How to turn on flashing flashlight when calling Xiaomi: all ways

The flashlight feature on Xiaomi smartphones can be a real lifeline in noisy places or when the phone is down, not only visually signaling a call, but also helping to keep an important call from being missed if the melody is drowned out by surrounding sounds. However, not everyone knows that this is possible — especially on newer versions of MIUI, where settings are sometimes hidden in non-obvious sections.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to activate flashlights when calling for different models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. You will learn how to enable the function through standard settings, using hidden developer parameters, and what to do if the option is not on your device.

If you’ve ever missed a call due to a quiet sound or vibration, this guide will help you set up a visual alert in 2-3 minutes, and for owners of devices without built-in functionality, we’ve prepared workarounds using third-party apps.

Why doesn’t the flashlight flash when calling by default?

Many Xiaomi users wonder why new smartphones don’t automatically flash a flashlight when incoming calls, even though older models did it out of the box, because of changes in MIUI policy and energy optimization.

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has gradually removed some “secondary” features from the main settings to simplify the interface. Flashing the flashlight when calling was moved to the special features section or completely hidden behind the activation of the developer mode. In addition, on budget models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3) this option may be missing due to hardware limitations – a weak processor or the lack of a separate LED for the flashlight.

Another thing is, on some firmware, it only works when the screen is unlocked, and if the phone is in your pocket or bag, the blinking may not work because of the proximity sensor, which is designed to save battery power, but it's a inconvenience for users.

Finally, it is worth considering that on devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Redmi) K50) The company often prefers to light up the display instead of flashing a flashlight, which is because organic LEDs consume less energy when displaying notifications than when turning on the camera.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for most models)

If your XiaomiReleased smartphone is after 2020, it’s likely that the flashing flashlight feature is hidden in the special features settings.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).

2. Go to the Special Features section (on some firmware it may be called Universal Access).

3. Find the subsection of Rumor and tap it.

4. Scroll down to the flashing flashlight option when calling (or Visual Alerts).

5. Activate the switch and select the flashing mode: Flashlight or Flashlight only + screen.

On some models (such as Xiaomi 11T or Redmi Note 10 Pro) the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Flashing flashlight

If you don't find this option, don't worry, move on to the next one, and maybe there's a deeper feature on your device.

Make sure the flashlight works manually (check through the Quick Settings Panel)

Update MIUI to the latest version (path: Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Check if the power saving mode is turned off (it can block the blinking)

Make sure the proximity sensor is not closed (e.g., with a safety glass)

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Method 2: Activation through Developer Mode

If standard settings didn’t work, try flashing the flashlight through the developer’s hidden settings, a technique that works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, including the POCO X3, Redmi Note 9, and other popular models.

First, you need to unlock the developer menu:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line and tap it 7-10 times in a row until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

Now activate flashing flashing flashlight:

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. Scroll down to the Incoming Calls block.
3. Find the option of flashing flashlight when calling (or Flash notification on English firmware).
4. Turn on the switch and select the color of the flash (white and color options are usually available).

Important: Some firmware may call this option flashlight notifications or Light effects. If you don't find the exact wording, search for settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

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Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If none of the previous methods worked, don't despair, you can use third-party utilities. There are several reliable applications that emulate flashing a flashlight when you call, and we tested the three most popular solutions and made a comparison table:

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website or from Google Play (if available).
2. Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of unknown applications.
3. Once installed, open the app and provide all the permissions you request (especially access to notifications and the camera).
4. In the application settings, select Incoming calls and activate flashing flashing of the flashlight.

Important: Flashlight applications can increase battery consumption 5-15% Turn them off if you notice a strong discharge.

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Before installing third-party software, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers – some applications may conflict with MIUI and cause reboots.

Method 4: Configure with ADB (for advanced users)

If you’re not afraid to work with the command line, you can activate flashing flashlights when calling through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for devices where the function is blocked by the manufacturer, but is hardware supported.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and program ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Initiated debugging mode USB on the phone (path: Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Execute the command to activate flashing flashlight: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1
5. Reboot the phone.

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

adb shell settings put secure flash_notification 1

To turn off the blinking, replace the commands 1 by 0.

Problems and Solutions: Why Does the Lightning Not Blink?

Even when you set it right, flashing a flashlight when you call may not work, and we've collected some of the most common causes and ways to address them:

1.The flashlight does not flash on a locked screen

This is standard MIUI behavior for saving charge.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Power saving mode and turn it off.
• 🔧 In the Phone application settings, find the Notifications option on the locked screen and turn it on.

2.Flashing only works for certain contacts

Check the individual notification settings:

• 📞 Open the Contacts app.
• 📞 Choose the right contact → Edit → The ringing melody and the vibration.
• 📞 Make sure there is no special notification mode to cancel blinking.

3. the flashlight flashes too weakly or unevenly

This may be due to nutritional restrictions:

• ⚡ Go to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• ⚡ Find the phone app and select Without Limits.
• ⚡ If you use third-party flashing software, add it to the exception list.

4.The feature disappeared after the MIUI update

Unfortunately, Xiaomi sometimes removes useful features in new firmware versions.

• 🔄 Try to revert to the previous version. MIUI (instructions are available on xiaomi.eu).
• 🔄 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where flashing flashlight function works stably.
• 🔄 Use third-party applications from the third method.

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If flashing flashlight stopped working after the update, check the update logs on the official Xiaomi forum – sometimes the feature returns in the next patches.

Alternative methods of visual alerts

If flashing never worked, consider other visual call notification options. Here are some proven solutions:

1. Screen illumination

Nana AMOLED-displays can be configured to flash the screen instead of a flashlight:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Screen. → Illumination of notifications.
• 📱 Turn on the option of flashing screen when incoming call.
• 📱 Choose the color and frequency of the flashing.

2. LED indicator (if any)

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 or Redmi K30 Pro) have LED notifications:

• 💡 Go to Settings. → Notifications → LED indicator.
• 💡 Choose the color for incoming calls (usually red or green).
• 💡 Set up the duration of the blinking.

3. Backlit vibration

The combination of vibration and screen lighting can be equally effective:

• 🔄 Open the Settings. → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration on the bell.
• 🔄 Choose an intense vibration mode.
• 🔄 Enable button highlighting when notified (if available).

4. Smart watch or fitness bracelet

If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, set up call alerts on it:

• ⌚ Connect your watch to your phone via Mi Fitness.
• ⌚ In the notification settings, enable the Incoming Calls option.
• ⌚ Select the vibration or backlight of the watch screen.

These alternatives won’t replace flashing a flashlight completely, but they will help keep important calls from missing in situations where the sound is off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashing flashlight on Xiaomi

If your question isn’t covered in the FAQ, check the official Xiaomi documentation for your model or ask it on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, specifying the exact firmware version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).

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On devices with MIUI 14, flashing flashlights when calling is often hidden in a special feature setting called Visual Alerts. Remember to check this section after firmware updates - sometimes the option returns or moves.

Now you know all the ways to turn on flashing flashlights when calling Xiaomi. If none of the methods worked, maybe your model doesn’t support this feature at the hardware level, in which case you can either use alternative visual alerts or consider buying a smartphone with more flexible settings (for example, from the Xiaomi 12/13 line or POCO F4).

Remember that MIUI is regularly updated and new firmware versions may show up (or disappear) with useful features.