Xiaomi smartphones offer a convenient feature of visual alert of incoming calls — flashing flash or backlighting of the screen. This is especially useful in noisy places, in meetings or when the phone is down. However, many users face difficulties in configuring this option: somewhere the parameter is hidden in the depths of MIUI, somewhere requires additional manipulation. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to activate light indications on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from standard settings to hidden firmware chips.
The blinking function works differently on different models: somewhere the camera-flash is involved, somewhere the edge of the screen (in devices with flashes). AMOLED-And some low-end devices may not have the option at all. We tested the instructions on firmware. MIUI 12-15, and they found some key differences, and if you didn't find the right item on the menu, don't get upset, maybe the solution lies in alternative methods, which will be discussed below.
Most often, the problem is not the lack of a feature, but incorrect permission settings or conflict with energy-saving modes. For example, on Xiaomi 12T Pro flashing can be blocked by optimizing the battery for the Phone application. On Redmi Note 11, the option is hidden in the special features menu. We have collected all the nuances in one place so that you can customize notifications to your needs without unnecessary searches.
1. Standard flash blinking setting in MIUI
On most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the light indication function when calling is enabled through the Settings menu. → Special features. However, the path may differ depending on the firmware version and the device model:
Open Settings and go to Special Features (some devices call it Additional Features) and look for a Notification Hearing or Flash section, and on MIUI 14 and later, it may be called Visual Alerts.
Activate the switch next to the Call Flash or Light Indication. If you don't have an option, check if your model supports hardware blinking - for example, the POCO M4 Pro and Redmi 10 have this feature, but the Redmi A1 doesn't.
- 🔦 Camera flash - flashes bright light (visible even during the day).
- 📱 The screen lighting is working on AMOLED-displays (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite).
- ⚡ Color of indication - on some models you can choose a shade (white, blue, green).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 and below the option may be called Notifications light and be in the Settings section → Notifications and status bar. If you can't find it, update the firmware.
2. Alternative method: through notification settings
If the standard method didn’t work, try flashing through the notification menu, which is relevant for MIUI 13-15 firmware and some custom builds. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Application Notifications.
In the list, find the Phone app and tap it. There should be options for setting up light effects. On the Xiaomi 12 Pro, for example, the path looks like this: Settings → Apps → App Management → Phone → Notifications → Flash.
If there is no item, check if notification permissions are disabled from the Phone app. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Notifications and make sure that all alerts are turned on for the Phone.
Make sure the flash is working (check in the Camera app)
Turn off the power saving mode
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check the permissions for the phone application-->
Setting up the blinking on the screen (for AMOLED-display)
Devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F4 GT) It supports flashing the edge of the display instead of flashing, a feature called Edge Lighting or Ambient Display, and is set up separately.
Go to Settings → Screen → Ambient Display. Here activate the option Blink at notifications and select Calls in the event list. On some models, you can adjust the backlight color and blinking frequency.
If you don't have an option, try turning it on through Settings → Special Features → Visual Alerts → Screenlighting. On MIUI 14 for the Redmi K50 Pro, the path may differ: Settings → Display → Always-on Display and backlight.
| Xiaomi model | Type of flashing | Path in settings |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | Screenlighting (AMOLED) | Settings → Screen. → Ambient Display |
| POCO X5 Pro | Flash + backlight | Settings → Special. features → Flash at notifications |
| Redmi Note 12 | Just a flash. | Settings → Notifications → Application Notifications → Phone |
| Mi 11 Lite | Screenlighting | Settings → Display → Always-on and backlight |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Backlight blinking is not available, only flash is used.
4. Use of third-party applications
If the built-in MIUI tools do not allow you to configure blinking, you can use third-party utilities. For example, the Flash Alerts 2 app (available on Google Play) supports flexible setting of light notifications, including:
- 🔄 Choosing the color of flashing (even on devices without flashing) AMOLED).
- ⏱️ Adjust the frequency and duration of flashes.
- 📱 Dealing with other notifications (SMS, messengers).
Once you install the app, give it permissions to access notifications and use the camera (to control the flash). In Flash Alerts 2, select Calls in the event list and configure blinking options.
For ROOT-enabled devices, more advanced tools like Tasker or MacroDroid are available to create automated scripts, such as the ability to program blinking only in silent mode or at specific contacts.
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If the flashing doesn't work after installing the third-party app, check if MIUI Optimization blocks it. Turn off the optimization for the app in the battery settings.
5. Solving flashing problems
If you have enabled a function but it does not work, the reasons may be as follows:
1. Energy saving mode. MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery optimization and disable restrictions for the Phone or Flash Alerts 2 app.
2. Conflict with other applications: Some power saving utilities (e.g. Greenify) can block access to the flash.
Hardware limitations: On devices without LED flash (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3), camera blinking is not possible, in which case only the backlight of the screen (if supported) remains.
4. firmware failure. After major MIUI updates, settings may reset. Try resetting notification settings to Settings → Apps → App management → Phone → Storage → Reset settings.
What if the blinking only works once?
6. Specific settings for different models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique blinking settings. Consider the most popular models:
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: Flash is enabled via Settings → Notifications → Notification settings → Flash on calls. Here you can choose the flash color (white, blue, green) and mode (only in silent mode or always).
POCO X4 GT: On this model, the option is hidden in Settings → Display. → Screenlight. Activate Blinking at notifications and select Calls from the event list. Flash is not used here, only the edge lighting. AMOLED-display.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Supports flash and screen backlight at the same time. Settings are in Settings → Special features → Visual alerts. Here you can adjust the intensity and duration of the blink.
Redmi 10A: Budget model without AMOLED and with trimmed settings. Flash flashing is only enabled through third-party applications (for example, Flash Alerts), as there is no option in the firmware. On Xiaomi 13T Pro with MIUI 14 flashing is disabled by default due to battery optimization. To activate the function, you need to manually add the Phone app to the power saving exception list.
7. blinking setting for specific contacts
If you want flash flashing to only flash when you hear from certain people (such as loved ones or colleagues), use built-in MIUI tools or third-party apps.
In the standard Contacts app, open the caller card and tap Change. Here, look for the Sound and Vibration (or Individual Notifications) option. Some firmware can assign a unique signal and light alert to that contact.
For more flexible customization, use the Contact Flash Alert app (available on Google Play).
- 👤 Assign different colors of blinking for different contacts.
- ⏰ Set a schedule (for example, blink only during working hours).
- 🔕 Ignore unwanted numbers (without flashing).
After setting up, be sure to give the app permissions to read contacts and access notifications.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, individual blinking settings for contacts are only available through third-party apps. Built-in tools are limited to general settings.