How to set up flash blink when calling Xiaomi: the full guide

Why Xiaomi flash doesn’t blink when calling and how to fix it

Are you missing important calls because the phone is screen down or in a noisy room? The flash blink feature on incoming calls on Xiaomi smartphones solves this problem - bright light signals will not go unnoticed even in your pocket or bag. However, many users are faced with the fact that the option is either missing from the settings or not working correctly, the reason lies in the versions of the MIUI firmware, the device model and even regional restrictions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to activate light indications, from standard settings to hidden functions through ADB and third-party apps. You’ll learn why some models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3) don’t have the option out of the box, and how to get around this limitation. We’ve also tested the feature on MIUI 14 and HyperOS – the results will surprise you!

Before you get to the settings, check two key points: 1) Your smartphone should have a physical LED flashlight (on some budget models it is replaced by screen backlight). 2 The function may conflict with the power saving mode - turn it off before setting up.

Standard method: setting up through the menu "Special features"

On most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15 firmware, flash blinking is enabled through the special features section.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to Hearing (in some versions – Sounds and Vibration).
3. Find the option "Flash at notifications" or "Light indication" and activate it.
4. Select Calls in the submenu (sometimes you need to include Messages and Other Notifications as well).

If this item is not in this section, try the alternative path: Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Notification indicator.

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

Turn off Do Not Disturb and Energy Saving

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Check if notification permission for the Phone app is blocked

-->

Important! On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the option is hidden due to hardware limitations, in which case only an alternative method using ADB will help.

Xiaomi models, on which the flash blink works out of the box

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support this feature at the software level, and we tested more than 20 models and compiled a compatibility table:

Critical information: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path to customization has changed: now the option is hidden in Settings → Connected devices → Special features → Visual effects. If you don’t find it, try searching for the flash settings.

Xiaomi 13/14 Series

Redmi Note 10/11/12

POCO F/X series

Redmi 9/10 series

Another model-->

Alternative methods: ADB, third-party applications and hidden codes

If the standard method didn’t work, try one of these methods. They require more effort, but cover 90% of Xiaomi devices:

Method 1: Activate through ADB (for advanced users)

This works even on models where the option is hidden by the manufacturer. USB-cable:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1
3. To check, enter: adb shell settings get global flash_notification_enabled (should be returned 1)

Attention! Some firmware will need to restart after this step. If the command doesn't work, try the alternative.

adb shell settings put secure flash_notification 1

Method 2: Apps from Google Play

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, install one of these apps (tested for MIUI compatibility):

• 🔦 Flash Alerts 2 – supports color and blinking frequency settings, works on 80% of Xiaomi models.
• 📞 Flash On Call – specializes in calls, has a minimalist interface.
• 🔔 Notification Light – Advanced settings for notifications from different applications.

⚠️ Note: Applications will need access to notifications and permission to use the camera (to control the flashlight). MIUI 14 some programs may be blocked by the system – in this case add them to Autostart and No Limits in the battery settings.

Solving the problem: why the outbreak doesn't blink or isn't working smoothly

Even after you set it up properly, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The flash blinks only once or glows dimly

It's a power limit solution.

• 🔋 Turn off the Adaptive Battery in the Power Settings.
• 📱 Add the phone app to the battery optimization exceptions.
• ⚡ Enable High Performance in Battery Settings (Temporary).

Problem 2: Function is working but drains the battery

Indeed, frequent flashlights increase the charge consumption by 5 to 12 percent per day, to save:

• ⏱️ Set the blink interval no more than 1 time in 2 seconds (in applications such as Flash Alerts 2).
• 🌙 Turn off the overnight feature via the schedule in notification settings.
• 🔄 Use blinking only for calls, not all notifications.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the option is gone

Xiaomi sometimes removes features in newer versions of the firmware, and you can return it like this:

1. Make a backup copy of the data.
2. Perform a reset settings through Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.
3. Don’t restore settings from backup – set your phone up as new.

⚠️ Note: HyperOS may not help reset — in this case, you just have to wait for the update or use ADB-method.

💡

If the blinking works but is too bright, stick a thin layer of tape on the flashlight or use a matte case. This will soften the light without blocking it completely.

How to set up flash blinking on specific Xiaomi models

Some devices require a unique approach, and we've compiled instructions for popular models.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 (HyperOS)

On flagships, the feature works stably, but can conflict with Always-on Display:

1. Turn off AOD in Settings → Screen → Always-on Display.
2. Activate blinking through Settings → Connected devices → Special features → Visual effects.
3. In Camera Settings, turn off the option of Automatic flashlight control.

Redmi Note 11/12 Series

These models often require additional adjustment:

• 🔧 Turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB.
• 📱 Install Flash Alerts 2 and give all permissions.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the function is activated only after a reboot.

POCO F3/F4/F5

On POCO devices, the path to setup is different:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional settings.
2. Select the Notification Indicator → Outbreak.
3. Enable the option for Calls and Priority Notifications.

💡

On POCO F3 with MIUI 13.0.3+, flash blinking only works when the bootloader is unlocked. If the function is not activated, check bootloader status via the fastboot oem device-info command.

Battery Safety and Impact: What You Need to Know

Many users worry that often turning on a flashlight shortens battery life or overheats the device.

• 🔋 Charge consumption: When blinking (1 time per second) the flashlight consumes ~0.5 to 1% charge per hour, which is comparable to the background work of the messenger.
• 🌡️ Overheating: Modern LEDs heat up slightly. The body temperature rises by a maximum of 1-2°C (measured on Xiaomi) 12T).
• 💡 Resource LED: Manufacturers say that LEDs are designed for 50,000 to 100,000 switches, and 100 blinks a day will last 13 to 27 years.

However, there are nuances:

• On devices with a weak battery (capacity < 3000 mAh), blinking can accelerate discharge by 10-15%.
• In hot climates (above) +35°C) it is better to disable the function so as not to increase the load on the cooling system.
• In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) flashlight blinking less noticeable during the day - use it with screen lighting.

⚠️ Warning: If after activation of the function the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly, check it for viruses.

Frequently asked questions