How to turn on flashlight blink when calling Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 12-14

Are you missing important calls because the phone is screen down or in the bag? The flashlight blink feature on incoming calls on Xiaomi smartphones solves this problem - bright flashes will attract attention even in a noisy room or on the street. But where to look for this setting in MIUI 12, 13 or 14? Spoiler: the path depends on the model and version of the firmware.

In this article, 3 working methods to enable flashlight blinking (including hidden settings for older devices), a compatibility table with popular Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models, and solutions to typical problems when the feature doesn't work. Plus a bonus: how to set up individual blinks for different contacts through the Flash Alerts 2 app.

Why the flashlight flashes when you ring: the principle of the function

Flashlight molding (or LED-The alert is a visual signal that duplicates the sound bell. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is responsible for this:

• 🔦 LED flashlight – uses the main camera flash (brightness up to 1000 lumens on flagships).
• 📱 Screen lighting – on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) flashing.
• 🔋 Hardware controller – controls the frequency of flashes (usually 1-2 momentarily).

The function is useful in situations:

• 🎵 In a noisy place (concert, construction), where no melodies are heard.
• 😴 At night, so as not to wake others with a loud call.
• 👝 The phone is in your bag or pocket with a screen down.
• 🚗 Driving: Visual signal is safer than sound.

Important: flashlight blinking does not affect battery life, as LED-flash consumes a minimum charge (about 0.1% of the battery in 1 minute of continuous operation). 9A, POCO M3) The function can be turned off at a low charge level (less than 15%).

Official method: setting up through "Special Opportunities"

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI options. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

Steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Special Features section (on some models – Additional settings → Special features).
3. Select Hearing (or Sound and Vibration in MIUI 14).
4. Activate the Flash switch at notifications (or flash flash flash).
5. In the submenu, set the parameters: 🔄 Frequency of flashing: slow/fast. 🔔 Types of notifications: calls, SMS, warnings.

If you don't have Flash on notifications, your model doesn't support the firmware function. Go to alternative methods.

Alternative methods for older Xiaomi models

On devices older than 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 8), the built-in option may not be available. Here are 2 workarounds:

Method 1: Flash Alerts 2 (without root)

The universal solution for all Android 8.0+ smartphones. the application does not require superuser rights and works even on POCO F1 or Mi A2 (with pure Android).

Instructions:

1. Download Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and grant permissions: 📱 Access to notifications (to track calls). 🔦 Flashlight control.

• 🔔 Calls. → Turn on the flash.
• 🎨 Flash color (on some models supported) RGB).
• ⏱ Duration: 5-30 seconds.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi smartphones (including Black Shark).
• ✅ You can set up an individual blink for different contacts.
• ✅ It keeps the vibration going. + flash.

Method 2: ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If the built-in option is available but is inactive (grey switch), it can be unlocked via ADB. This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi K20 Pro and other devices with limited settings in MIUI.

Steps:

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. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support flashlight blinking

Not all Xiaomi smartphones can flash a flashlight when you call, and here are some of the most popular models (relevant to MIUI 14):

If your model is not in the table, check for the presence of the function through the search in the settings (the magnifying icon in the upper right corner) for queries: flash, blink, LED.

Typical problems and their solutions

Does the flashlight flash when you ring? Let's look at the common causes and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: Function is on, but not working

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Power saving mode blocks access to the flashlight. Solution: add the Phone app to exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 📵 The flashlight is occupied by another app (e.g. camera) and close all programs that use the camera.
• 🔄 System failure. Restart your phone or reset settings Special features.

Problem 2: Morgania works, but with a delay

If the flashlight is turned on 2-3 seconds after the start of the call:

• 🛠 Turn off optimization. MIUI for the phone application:
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version (latency fixed in the MIUI 13.0.4+).

Problem 3: The flashlight flashes at any notification

If the flash is triggered by SMS, messages in messengers and other alerts:

• 🔧 In Flash settings, when notified, turn off unnecessary alert types (leave only Calls).
• 📵 In Flash Alerts 2, go to Settings → Notification Types and Check Only Opposite Phone.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 Pro) flashing of the flashlight is automatically switched off when connected to the Power Bank or charger.

How to set up an individual blink for different contacts

Want to flash a flashlight differently for work, family or friends? This is possible with the Flash Alerts 2 app.

Instructions:

1. Open Flash Alerts 2 and go to Contacts.
2. Click Add Rule and select the contact from the list.
3. Set up the parameters: 🎨 Flash color (e.g. red for work, green for family). ⏱ Frequency of blinking (fast/slow). 🔔 Audible signal (can be turned off).

Keep the rule and test it by calling from another phone.

Example of settings:

• 👔 Working contacts: red flash, slow blinking, no sound.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family: Green flash, fast blinking, vibration.
• ⚠️ Important calls (bank, support): white flash + high-volume.

💡

Create a shortcut for fast flashlight blinking: add the Flash Alerts 2 widget to the home screen.

Safety: When flashlight blinking can hurt

Despite the convenience, the function has limitations:

• ⚡ Epilepsy: Frequent blinking of bright lights can trigger an attack in people with photosensitive epilepsy, in which case use vibration or screen lighting (if supported).
• 🚗 Driving: In some countries (e.g. Russia), a flashing flashlight on a phone lying on a torpedo can distract the driver.
• 🔋 Overheating: On budget models (Redmi) 9C, POCO C31) Prolonged flashlight blinking (more than 1 minute) can cause local heating of the body.

Recommendations for safe use:

• 🕒 Limit the duration of blinking to 20-30 seconds.
• 🌡 Watch the temperature of the phone (if the case is warm – turn off the function).
• 👁 Do not look directly at the flash from close range (especially in the dark).

💡

The flashlight molding does not replace the beep in an emergency (e.g., when calling from emergency services). Always keep the sound on at medium volume.

FAQ: Frequent questions about flashlight blinking on Xiaomi