How to set flash or screen blinking when calling Xiaomi: 3 working ways

The incoming call light display on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature to help avoid missing an important call in noisy environments or when the phone is lying down. Many users do not even realize that their device can flash a flash, screen or notification indicator when an incoming call is made, this feature is especially relevant for people with hearing impairments or those who are often in high noise conditions.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to activate light alarms on different Xiaomi models (from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO), you will learn how to enable flashing through standard MIUI settings, which models support this feature, and what to do if the option does not work, and we will also look at alternative solutions for devices where the manufacturer has limited the light display capabilities.

1. Check the feature support on your Xiaomi model

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support blinking when calling — it depends on the hardware stuffing and firmware version.

• 🔦 Flash: only works on models with LED-flash (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11: Budget devices without flash (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They do not support the regime.
• 📱 Screen: Blinking display is available on most devices with AMOLED-screens (Mi series, POCO F, Black Shark. IPS-The matrices may not have a function.
• 💡 Notification indicator: only available on older models (before the Redmi Note 8) and some flagships (for example, Mi 9.

To determine exactly if your Xiaomi blinks, check for the appropriate options in the settings (more on this in the next section). If you don’t have an option, don’t worry: we’ll offer alternative solutions.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer path to blinking settings may be different. If you don't find the right item, update the firmware or use an alternative method (section 3).

2. Standard method: configure via the MIUI menu

If your model supports blinking, you can turn it on through standard settings. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select Inbound Calls (or Call Notifications in some versions).
4. Find the option Light display or flash flash and activate it.

On some devices (e.g., the POCO X3 NFC), the path may look like this:

Settings → Special features → Hearing → Flashing when calling

If there is no flash item on the menu, but there is a flash screen, it means that your model supports only the display light display. For example, on the Mi 11 Ultra, the screen will periodically light up in white during an incoming call.

Check out the MIUI version in About Phone

Make sure the flash is working (test the camera)

Battery charge > 20% (for stable function)

Turn off the power saving mode-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The blinking option may be hidden, in which case try resetting the Phone app or installing a global version of the software.

3. Alternative method: apps from Google Play

If standard settings do not allow you to turn on blinking, use third-party utilities.

• 📌 Flash Alerts 2 – supports flash, screen and notifications from any applications (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 📌 Flash Notification – a simple interface, working with Android 12+, low-energy.
• 📌 Light Flow – Extended settings for Xiaomi, including color indication for different contacts.

Instructions for setting up Flash Alerts 2:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant permissions to access notifications.
3. Turn on the Flash on Call option.
4. Select the display type: Camera Flash (flash) or Screen Flash (screen).
5. Set the frequency and color (for the screen).

Important: Some apps require permission to access Special Features in Android settings, without which blinking won't work.

4. Screen flashing on AMOLED-display

Devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F4 GT) They support a unique flashing mode with the display, and unlike flash, this method uses no additional energy and works even when the screen is off.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Screen.
2. Select Always-on Display and Lock (or Ambient Display).
3. Activate the option of flashing at notifications or the Pulsating screen.
4. In the section Sounds and vibration → Incoming calls, turn on the flash screen.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.5), the screen will flash green for normal calls and red for priority contacts. This can be configured in the Special Opportunities menu → Hearing → Color indication.

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If the screen blinks too bright at night, reduce the intensity in the Always-on Display settings, and you can also set the function’s schedule to keep it from working at night.

5. Problem Solving: Why doesn't blinking work?

If you have enabled the function but it does not work, check the following points:

If the problem is not solved, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 📱 Install a third-party blinking app (Section 3).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China (Chinese firmware) blinking option can be blocked, and it requires the installation of a global or European version of the software to unlock it.

6 Additional settings: color, frequency, exceptions

Advanced users can fine-tune the light display settings, such as MIUI 14:

• 🎨 Blinking color: You can choose green, blue or red for the screen (depending on the importance of the call).
• ⏱️ Frequency: slow (1 time in 2 seconds) or fast (2 time per second) blinking.
• 🔕 Exceptions: disable blinking for specific contacts or in "Do Not Disturb" mode".

To customize the exceptions:

1. Open Contacts and select the desired number.
2. Click Edit → Sound and vibration.
3. Turn off the light indication option for this contact.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro), you can configure different flashing colors for calls and messages.

Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Color indication

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Blinking colors are only available on devices with AMOLED-screen-and-firm MIUI 13+. Nana IPS-The function is limited to white.

Energy consumption and battery impact

Many users fear that flashing flashes or screens will quickly drain the battery.

• 🔋 Outbreak: consuming ~5-10 mA/h when blinking (minimum effect on battery).
• 📱 AMOLED-Screen: Blinking in Always-on mode adds ~1-3% per hour.
• 💡 Notification indicator: practically no effect on autonomy.

To minimize the cost:

• Set a minimum frequency of blinking.
• Turn off the function in power saving mode.
• Use dark colors to flash the screen (on AMOLED, they consume less power).

Tests show that even with active use of blinking, daily battery consumption increases by no more than 5-7%, which is comparable to the background work of instant messengers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashing on Xiaomi