Have you ever tried to find your keys in the dark by groping for a flashlight button on a locked Xiaomi smartphone? or rushed to light the road but wasted precious seconds unlocking? This problem is familiar to millions of Redmi, POCO and Mi users - the default flashlight label is hidden behind the lock screen, although it can technically be output in a single touch.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to add a flashlight to the lock screen for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15), including workarounds for models without the standard option. You will learn how to configure quick access through the Control Panel, widgets, gestures and even third-party applications - taking into account the features of firmware Global, China and EU.
Why is the flashlight not on the default lock screen?
Xiaomi deliberately limits the number of items on the lock screen to:
- 🔒 Increased safety – fewer active elements = It is more difficult to activate functions accidentally.
- 🎨 Keeping a minimalist design — MIUI The principles of less elements, more space".
- 🔋 Save battery power – each widget on the locked screen consumes up to 2-3% day-time.
- 📱 Unify the experience – on the budget Redmi and flagship Xiaomi 14 the same approach.
But that doesn't mean that you can't get it back, because MIUI 14+ has an official option, and there are workarounds for older versions, and the key is to know where to look.
Method 1: Official setting in MIUI 14/15 (the easiest)
If your smartphone is running MIUI 14 or later (including HyperOS), the developers have finally added a built-in flashlight output option.
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Scroll to the Shortcuts section (or Quick Access on some firmware).
- Slip on the flashlight and drag it to the active area (usually to the right of the camera).
- Save the changes – the shortcut will appear in the lower right corner of the lock screen.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) The option can be called Additional Items or hidden behind the "Configure shortcuts." If you don't find it, check for system updates!
Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)|Turn it off. VPN (can block the settings)|Restart your phone if the option does not appear-->
Method 2: Through the control panel (works on all MIUIs)
If your version of MIUI doesn't have a direct option, use the control panel, which is available even on a locked screen.
- Unlock your phone and swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the badge. ⚡ A flashlight (usually in the front row) if it's not there, tap it on the front row. ⚙ Edit.
- In editing mode, drag the flashlight to the active zone (the first 6-8 positions).
- Now on the lock screen swipe down - the panel will open and you can turn on the flashlight without unlocking.
💡 Useful advice: On Xiaomi 13/14 and POCO X6 The control panel on the lock opens with a double swipe (the first one unlocks the screen, the second one opens the curtain), which is designed to protect against accidental pressing.
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If the flashlight in the control panel flashes or doesn’t turn on, check the permissions for the com.android.systemui application in the application settings.
Method 3: Widgets on the lock screen (for MIUI 12-13)
On MIUI firmware 12 and 13, you can add a flashlight widget through third-party apps, the best option is QuickFlashlight (available on Google Play):
- Install the app and give it permissions to display over other windows and use the flashlight.
- In QuickFlashlight settings, select the Widget on lock.
- Return to Settings → Lock Screen → Widgets and add the app widget.
- Place it in a convenient place (for example, near the clock).
⚠️ Warning: Widgets on lock only work when the notification from the application is turned on. If you remove it from active notifications, the widget disappears!
| Method | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 14/15 | It requires ROOT. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Control panel | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| QuickFlashlight widget | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ No. |
| Gestures (Double Tap) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| ADB-team | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Sometimes. |
Method 4: Double Tap gestures (hidden function)
In the models with AMOLED-screens (Redmi) K50, Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4) There's an undocumented ability to turn on a flashlight with a double tap over a locked screen:
- Activate Settings → Lock screen → Double touch to wake up.
- Install the TapTap app from Google Play.
- In TapTap settings, select the Flashlight action and assign it to Double Tap.
- Give the application permissions Special features.
Now, double tap the screen turned off, the flashlight will turn on without unlocking, minus the method: it does not work on all models and may conflict with other gestures (for example, Raise to wake up).
Why does the Double Tap gesture not work on some Xiaomis?
Method 5: ADB-Teams for experienced users
If none of these methods worked, you can manually activate hidden settings through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by Assembly Number in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_ql_tile_torch 1
- Reboot the device. The flashlight will appear in the Quick Settings panel on the lock.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause you to reset your settings or lose your warranty. If you're not sure, skip this method!
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ADB-The most powerful, but also the most risky, method of teams, use it only if other methods have not worked, and you understand the consequences.
Solving problems: The flashlight is not working or has disappeared
If the flashlight does not appear after setting up or does not work correctly, check these points:
- 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes it’s enough to restart your phone for the changes to take effect.
- 📱 Update MIUI: On older versions (below 12.5), the function may not be available.
- 🔒 Security restrictions: In some regions (e.g. China), the flashlight on the lock is turned off by default.
- 🛠 Application Conflict: Antiviruses (such as Avast) or launchers (such as Nova Launcher) can block widgets.
- 🔋 Charge savings: In Ultra-saving mode, the flashlight can be turned off.
If the problem persists, try resetting the lock screen settings (Settings → Lock screen → Reset) This will return the standard shortcuts, but delete your widgets.