How to turn on flash when calling and SMS on Xiaomi: all ways + problem solving

Are you missing important calls or messages because you can't hear a signal in a noisy room? A flash of light on Xiaomi can be your lifesaver! This feature turns a camera flash into a visual notification indicator - it will flash when incoming calls, SMS or instant messenger messages. It is especially useful for people with hearing impairments or in situations where the phone is lying down.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate a light flash on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — standardized MIUI You'll learn how to customize blinking to specific events, why the function might not work, and what to do if the flash is triggered too often, and a unique life hack for devices without any flash. LED-An indicator that is not known to all users.

1. Standard method: Configure through “Special features”

The most reliable method of enabling flash is through the special features menu. It works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones with the shell MIUI 12/13/14, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 11/12/13 and others.

Open Settings → Special Features → Hearing → Notification flash. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.

• 🔦 Flash color: white or color (on supported models)
• 🔔 Types of notifications – calls, SMS, messages from messengers
• ⚡ Frequency of blinking: slow, normal or fast
• 📱 Work when blocking – will it work on a locked screen

Once activated, check the function: ask a friend to call you or send a test SMS. Flash should flash even if the screen is off (provided the option is enabled in the settings). Some models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) may need to reboot the device to apply the changes.

Make sure the flash is not covered with a cover or finger |

Check the battery level (below 15% the function may be turned off)|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Turn off the power saving modes

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2. Alternative method: through the settings of "Notifications"

If your version of MIUI doesn’t have a flash notification option in special features (relevant to some POCO firmware or custom builds), try enabling the feature via the notification menu.This method works on the Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (with pure Android) and some older models:

Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Notification Indicator. This can be the option “Light indicator” or “Camera flash”. Activate it and select the events for which you want to blink. Note: on some devices this path may be different – for example, on Redmi 5 Plus you need to go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Flash at notifications.

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If the notification menu does not have an option with a flash, try to enter the “flash” request in the search for settings – the system will show all available items associated with this function.

An important nuance: on Android One devices (such as the Mi A3), the path may be radically different, in which case you can search for settings or install a third-party flash management app (see the next section).

Flash control applications: when standard methods fail

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a built-in flash notification feature (relevant for budget models like Redmi 9A or old Redmi 4X), you can use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

To configure any of these applications:

1. Download and install the utility from Google Play.
2. Provide all necessary permissions (access to notifications, camera, autorun).
3. In the application settings, select events to blink (calls, SMS, WhatsApp, etc.).
4. Set the frequency and duration of the flash.

Note: Some applications may conflict with battery optimization in MIUI. To avoid problems, add the utility to the list of “Start” and “No Limits” in the battery settings.

Through "Special Opportunities" |

Through notification settings |

With a third-party application |

I haven't tried it yet.

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4.Why the outbreak doesn't work: 7 common causes and solutions

If you have enabled the feature but the flash does not flash when calling or texting, check the following points:

• 🔋 Low battery power - below 15%, the system automatically turns off the flash to save power.
• 📱 Case or safety glass - if the flash is closed, the light will not be visible. Remove the case or use a model with a notch for the camera.
• 🔕 Do Not Disturb - In this mode, all notifications, including lights, can be blocked.
• 🔄 Conflict with other apps – some battery-saving utilities (such as Greenify) can block flash.
• 🛠️ Damage to flash module – if LED does not work in the chamber, repair is required.
• 📲 Outdated firmware - update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Restrictions of Rights – make sure that the app (if you use a third party) has all the necessary permissions.

Pay special attention to the case item, which is the most common reason why users think it's not working. Try calling a phone with a flash on in a dark room, because even if the case is closing the light, you'll see a faint glow at the edges.

5. Additional settings: fine adjustment to your needs

The notification flash on Xiaomi supports several hidden options that can be customized for greater convenience.

1. Color scheme flashing (available on Xiaomi 12/13 and POCO F4/F5):

• 🟢 Green - for SMS and messengers
• 🔴 Red - for missed calls
• 🔵 Blue for system notifications

To activate, go to Settings → Special Options → Hearing → Notification Flash → Color Scheme.

Mode "Only in vibration":

If you don't want the flash to go off every sneeze, turn on the "Blink only when vibrating" option, and then the lights will only turn on when the important notifications you've noted are prioritized in your audio settings.

3. Set up for specific contacts:

You can make the flash flash flash only when you call from your favorite contacts.

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select the contact you want and click “Edit”.
3. Scroll down to the item "Sound and vibration".
4. Activate the “Flash on Call” option.

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Color scheme is available only on devices with AMOLED-screens and the latest version MIUI. Nana LCD-displays (e.g., Redmi) 9C) This option will be inactive.

Energy consumption and battery impact: myths and reality

Many users are afraid to turn on the flash when notifying, for fear that it will greatly reduce battery life.

Actual consumption: according to tests of the laboratory XDA Developers, the LED flash when blinking at a frequency of 1 time per second consumes about 50-70 mA / h.

• 📱 A medium-bright screen — 200-300 mAh
• 📶 Mobile Internet (4G) — 150-250 mAh
• 🎵 Music reproduction — 80-120 mAh

So a flash consumes less energy than a constant connection to a mobile network.

⚠️ Note: If you have flashing enabled for all notifications (including messages from social networks), and your phone receives them often, battery consumption may increase by a few hours. 5-10% We recommend limiting the flash to only important events: calls and text messages.

Another thing is that the device gets hot, and if you blink intensely (like if you get 50 notifications per hour), the area around the flash can get a little warmer, which is normal and not dangerous, but if the phone gets hot, check it for viruses or limit the use of the feature.

7 Hidden Chips: How to Make a Flash Even More Useful

Few people know, but Xiaomi can use the flash not only for notifications, but also for other useful purposes.

1. flash like a flashlight at low charge:

If the battery is almost dead but you need to light something in the dark, turn on Charge Saving mode and activate the flash through notifications. It will flash weaker but last longer than a standard flashlight.

Distress signal:

On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), you can set the flash flash to flash three times at the power button, which is useful in emergency situations when you need to get attention.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Emergency signal.
2. Turn on the "Blink the Flash" option.
3. Set up a button combination to activate.

Flash as a charging indicator:

With MacroDroid, you can program flash flash flashes when you connect to a charge or reach 100% charge, which is convenient if you put your phone to charge in another room.

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To keep the flash from disturbing at night, set a schedule for its operation, for example, in the Flash Notifications app you can specify that the blinking should be turned off from 23:00 to 7:00.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi