in moderation).

To reduce the impact on the battery:

1. Reduce the frequency of blinking to 1-2 times per second.
2. Turn off the feature overnight (via Do Not Disturb or Flash Alerts 2).
3. Use the Adaptive Battery in the settings (Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery).

Interesting fact: on the Poco X3 Pro with Snapdragon 860 processor, battery consumption per flash is lower by 15-20% due to the optimization of power consumption in the MIUI 13+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak when calling