How to turn on flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi 9: hidden settings and alternative ways

Why Redmi 9 doesn’t flash when you call – and how to fix it

Do you miss important calls because your phone is down screen or in a noisy room? The flash flash feature on an incoming call on Xiaomi Redmi 9 solves this problem β€” flashes can’t be missed even during the day, but many users are faced with the option either missing from the menu or not working after the MIUI update.

The reason is because of the firmware: since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has moved the flash setting to the special features section, and in some regional versions it has hidden it altogether. But there are at least 3 working ways to enable flashing, from standard settings to third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze each option with step-by-step screenshots and nuances for different versions of MIUI.

Importantly, if you have a Redmi 9A, 9C or 9T, the instruction will also work β€” these models use a similar platform, but for the Redmi Note 9, additional steps may be needed due to a different hardware module of the camera.

Method 1: Standard settings through β€œSpecial Features”

The most reliable method is to use built-in MIUI options. It works on all firmware versions, including MIUI 14, but the path to customization may vary depending on the regional build.

Follow the instructions:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities.
  3. Slip on the section "Hearing" (on some versions - Sound and vibration).
  4. Find the option Flash at notifications or Blinking Flash and activate the switch.
  5. In the window that appears, select Calls (you can also turn on SMS and other notifications).

If the flash item is not in the Notifications section, try an alternative path:

  • πŸ” Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Notifications and status bar β†’ Flash on notifications
  • πŸ” Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Phone. β†’ Notifications β†’ Additionally. β†’ Outbreak.

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Why might the option be missing? In some regional firmware (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi removes this feature due to local regulations.

Method 2: Hidden menu of engineering settings (for advanced)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can activate the flash through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which requires caution but gives you access to hidden features.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
  2. You will be placed in the CIT (Factory Test Mode) menu.
  3. Select Hardware Testing β†’ Flashlight Test.
  4. Press Start Test, the flash should catch fire. If it does, the hardware is in good shape.
  5. Go back to the main CIT menu and select Notification LED (if any).
  6. Activate the Flashlight Notification option.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after you enter the code, your version of MIUI blocks access to CIT. Alternatively, use the MTK Engineering Mode app (MediaTek processor only). Download it from the Play Market, open the Hardware Testing β†’ Flashlight section, and turn on the Notification Flash option.

Once activated, restart your phone. Now, when an incoming call is made, the flash should flash at intervals of ~1 second. If not, check if the feature conflicts with other applications (such as Lean Mode or Eye Protection).

Method 3: Third-party applications for flash control

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, not only by flashing when calling, but also by allowing you to adjust color, frequency, and even use the flash as a strobe for emergencies.

Top.-3 tested applications:

AnnexFeaturesReferenceCons
Flash Alerts 2Works without root, customizable blinking frequency, support for notifications from any applicationsPlay MarketAdvertising in the free version
Flash On CallSimple interface, minimalist design, low power consumptionPlay MarketNo fine frequency setting
Flash Notification 2MIUI 13/14 support, background work, customization for individual contactsPlay MarketRequires permission to access notifications

How to set up (for example, Flash Alerts 2):

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. Click Enable Flash Alerts and give you access to notifications.
  3. In the Apps section, select Phone (Phone).
  4. Set up Flash Rate (blinking frequency) and Duration (duration).
  5. Activate the Screen Off Flash option to make the flash work when the screen is off.

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn’t see a call notification, check your battery optimization settings: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Flash Alerts β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions.

⚠️ Note: Some apps may conflict with Xiaomi system services, especially if you have Developer Mode or Data Protection activated. MIUI. Try to turn off these functions temporarily.

Even when set up correctly, flashing may not work, and here are 5 common causes and ways to address them:

  • πŸ”‹ Energy saving: The flash is turned off if the Ultra-power saving mode is activated.Solution: add the Phone app to exceptions (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery).
  • πŸ“± Block notifications: Check if notifications for the Phone app are disabled in Settings β†’ Notifications.
  • πŸ”¦ Hardware malfunction: If the flash doesn't work even in the camera, it may be damaged LED or plume Solution: Check the camera module.
  • πŸ”„ Application conflict: Antiviruses or optimizers (such as Clean Master) can block access to the flash.Solution: remove suspicious programs.
  • πŸ“² Update MIUI: After major updates, the settings are reset. Solution: Reset the flash settings again.

If the problem persists, try resetting the notification settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Standard settings MIUI|Engineering menu|Third-party annex|Nothing helped.|I haven't tried it yet.-->

Additional chips: how to use the flash more effectively

A flash on Redmi 9 can do much more than just blink when you call. Here are some hidden possibilities that few people know about:

  • πŸ†˜ SOS-Signal: In applications like Flash Alerts 2, you can configure the Morse code for emergencies (e.g., three short flashes – a distress signal).
  • 🎡 Music flash: Music Flashlight app syncs blinking with music rhythm - great for parties.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging indicator: With Tasker or MacroDroid, you can program the flash to blink when connected to a charge (useful in the dark).
  • πŸ“Έ Lighting-adjusted flashlight: In the engineering menu (#36446337##) you can adjust the flash intensity (from 10% to 100%).

Important: Frequent use of the flash at maximum brightness reduces its lifespan. The average LED life in Redmi 9 is about 50,000 cycles (about 2-3 years of active use).

If you want to extend the life of the module, set a blink time limit in the application settings (for example, no more than 10 seconds per call) and avoid using the flash as a permanent light source.

What to do if the outbreak burned: diagnosis and repair

If the flash doesn't work in the camera or when you call, there's probably a hardware problem.

  1. LED check: Open the camera and try to turn on the flashlight. If it doesn't burn, move to step 2. Light the flashlight: if the LED is physically damaged (cracks, blackening), you will need to replace.

Diagnosis of the plume:

Remove the back cover (carefully so you don't damage the clips!) and check if the flash plume fits tightly with the motherboard. If the contacts are oxidized, clean them with alcohol.

Driver check:

Install the AIDA64 app and go to Sensors. If the flash is identified as Unknown, the problem is in the firmware or driver.

Cost of repair:

Type of malfunctionPrice (with work)Duration of repairs
Replacement of flash LED800–1 200 β‚½30-60 minutes
Repair/replacement of the plume1 000–1 500 β‚½1-2 hours
Flashing the camera module500–800 β‚½20-40 minutes

⚠️ Attention: If you are not sure about your skills, do not disassemble the phone yourself - in Redmi 9, the flash plume is very fragile and easily breaks with careless handling.

πŸ’‘

Make sure to back up your data before repairing! in some cases (such as when replacing the motherboard) a complete phone reset may be required.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Redmi 9

Can you customize different flash colors for different contacts?
No, the standard flash on Redmi 9 is a single color (white LED), but with apps like Flash Alerts 2, you can assign different blinking frequencies to different contacts (for example, rare flashes for work, frequent flashes for family).
Why does the flash flash flash even when the phone is silent?
This is normal behavior -- flash settings are independent of the audio profile. If you want to turn off the blinking in silent mode, use the MacroDroid app to create a rule: If [No Sound Mode is on] β†’ Then [Disable Flash].
Will the flash work if the phone is discharged (off)?
No, flash flashing requires at least a minimum battery charge (about 5-10%), and if the phone is completely drained, no function (including flash) will work.
Can you use the flash as a notification for WhatsApp or Telegram?
Yes, in applications like Flash Alerts 2 or Light Manager, you can set the blinking for any instant messenger. To do this, open the app settings. Select Apps and add WhatsApp/Telegram. Adjust the color and frequency of the blinking.
Does the flashing of a flash affect battery consumption?
Yes, but not very much, tests show that a continuous flash blinking for 1 minute is consuming. ~1 to 2 percent charge: If the flash only works on calls (2 to 3 times a day), the battery will be minimally affected.