Have you ever missed an important call from an iPhone because your Xiaomi smartphone was in another room or in your bag? So the solution is: adjust the camera flash on an incoming call. This feature turns the backlight into a bright light that you can't miss. But how do you make it work if the call comes from an iPhone?
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can go from standard MIUI settings to third-party apps that help synchronize notifications between the Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems, which models support the feature, how to get around the limitations, and why sometimes the flash doesn’t work, and a unique life hack for smartwatch owners, the Mi Band, which will double the chances of not missing a call.
Why Xiaomi’s flash doesn’t work when calling from an iPhone?
The problem lies in ecosystem differences. iPhone uses proprietary Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) protocol, and Xiaomi relies on Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for Android. When a call comes from an iPhone to Xiaomi, the system may not recognize it as a "priority notification," which is why:
- 📱 Standard flash in Settings → Notifications → The flash at notifications is only triggered for SMS and apps, but not for calls.
- 🔄 Contact sync is broken – if the contact is saved only in iCloud, Xiaomi can perceive the call as spam.
- 🛠️ Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the firmware, the flash function when calling is disabled to save battery.
Fortunately, there are workarounds. Next, step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for calls from any phone)
If your Xiaomi supports flash notifications, check the basic settings first.This option is available on most models, starting with the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 8:
- Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
- Select Call Notifications.
- Activate the Flash switch when an incoming call (may be called the Light indicator on some firmware).
- In the Flash Style section, select Blinking or Persistent Light.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 or Redmi 9A) If it's not on the menu, try the alternatives below.
☑️ Check before setting up flash
Method 2: Applications for synchronizing notifications
If the standard settings don't work, use third-party apps that redirect call notifications from your iPhone to Xiaomi, activating the flash.
| Annex | How it works | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Alerts 2 | Intercepts notifications and turns on flash/screen | It works without root, flexible settings | Advertising in the free version |
| Light Flow | Manages LEDs and flash | Supports custom colors and rhythms | Requires access to notifications |
| IFTTT + Xiaomi Home | Creates automation: bell → flash | It works with smart devices Xiaomi | A complex setup for beginners |
Instructions for Flash Alerts 2:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- In the settings, allow access to Notices and Camera.
- Select Calls in the list of applications.
- Adjust the flash color (white recommended) and duration (3-5 seconds).
💡
If flash doesn’t work in Flash Alerts 2, try turning off battery optimization for the app in the MIUI settings.
Method 3: Set up via Xiaomi Home (for owners of smart devices)
If you have a Yeelight smart bulb or another Xiaomi device in the Mi Home ecosystem, you can set up automation:
- Open the Mi Home app.
- Go to Automation. → Create a new one.
- Select the trigger: Call notification (notification access required).
- Add Action: Turn on the lamp or Camera Flash (if the device supports).
- Save the script.
⚠️ Note: This method requires that the iPhone and Xiaomi be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also check that Mi Home has enabled access to Notifications for the Phone app.
How to check if your Xiaomi supports flash when calling?
Method 4: Using the Mi Band smartwatch
A unique method for Mi Band 5/6/7 owners: if the flash on the phone does not work, you can adjust the vibration and backlight of the bracelet when calling from the iPhone.
- Connect Mi Band to Xiaomi via the Mi Fitness app.
- In the bracelet settings, activate Call Notifications.
- Turn on the screen lighting option and adjust Color (e.g. red for important calls).
- On your iPhone, install the Notify for Mi Band app (available in the App Store) and sync it to Mi Fitness.
Now, when you call from your iPhone, the bracelet will vibrate and light up, duplicating the notification, which is especially useful if the phone is in a bag or other room.
Frequent problems and their solutions
If the flash is not working, check the following points:
- 🔋 Battery charge: on some Xiaomi models, the flash turns off when the charge level is below 15%.
- 📵 Do Not Disturb: If it is on, light notifications can be blocked.
- 🔄 Application conflict: Some battery optimizers (such as Greenify) may interfere with flash performance.
- 🛠️ Update of the firmware: in older versions MIUI (Below 12) the function may not work properly.
If nothing helps, try resetting your notification settings:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Notifications → Reset💡
The most reliable way is a combination of standard settings MIUI + Flash Alerts 2 app covers 90% of cases where the flash fails when calling from iPhone.