Flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: how to turn on and configure

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even its owners sometimes face non-obvious features, one of them is a flash on an incoming call or notification, 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 feature, including hidden MIUI settings, and also solve typical problems when the flash does not work despite the parameters turned on.

It's important to understand that on the Redmi Note 7 (as on other Xiaomi devices), this option can be hidden in different menu sections depending on the firmware version. We tested the instructions on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, so you will definitely find a solution for your system. If the standard methods did not work, we have alternative options using third-party applications.

Why can the flash when calling not work?

Before you move on to settings, it is worth understanding the possible reasons why the function refuses to turn on:

• 🔋 Low battery power: Under 15%, the system automatically shuts down power-intensive functions, including flash.
• 📱 Outdated firmware, early versions. MIUI (11) the option may not be available or may not work properly.
• 🔧 Battery optimization conflict: If the Phone or Contacts app is aggressively optimized, the flash may not work.
• 🚫 Hardware limitations: Some Redmi Note 7 versions (e.g. Redmi Note 7 Pro) have different flash logic.

It's also worth checking if the case or the protective glass is blocking the light sensor, which can block the flash from going off in dark rooms, and if that's not the problem, let's move on to settings.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to enable the option via the settings menu. On the Redmi Note 7, the path may differ depending on the MIUI version, but the general logic is maintained:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section (in some firmwares – Notifications).
3. Select Flash at Notifications or Light Effects.
4. Activate the switch next to the Flash when ringing or Flashing.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flash at notifications

In some regional firmware (e.g. India), the option may be called Flash notifications. If this method does not work, then move on to the next method.

Make sure the flash is not occupied by the camera

Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Turn off the power saving modes-->

Method 2: Configure via the “Phone” application

In some versions of MIUI, flash control is taken to the call app itself.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Incoming Calls or Call Notifications.
4. Find the Flash option when calling and turn it on.

If there is no option in this menu, try another way:

Phone → Settings → Additional → Lighting effects

On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5 and above, this option can be hidden if the Phone Application Special Features are disabled. To return it, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Special Permissions and turn on all switches.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use Google Play apps, which not only include a flash, but also allow you to adjust the color, the blink frequency and even add vibration.-3 tested utilities:

After installing any of these applications:

1. Open the utility and provide all the permissions you request (access to notifications, camera, contacts).
2. Enable the Flash option when calling in the app settings.
3. If necessary, add the app to the battery optimization exception list (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

⚠️ Warning: Some flash apps may conflict with system notifications MIUI. If push notifications have stopped coming after installation, disable the option “Seal notifications” in the utility settings.

Method 4: Manually enable through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If you're not afraid to dig into hidden settings, you can try activating the flash through an engineering menu, which requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (or #364463378## for new versions).
2. You will be taken to the engineering menu. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio → Flashlight Test section.
3. Enable Flash Notification or Flash on Call.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

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

##4636## → Battery Information → Menu → Flashlight Test

⚠️ Note: Do not change other settings on the engineering menu unless you know what they are intended for, and this can cause the camera, speaker or sensor to malfunction.

Solving problems: flash does not blink when ringing

If you have enabled all settings but the flash still doesn’t work, check the following points:

• 🔄 Phone reboot. Sometimes system services MIUI They are stuck, and a simple reboot solves the problem.
• 📲 Conflict with other applications: If you have camera or flashlight utilities installed (like Flashlight Widget), they can block access to the flash.
• 🔧 Reset the settings of the Phone app. Go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Reset the settings.
• 📡 Regional restrictions. Some Chinese firmware has the default option disabled. Try changing region in your phone settings.

If nothing helps, reset all settings (without deleting data):

Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Reset Network Settings / All Settings

Last chance is to flash the phone to the global version of MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool, which is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to bring back all the features, including the flash when you call.

💡

If the flash works for notifications but not for calls, check the settings of the specific contact. In some firmware for individual numbers, you can turn off lighting effects.

Additional settings: color, frequency, exceptions

The standard flash on the Redmi Note 7 flashes white at a fixed frequency, but with the help of third-party applications (for example, Flash Alerts 2) you can configure:

• 🎨 Flash color (blue, red, green – if supported by hardware).
• ⏱️ Frequency of blinking (1 to 5 times per second).
• 🔕 Contact exceptions (the flash will not trigger calls from certain numbers).
• 📴 Do Not Disturb (the flash works even when the sound is turned off).

To set up with Flash Alerts 2:

1. Open the app and go to Call Settings.
2. Select Flash Color and set the desired shade.
3. In the Flash Rate section, set the blinking speed.
4. In Blacklist, add numbers that don’t need a flash.

Note that the Redmi Note 7 hardware supports only white flash color. Color effects are simulated by fast blinking, so do not expect a pronounced blue or red glow.

💡

The standard flash frequency on MIUI is 2 times per second, increasing this parameter through third-party applications reduces battery life by 5-10%.

FAQ: Frequent flash questions when calling on Redmi Note 7