Light flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on and configure for yourself

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are equipped with bright LED-It's a flash that can not only improve photo quality in the dark, but also serve as a visual alert for incoming calls, which is especially useful in noisy places, in meetings or when the phone is down. However, by default, the option is disabled – it must be activated manually through hidden settings. MIUI.

Many users are not even aware of this feature, although it works on all models of the Redmi series - from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro. In this article, we will analyze 3 ways of setting up: through standard system parameters, using the application Additional settings and using third-party utilities.

If you miss calls often because of a quiet sound or vibration, a light alert is a great solution. AMOLED-screens (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) There is a bonus - you can set the screen blink instead of LED, That saves battery power.

⚠️ Important: On some Redmi models (especially those released before 2021), the flash function can be blocked by the manufacturer when calling, in which case only custom firmware installation or the use of third-party applications will help.

1. Standard method: configuring via MIUI

The easiest method is to activate the option in the special features menu. It works on most Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI 12-14 shell, but the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

Step instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to the Special Opportunities section (some models call it Universal Access).
  3. Select Rumor β†’ Flash at notifications.
  4. Activate the flash switch when calling.
  5. Set the Blinking Frequency (options available: slow, normal, fast).

If you don't have Flash notifications on your menu, you're locked at the firmware level, so move on to the next way.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with infrared port (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) LED-flash may conflict with the remote control. If after activation of the option the remote control stopped working, disable it or use third-party applications.

Make sure the flash is not occupied by the camera|Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)|Turn off the power saving mode|Close all background applications-->

2. Alternative method: Application "Additional settings"

If the standard method didn’t work, try enabling the flash through the hidden Additional Settings menu, which is suitable for Redmi models on MIUI 11-14, where the function is hidden deeper.

How to find hidden settings:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 5-7 times in a row on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
  3. Go back to the main Settings menu and find the new Settings (or Developers) section.
  4. Go to Notifications and Status bar β†’ Notification indicator.
  5. Activate the flash option when calling.

On some firmware, this item may be called a Light indicator or LED-If there's no function here, there's only a third way, third-party apps.

Note for Redmi Note 10/11 Pro: On these models, the developer menu has a separate option to flash flash at notifications, but it works only for the user. SMS Calls will require additional settings through ADB.

Redmi 9/9A/9C|Redmi Note 10/11/12|Redmi K40/K50|Another model|I don't know.-->

Third-party applications: Flash Alerts 2 and analogues

If the system methods don’t work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, with Flash Alerts 2 (from developer Noxa Apps) supporting all Xiaomi models, including the old Redmi 4X and Redmi 5 Plus, where the feature is locked at the firmware level.

How to set up Flash Alerts 2:

  • πŸ“± Install the app from Google Play (free, there is a premium version).
  • πŸ”§ When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (access to notifications, camera, phone).
  • ⚑ Turn on the Flash on Call (flash on call) switch).
  • 🎨 Customize the color and frequency of blinking in the Customization section.
  • πŸ”” In Advanced Settings, you can choose whether the flash will work in Do Not Disturb mode.

Advantages of the annex:

  • πŸ”Ή It works on all versions of Android (including the old 7-9 versions).
  • πŸ”Ή Supports individual settings for different contacts.
  • πŸ”Ή Maybe not just blink. LED, but also with the screen (useful for AMOLED-model).
  • πŸ”Ή There is a function of a flashing beacon for emergency situations.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Flash Alerts 2 consume extra battery power because they are constantly in the background. 9C 5000 mAh) this can reduce battery life by 5-10%.

πŸ’‘

If the flash doesn't flash when you call, check if the app blocks it to save battery (such as Security or Battery Saver from Xiaomi).

4.Why the outbreak doesn't work: Common problems

Even when set up correctly, the lights may not work, and here are the most common causes and solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The flash doesn't blink when you ring.Function disabled in camera settingsGo to Camera Settings β†’ Flash and select Auto
It only flashes when it's not. SMS, but not with the bellsLimitation of MIUI firmwareUse Flash Alerts 2 or use custom software
The outbreak is working, but very dimly.Pollution LED-module or low battery chargeClean the flash with alcohol, charge the phone to 30%+
The function disappeared after the MIUI updateXiaomi has removed the option in the new versionRecoil on previous firmware or third-party applications
The flash flash is constantly flashing, even without calls.Failure of the proximity sensorRestart your phone or reset your Special Opportunities settings

If none of the methods worked, check the physical fitness. LED-It's a flash:

  1. Open the camera and take a photo with a flash.
  2. If the LED does not light up, the problem is in the hardware (may require repair).

How to check the serviceability of the flash through the test menu
Dial in the dialer number ##4636## β†’ Choose Hardware Testing β†’ Flashlight, if the test fails, LED-module malfunction.

5 Additional settings: color, frequency, exceptions

The standard flash on Xiaomi Redmi flashes white at a fixed frequency, but with third-party apps like Flash Alerts 2 or Light Flow, you can customize:

  • 🎨 Blinking color (red, blue, green - if it supports) LED).
  • ⏱ Time interval (0.5 to 3 seconds between flashes).
  • πŸ“΅ Exceptions (disable for specific contacts).
  • πŸ”• Do Not Disturb (the flash will work even when turned on) DND).

For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Pro) you can set the screen blink instead of LED. This will save battery power and reduce the heat of the case. In Flash Alerts 2, this option is called Screen Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Frequent flashing of the screen can cause pixels to burn out. Use this function carefully - no more than 5 blinks in a row.

πŸ’‘

The most flexible flash settings are provided by third-party apps, which allow you to set different colors and frequencies for calls, SMS and notifications from instant messengers.

6.How to turn off the flash when calling

If the light alert becomes irritating (for example, at night), it can be quickly deactivated.

If you use MIUI system settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Hearing.
  2. Turn off the flash switch at notifications or flash at calls.

If you use Flash Alerts 2:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Swipe down on the home screen to open the quick access bar.
  3. Click on the Flash on Call icon to deactivate the feature.

For a temporary shutdown (for example, at a meeting), you can use the Do Not Disturb mode:

  • Smash down the notification bar.
  • Click on the DND icon (do not disturb).
  • The outbreak will stop working, but all other notifications will remain active.

7. Flash vs. vibration vs. sound: which is best for battery saving

Many Xiaomi Redmi users worry that flashing will drain the battery. Let's compare the power consumption of different types of alerts:

Type of alertBattery consumption (per 1 hour)PlusesCons
Sound (melody)~1–2%It's safe, it works all the time.Uncomfortable in public places
Vibration.~0.5–1%Quiet mode, low consumptionYou can skip on a soft surface.
Outbreak (LED)~1.5–3%It's visible from afar, it works with the sound off.It drains the battery, can interfere at night.
Screen blinking (AMOLED)~2–4%Bright, visibly.Strongly drains the battery, the risk of burning out pixels

For maximum battery savings, we recommend combining vibration + flash with a low blinking rate (1 every 2 seconds). On models with a large battery (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5000 mAh), the difference will be negligible.

πŸ’‘

The best option for the ratio of visibility and power consumption is a flash with an interval of 1.5 seconds + short vibration.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the flash when calling Xiaomi Redmi

❓ Can you customize different flash colors for different contacts?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like Flash Alerts 2 or Light Flow, which is not a feature in standard MIUI settings, and allows you to assign unique colors (red for work, green for family) and even pictures to flash your screen.
❓ Why the flash flash flashes but is very dim?
This may be related to: Pollution LED-Module (wipe with alcohol) Low battery charge (less than 15%) Limiting brightness in camera settings (check camera settings) β†’ Flash. Hardware malfunction (diagnosis required).
❓ Does the flash work when ringing in headphones?
Yes, but only if the headphones are Bluetooth-connected. When using wired headphones (3.5 mm or USB-C), the flash may not work due to the priority of the audio device. Flash Alerts 2 settings can force flashing even when the headphones are connected.
❓ Can you make the flash flash flash only for selected contacts?
There's no such feature in standard MIUI settings, but Flash Alerts 2 has a Contact Specific Flash option. You can: Add a contact to your favorites. In the app, select Manage Contacts. Assign a unique color and blinking frequency for that contact.
❓ Why After Updating MIUI The flash function was lost when calling?
Xiaomi periodically removes underutilized features from the firmware for optimization. If after the update the option disappeared: Try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI (via Fastboot). Use third-party applications (Flash Alerts 2, Light Manager). Install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience). Before rolling back the data!