Flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 5 ways to turn on notifications

If your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T doesn’t signal an incoming call in a noisy room or at night when the phone is down, the solution is to flash the camera as a visual alert. This feature not only makes life easier in everyday situations, but also becomes a lifesaver for people with hearing impairments. However, in standard MIUI settings, the option is often hidden or disabled by default.

Many users mistakenly think that to activate a flash when calling you need root rights or complex manipulation of the firmware. 80% sufficient 2-3 In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from official settings to circumventing restrictions through third-party utilities. 8T, where MIUI The process may differ from other Xiaomi models.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery level (flare actively consumes energy)
  • πŸ“± Version MIUI (In older versions, the option may not be available)
  • πŸ”¦ The performance of the flash itself (test it in the camera app)
πŸ“Š You’ve already tried to turn on flash when calling on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, but it didn't work.
No, I just learned about this function.
I'm using a third-party app.
I don't need it.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

The most reliable method is activation through built-in system options. On the Redmi Note 8T, the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
  3. Select Incoming Calls (or Call Alerts in some versions).
  4. Scroll down to the Visual Alerts block.
  5. Activate the camera flash switch.

If Visual Alerts is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI does not support the system-level function, in which case move on to the following methods.

Is the "Do Not Disturb" mode on"?|Are there any updates? MIUI under the heading β€œOn the telephone"?|Does the flash work in the camera app?|Is the phone connected to charging (recommended for the test)-->

Important! Some firmware only allows you to access the Mi Account, and if you have a local version of MIUI without being linked to your account, the feature may be blocked.

2. Alternative path: setting up special features

In MIUI 12 and later, the flash option is sometimes moved to the disabled section, which works even on devices where the feature is not in the audio section.

How to turn on:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities.
  2. Select Hearing (or Audio/Visual Alerts).
  3. Activate the flash at alerts.
  4. In the additional settings, specify Calls as a type of notification.

This is a common way to work on the Redmi Note 8T with global firmware, and if the gray option is inactive, the manufacturer has blocked it for your model.

πŸ’‘

After activation, check the flash in a dark room - some users note that in brightly lit spaces, the backlight may be invisible.

3. Use of third-party applications

If the built-in methods didn't work, Google Play utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones for the Redmi Note 8T.

Top.-2 flash-control:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Flash Alerts 2Works without root Customized Blink Frequency Support for Notifications from MessengersAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play
Flash On CallSimple Interface Energy Saving Mode Works on MIUI 10-14Requires permission to notifyGoogle Play

Instructions for setting up (for example, Flash Alerts 2):

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. Provide all the permissions requested (access to notifications, camera).
  3. In the main menu, activate the flash when calling.
  4. In additional settings, select the flashing color (white/blue) and the interval.
  5. Restart your phone to apply the changes.
Why can applications not work?
Some MIUI firmware blocks third-party utilities from accessing hardware modules (including flash). If nothing happens after setting up: 1. Check if the system kills the application in the background (set an exception in Battery β†’ Battery Optimization). 2. Try turning off power saving mode for the utility. 3. Install an older version of the application (sometimes new updates break compatibility with the Redmi Note 8T).

4. Hidden MIUI functions: engineering menu

For advanced users, there is an engineering menu activation method that only works on firmware up to MIUI 12.5 and requires caution, as wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

How to open the engineering menu:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##36446337##.
  3. Select Hardware Testing β†’ Audio β†’ Flashlight Test.
  4. Activate the Flash on Call option.

Warning: The engineering menu contains settings critical to the operation of the device. Do not change other settings unless you understand their purpose.

πŸ’‘

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but dangerous. Always record the current settings before changes (you can take screenshots of the screens).

5. circumvention of restrictions through ADB (for experienced)

If all previous methods failed, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) option remains, requiring a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – press 7 times to unlock the Developer Menu.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1
  4. Reset the device.

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

adb shell settings put secure flash_notification 1

This method bypasses the software limitations of MIUI, but can reset after a system update.

πŸ’‘

Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the setup is successful, Redmi Note 8T users face typical challenges, and we've collected the most common cases and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The flash does not blink when ringing

  • πŸ”Ή Check if the cover covers the camera (even partial overlap can block the light).
  • πŸ”Ή Make sure that the correct notification types are selected in the application settings (if you use a third-party one.
  • πŸ”Ή Restart the phone – sometimes the system β€œforgets” the settings used.

Problem 2: The battery goes down quickly

⚠️ Attention: the constant use of the flash as an alert increases battery consumption 15-20%. If you notice a significant reduction in work time, disable the function or configure it only for important contacts.

Problem 3: The function is unstable

  • πŸ”Ή Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Often bugs are fixed in new builds).
  • πŸ”Ή Turn off battery optimization for the flash-control app.
  • πŸ”Ή Check if the function conflicts with other utilities (for example, with programs to save charge).

7. Additional settings and life hacks

A flash on a call is just the beginning. On the Redmi Note 8T, you can set up visual alerts more flexibly if you know a few secrets.

Enhanced opportunities:

  • 🎨 Color indication: In some firmware, you can assign different flash colors to different contacts (for example, green for work, red for family).
  • ⏱️ Blinking intervals: adjust frequency (e.g. 2 flashes with 1 second pause for important calls).
  • πŸ”• Exceptions: Turn off the flash for specific contacts or at specific times (night mode).

How to set up color schemes (if supported):

  1. Install the Flash Alerts Pro app (paid version).
  2. In the settings, select Color Profiles.
  3. Create a new profile and assign it to the right contacts.

Lifehack for battery saving: If you only need a flash at night, set up automatic turn on the feature via Google Assistant or Tasker on schedule.

πŸ’‘

The Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 13+ has the ability to tie the flash color to the contact category (work/personal/family) to help you visually distinguish important calls.

❓ The flash works, but it blinks very dimly?
The flash brightness on the Redmi Note 8T depends on the firmware. In most cases, this is a hardware constraint - the manufacturer specifically reduces the intensity to save the battery. Try: Use third-party brightness-setting apps (such as Flash Alerts Pro). Update the firmware - newer versions of MIUI sometimes increase the maximum brightness. Check if the camera lens is polluted (dust and dirt scatter light).
❓ Can you make the flash flash flash only for certain contacts?
Yes, but not through the standard settings. You'll need: Install Flash Alerts 2 or Flash On Call. In the application settings, find the Exceptions or Rules section, add the desired contacts to the whitelist or assign unique blinking patterns to them. There is no such feature in the standard MIUI firmware for the Redmi Note 8T.
❓ After updating MIUI The flash on the bell stopped working?
This is a common problem β€” newer versions of firmware sometimes reset settings or block access to hardware modules. Try: Re-enable the function through settings (the path may change). Clear the Settings (Settings) app cache β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Settings β†’ Clear cache. Install a newer version of a third-party flash control app. Reverse to the previous version MIUI (If nothing helps, write in support of Xiaomi through the official Mi Community app – sometimes they release patches for such bugs.
❓ Can you use the flash for notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
Yes, but only through third-party apps. The standard MIUI function only works for calls. To set up a flash for instant messengers: Install Flash Alerts 2. In the app settings, select Notifications. Activate the option for the right instant messengers (you will need to give access to notifications). Set the color and frequency of blinking separately for each application. Note that frequent notifications with the flash enabled significantly reduce battery life.
❓ Is it safe to use the flash as a warning light all the time?
Short-term use will not harm the phone, but there are a few nuances: πŸ”‹ Battery: Continuous flash operation increases the cost of 10-20% (depending on the frequency of flashing). πŸ’‘ Resource LED: In theory, heavy use can shorten the life of an LED, but in practice it is unlikely – the flash is designed for tens of thousands of cycles. πŸ“± Overheating: in rare cases, prolonged flash operation in an enclosed space (such as in a pocket) can cause the case to overheat locally).