Flash when calling Xiaomi: how to enable, configure and troubleshoot

Have you ever missed an important call because your phone was silent or in your bag?The flash of light on an incoming call on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) solves this problem — it visually alerts you to a call even in noisy environments. But not everyone knows that this feature is hidden in the depths of MIUI settings and requires proper activation.

In this article, we will analyze not only the standard way to enable flash, but also alternative methods for different versions of firmware (from the Internet). MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), and also consider the typical errors that may cause the function to fail. AMOLED-You can use screens where the flash is software-implemented through the backlight of the display. If you find that the option is not on the menu or stopped working after the update, here you will find solutions.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi have a flash when calling?

Before we get to the settings, it's important to understand why the feature might not be available.

• 🔹 Lack of hardware support: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Often lacking physical flash or software implementation through screen.
• 🔹 An outdated version MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 11 option may be called differently or be in another section.
• 🔹 Application Conflict: Third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) or optimizers (like Greenify) can block system alerts.
• 🔹 Power saving restrictions: Ultra-saving mode or manual restrictions for the Phone app turn off background processes, including flash.

If your smartphone falls under one of these points, the instructions may not work, so go to the "Alternative Ways" section, where we'll look at workarounds.

Standard way to include flash on a call

For most modern devices (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4, Xiaomi 13 and newer), the path to setup is the same.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration (on some models – Sound and vibration).
3. Scroll down to the Incoming Calls block and select Flash when an incoming call is made.
4. Activate the switch to the position on..
5. Optionally, click Flash Settings to select color (if supported) or flash frequency.

It's important, on devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F5) Instead of a physical flash, a screen light will be used – this is normal and not considered a malfunction.

Make sure your phone is not in silent mode.|Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode"|Check that the flash is not covered with a cover|Update. MIUI last-minute-->

Setting up flash on older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

If you have a smartphone with MIUI 9-11 firmware (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9), the path to setup may be different.

For devices older than 2018 (such as the Redmi 5 or Mi A1), there may be no system option at all, in which case the Flash Alerts 2 app from Google Play will help - it emulates a flash through a screen or camera.

Solving the problem: the outbreak is not working

If you have enabled the function but the flash does not work when calling, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention, on devices with MIUI 14 and later, the function may conflict with adaptive screen lighting. Turn it off in Settings → Display. → Adaptive illumination.

• 🔦 Check the permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permissions and make sure the app has access to Camera and Lantern.
• 📱 Reset the settings of the Phone app: In the same permissions menu, click Storage → Clear the data (this will not delete the contacts!).
• 🔄 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Check hardware health: Run the camera test via ##4636## (enter in dial number) and make sure the flash is manually running.

If the problem persists, try rolling back the settings to factory settings (don’t forget to back up!). To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.

💡

On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the flash only works when the screen is locked. Unlock the phone and check the Flash setting when unlocked in the alert menu.

Alternative ways to turn on the flash

If the system function is not available or is not stable, use one of these methods:

1. Apps from Google Play

The most reliable options are:

• 📌 Flash Alerts 2 – Supports color, frequency and works even on older devices.
• 📌 Flash Notification – allows you to enable flash for specific contacts.
• 📌 Light Flow – Advanced notification management with flash support.

After installation, be sure to provide the app with permissions for Camera, Lantern and Notification Reading.

2 Automation through Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant installed, create a routine:

1. Open the Google app and go to Settings → Assistant → Routines.
2. Click Add a routine → Create your own.
3. Select an Incoming Call as a trigger.
4. In the actions add to Turn on the flashlight.

⚠️ This method only works with an active Internet connection and can delay the flash by 1-2 seconds.

3. Set up via ADB (for advanced)

If you are familiar with ADB, you can force the function to activate by command:

adb shell settings put system notification_light_pulse 1

Once done, restart the device. This method only works on devices with the bootloader unlocked and can cause notifications to malfunction.

How to turn off the flash when calling

If light alerts are irritating (for example, at night), they can be quickly deactivated.

1. Return to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Flash on incoming call.
2. Turn the switch to the off position.
3. To temporarily turn off, use Do Not Disturb mode (swipe down from the top edge of the screen → moon icon).

Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) have a flash schedule option – it allows you to automatically turn off the function at night.

💡

A flash when calling consumes additional energy. If you notice an accelerated battery discharge, check the consumption statistics in Settings → Battery → Battery Use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the outbreak on Xiaomi