Flash when calling Xiaomi 10S: how to turn on and configure the notifications highlighting

The flash of light when you make an incoming call or notify on the Xiaomi Mi 10S is a useful feature for those who often miss important calls. It turns a smartphone camera into an improvised strobescope that flashes bright lights when a call or SMS arrives. This is especially true in noisy rooms, where vibration or melody can go unnoticed.

While flash-on-call is available on most Xiaomi devices, setting it up isn’t always intuitive. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to activate a feature, from standard MIUI settings to hidden firmware capabilities, and you’ll also learn why the option might not work and how to solve typical problems.

Why you need a flash when calling Xiaomi 10S

The light-based notification feature was originally designed for hearing-impaired people, but has become popular with all users over the years.

• 🔦 Visual alert – bright flashes are difficult to miss even in a brightly lit room.
• 📵 Vibration alternative – useful if the smartphone is lying on a soft surface (for example, on the sofa), where the vibration is not audible.
• 🎵 Melody Supplement – The combination of sound and light increases the chances of not missing an important call.
• 🔋 Charge savings – short-term flashes consume less energy than a constant screen backlight.

On the Xiaomi Mi 10S, the feature is implemented through an LED camera flash that can flash at different frequencies. Unlike older models (such as the Redmi Note 4X), which required installing third-party applications, everything is configured through the standard MIUI 12/13 tools.

Method 1: Enabling through special features settings

The most reliable activation method is to use the special features section, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities.
3. Go to the Hearing subsection (or Sound and Vibration in some firmware).
4. Activate the Flash switch at notifications.
5. In the window that appears, select the Camera (to use) LED-flashes) or screen (for flashing backlight displays).

After activation, check the function: ask a friend to call you or send a test SMS. The flash should flash at intervals of ~1 second.

Ask to call your number | Make sure the camera is not closed with your finger | Check the brightness of the flash (should be maximum) | Turn off silent mode

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⚠️ Note: If the settings do not include Flash at notifications, update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. In older assemblies (below 12.0.3), the function may not be available.

Method 2: Configure through MIUI-launcher (alternative method)

Some Xiaomi Mi 10S users have noted that the flash option is duplicated in the launcher settings, which is less reliable, but may work if the first method does not help:

1. Press and hold the empty area on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Launcher Settings (or Screen Settings).
3. Go to Notifications or Effects section.
4. Find the Light Indication and activate it.

If this option is not available, then your version of the launcher does not support the function, in which case, go back to the first method or try to update the launcher through Google Play (search for MIUI Launcher).

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If the flash is triggered too often (for example, notifications from messengers), disable it for unnecessary applications in the Notification settings → Notification management

Why the flash doesn't work when calling: typical problems

Even after setting it up properly, the function may not work. Let's look at the main reasons and solutions:

A critical feature of the Xiaomi Mi 10S is that the flash does not work in power saving mode on this model; if the battery is discharged below 15%, the system automatically turns off lighting effects, and the feature may conflict with some applications for blocking notifications (for example, Do Not Disturb).

Additional settings: frequency and color of flash

MIUI 12.5+ has the ability to customize light notifications to adjust the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional settings.
2. Select the Light Indication.
3. Here you can: 🔄 Change the frequency of flashing (from 1 to 3 flashes per second). 🎨 Choose the color of the backlight (white, blue, red - depends on the model). 🔔 Set up separate parameters for calls, SMS applications.

On Xiaomi Mi 10S available 3 predefined modes: Standard (1 flash / sec), Intensive (3 flash / sec) and Economical (blinking once every 2 seconds).

How to turn off the flash when calling if it interferes

If light alerts are annoying (e.g. at night), they can be quickly deactivated.

• ⚡ Through the notification bar: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the Flash icon (if any).
• 📱 Through Quick Settings: Add Special Opportunities to the Top Curtain.
• 🕒 Scheduled: Use the Automation app (built into the MIUI) turn off the flash at night.

To completely remove the feature from the system (for example, if it conflicts with other applications), you will need to roll back the firmware or use it. ADB-However, this is not recommended without experience - it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center.

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The flash when calling does not work in Do Not Disturb mode and when activated "Silent Mode". Before setting up, make sure that these options are disabled.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: what has changed

The light display function evolved with the MIUI firmware, and for comparison, we will compare the differences between the Xiaomi Mi 10S and other popular models:

The Mi 10S features a closer look to the flagship models, but without some of the Mi 11’s “chips” like adaptive lighting, but still maintains compatibility with older versions of MIUI, which is important for users who don’t want to upgrade.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions