How to set up flash flash flash when calling Xiaomi: all ways

Flash-based lighting is a useful feature for those who often miss calls in noisy places or want to draw attention to an incoming call. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is implemented through the proprietary MIUI shell, but not all users know where to look for it. Depending on the device model and firmware version, the path to settings may differ, and on some devices the function is hidden in non-obvious sections.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn on flash flash when you call, from standard MIUI settings to alternative methods for devices where the default option is not available, and how to adjust the intensity and color of the glow (on supported models), and why the feature may not work even after activation. If you’re using the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instruction will be suitable for all these devices.

Why flashing is useful and who needs it

The light alert feature was originally designed for hearing-impaired people, but today it is also widely used by ordinary users.

  • πŸ”” Do not miss an important call in a noisy place (on the street, in transport, at a concert).
  • πŸ“± Visual hint in silent mode – flash flash even if the phone is lying down screen.
  • πŸš— Driver safety: Drivers can detect an incoming call from a light signal without being distracted by the sound.
  • πŸ’‘ Battery savings compared to vibrator (on some Xiaomi models flash power consumption is minimal).

On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi K60) The flashing can be complemented by a backlight, which makes the alert even more visible. IPS-matrices (e.g., matrices, POCO M5) function is limited to work only LED-flash.

πŸ“Š You use flash flash flash flash on Xiaomi?
Yeah, all the time.
Only in silent mode.
I tried it, but I turned it off.
I don't know how to turn it on.
No, you don't.

It's important to consider that heavy use of a flash can reduce its life, especially on older models. The manufacturer says that modern LEDs are designed for millions of on/off cycles, but if you notice that the flash has become dimmer, it's worth checking for dust or damage.

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

On most Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12-14 flash flashing is enabled through the special features section.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to the Special Features section (some firmware may call Universal Access).
  3. Select Hearing (or Audio and Vibration in new MIUI versions).
  4. Activate the switch next to the option Blinking flash when calling or Light Alert.

If you don’t have a Rumor item on your menu, try an alternative route:

Settings β†’ System applications β†’ Phone β†’ Incoming calls β†’ Light alert

Make sure the flash is not blocked by third-party apps

Check that the function is not disabled in power saving mode

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Restart your phone if the option does not appear-->

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G) after activation of the function, an additional menu with settings appears:

  • πŸ”„ Frequency of blinking (slow/fast).
  • 🎨 Flash color (if supported hardware, for example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G).
  • πŸ”” Notifications for notifications (not only calls, but also calls) SMS/messengers).

πŸ’‘

If the flash doesn’t flash after the feature is turned on, check if the case is closed. On some Xiaomi models, the proximity sensor blocks the LED if the phone is in your pocket or on the table face down.

Alternative method: through the settings of the application "Phone"

On smartphones with MIUI 13/14 (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5), the flash flash option can be moved to the settings of the standard calling app to find it:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to Incoming Calls (or Call Alerts) section.
  4. Activate the option Light Alert or Blinking Flash.

If there is no item in this menu, try another way:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Phone β†’ Permissions β†’ Additional Permits β†’ Flash

On some firmware (especially POCO and Redmi for the global market), the option may be called Flash Alerts or LED Indicator. If you use informal firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), the path to settings may be different - in this case, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest stable version of MIUI.

Flash blinking settings for notifications (SMS, messengers)

In addition to calls, you can set up flash flash on Xiaomi for other notifications, such as WhatsApp, Telegram or SMS messages.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Notifications and Status bar β†’ Application Notifications.
  2. Select the application you want (e.g. SMS Messages).
  3. Activate the option Light Alert or Blinking Flash.
  4. If necessary, set notification priority (important for Android 12+).

For instant messengers (such as Viber or Signal), you may need to adjust the app itself:

  • πŸ“± Open the settings of the messenger.
  • πŸ”” Go to the Notifications section.
  • πŸ’‘ Enable the option Light indicator or flash at notifications.
Why doesn’t the notification flash work?
If the flash doesn’t flash when messages are flashing, check: 1. App permissions – some messengers require separate access to the flash. 2. Power saving mode – it can block the LED for background processes. 3. Android settings – starting with Android 10, the system restricts applications from accessing hardware components. Try to manually grant permission to use the flash in the Settings menu β†’ Apps β†’ Special Access β†’ Flash Management.

On infrared flash devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11), the light alert may work differently β€” instead of bright white light, you will see a dim red or orange glow. This is normal and not a malfunction.

If you have enabled the feature but the flash does not respond to calls or notifications, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Flash doesn't blink when ringingThe function is disabled in the phone settingsCheck the way: Settings β†’ Special. features β†’ Hearing β†’ Flashing
Blinks only when the screen is unlockedLimiting energy conservationTurn off battery optimization for the Phone app
The outbreak is working, but very dimly.Pollution of the LED or caseClean the flash with an alcohol napkin, remove the case
The function is not in the menuOutdated version of MIUI or hardware limitationsUpdate your firmware or use third-party apps

And the thing that's really important is that you have to focus on the power saving mode, which on Xiaomi, it can block the flash to save power, and to fix that, you can do this.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance.
  2. Select Power Saving Mode.
  3. Add the phone app to the list of exceptions.

πŸ’‘

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A), flash flash flashing only works when the charger is connected, due to limitations of the hardware platform and is not a malfunction.

If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Phone β†’ Storage β†’ Reset

Third-party flash-blinking apps

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a built-in light alert feature, you can use third-party utilities.

  • πŸ”¦ Flash Alerts 2 – supports color, frequency and works with most messengers.
  • πŸ’‘ Flash Notification – Simple interface, minimal power consumption.
  • πŸ”” Flash On Call – specializes in calls, there is a function β€œdo not disturb” on a schedule.

Before installation, check:

  1. Compatible with your Xiaomi model (some apps don’t work on newer versions of MIUI).
  2. User reviews – some utilities can drain the battery.
  3. Permissions – The app needs access to the camera (to control the flash) and notifications.

πŸ’‘

When using third-party apps, turn off the built-in flash blinking feature in MIUI settings to avoid conflicts.

On root-righted devices, you can use more flexible solutions, such as modules for Magisk like FlashLight Alert. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

Features on different models Xiaomi

The flash flash function is implemented differently depending on the series of devices.

Series of devicesSupport for flashing flashFeatures
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 UltraYes (MIUI 14)Support for color blinking (white/blue/red), integration with Dolby Vision
Redmi Note 12/Pro/Pro+Yes (MIUI 13/14)It works only when the screen is unlocked in energy saving mode.
POCO F4/F5Yeah (global firmware)Flash on Call feature, no notification support
Redmi 10A/9ALimitedly.Blinks only when the charger is connected, there is no color setting

On flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), flash blinking can synchronize with a vibrator call, creating a β€œpulsating” alert effect. On budget devices (such as the Redmi A1), the function is often simplified or absent.

How to check the flash hardware support?
1. Open the Camera app. 2. Turn on the flashlight mode. 3. If the LED lights up brightly and without flickering, the hardware is good. 4. If the light is dim or flashing chaoticly, problems with the flash driver may occur (flashing or repair is required).

On dual-devices LED-flash (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) you can set up the alternate blinking of both LEDs, which will require third-party software, as in the standard settings. MIUI There's no such option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flash flash flash flash on Xiaomi

Can you set the flash blink for specific contacts?
There is no such feature in standard MIUI settings. However, you can use a workaround: Create a unique ringtones for the contact you want. Install a third-party application (e.g. Flash Alerts 2). In the application settings, select the option to Blink only for selected contacts and specify the melody you created. This will work if the application supports integration with contacts.
Why does the flash flash flash even when the phone is down?
This is normal behavior β€” the proximity sensor on Xiaomi does not always block the flash when the phone is on a soft surface (such as a bed or sofa).To turn off the blinking in such cases: Check if the case closes the proximity sensor. Turn off the flash function when notifying in the settings. Use the mode Do not disturb on schedule.
How to turn off flash flashing if it interferes?
To deactivate the feature, follow the same steps as when you turn on, but turn off the switch next to the Flash Flash. If the option doesn't appear on the menu, try: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ App Management β†’ Phone β†’ Permissions β†’ Turn off Flash access For third-party apps (such as Flash Alerts), just delete them or disable notifications.
Can I adjust the color of the flash on Xiaomi?
Color blinking is supported only on flagship models with RGB-flash (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix Fold 3) To change color: Go to Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Rumor β†’ Light Alert: Select the flash color (if available), select the shade you want (usually available white, blue, red, green). POCO Blinking color is fixed (white or yellow).
Does flashing affect battery life?
Flash flashing has no noticeable effect on battery discharge, modern LEDs consume minimal energy. However, with intensive use (for example, if the flash flash flashes every minute due to notifications), consumption can increase by 1-3% per day. To reduce consumption: Turn off blinking for unnecessary notifications. Reduce the blinking frequency in settings. Use the function only in silent mode.