Flash camera that flashes when there is an incoming call or notification is a useful feature for those who often miss important calls. T Android 9 Pie this option is hidden in the accessibility settings, and activating it takes literally a couple of steps. However, many users encounter difficulties: somewhere the menu is called differently, somewhere the option is missing in the standard firmware, and on some models (for example Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 or Samsung Galaxy A50) additional configuration is required through the engineering menu.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to turn on the flash when making a call on smartphones with Android 9, including alternative methods for devices where the feature is disabled by default. You'll learn how to check whether your model supports the option, what apps can help you bypass manufacturer restrictions, and why sometimes the flash doesn't fire even after the correct settings. And at the end - answers to frequently asked questions and a compatibility table of popular brands.

Why is the flash on a call useful (and who needs it)

The function flashes on an incoming call was originally developed for people with hearing impairments, but it turned out to be popular among ordinary users as well. Here are a few scenarios when it comes in handy:

  • 🔊 Loud environments: at a concert, on the subway or at a construction site, you may not hear the vibration or ringtone, but you will notice a bright flash.
  • 📵 Silent mode: if the phone is face down or in a bag, the flashing light will be the only signal about a call.
  • 🚗 Driving a car: drivers often miss calls due to road noise - the flash will attract attention without distracting from driving.
  • 🛌 Night time: instead of a loud ringtone at night, you can use quiet vibration + flash so as not to wake up your household.

On Android 9 Pie this function is implemented through Accessibility settings, but not all manufacturers leave it available. For example, on Huawei P20 Lite the option may not be in the menu, but on Sony Xperia XZ2 it will have to be activated through hidden settings. Next, we'll look at both options.

📊 Have you ever missed an important call because you didn't hear the signal?
Yes, often
Yes, a couple of times
No, always I hear
I use headphones

Method 1: Standard setting through “Accessibility”

This is the simplest method that works on most smartphones with Android 9 (for example, Google Pixel 3, Nokia 7.1, Motorola Moto G6). Follow the instructions:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the section Accessibility (on some firmware it may be called Accessibility).
  3. Find subsection Hearing or Audio and visual cues.
  4. Activate the switch next to the item Notification flash or Flashing flash when calling.
  5. Important: confirmation may hide a warning about reducing the LED resource - we agree.

After activation, check the function: ask a friend to call you or use a second phone. The flash should blink at intervals of ~1 second during an incoming call. If the option is not in the menu, proceed to the next method.

☑️ Checking the flash operation

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Hidden settings for devices without the option in menu

Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Meizu) remove the flash item from the interface, but the function remains in the system. To enable it, you will need engineering menu or ADB commands. Let's consider both options. data-i="96">engineering menu

Option A: Through the engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for Samsung Galaxy (series A, J, Note), LG G7 ThinQ and some models HTC. Be careful: incorrect actions in the engineering menu may disrupt the operation of the phone.

  1. Open the application Phone and enter the combination: 
    ##4636##

    (may be required on some devices #0# or ##36446337##).

  2. In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → LED (or Flashlight).
  3. Find the parameter Flash on Call and set the value Enabled.
  4. Save the settings and restart the phone.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

If nothing happens after entering the code, then the manufacturer has blocked access. In this case, try the ADB method or third-party applications.

Option B: Via ADB (for advanced users)

If the engineering menu is not available, you can enable flash via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on Google Pixel, OnePlus 6/6T and other devices with pure Android.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB drivers.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (in Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🔌 USB cable for connection.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    (your device serial number should be displayed).

  3. Give permission for debugging on your phone (a pop-up message will appear window).
  4. Enter the command to activate the flash: 
    adb shell settings put global flash_notification_enabled 1
  5. Reboot the device.
💡

If the flash does not work after reboot, try additionally entering the command adb shell settings put global flash_notification_pulse 1 —this will turn on blinking with pauses.

Method 3: Third-party applications for flash on calls

If none of the above methods worked, applications from Google Playwill come to the rescue. They imitate the flash function on calls, even if it is not in the firmware. Here are the top 3 proven utilities:

Application Rating Features Compatibility
Flash Alerts 2 4.6 ⭐ Blinks for calls, SMS and notifications from instant messengers. There is a blinking frequency setting. All brands, Android 5.0+
Flash Notification 4.4 ⭐ Supports custom flash colors (on devices with RGB backlighting). Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei
LED Blinker Notifications 4.3 ⭐ Works even on devices without an LED indicator. You can set different colors for different contacts. All brands, Android. 4.4+

How to set up (using an example Flash Alerts 2):

  1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and provide all requested permissions (access to notifications, camera, contacts).
  3. In the main menu, activate the switch Flash on Call.
  4. In the settings (Settings) select:
    • 🔦 Flashlight Source → Camera LED (camera flash).
    • 🔄 Flash Rate → set the blinking frequency (recommended 1-2 Hz).
    • 📵 Silent Mode → turn on if you want the flash to work in silent mode mode.
💡

Side applications can drain the battery faster than the standard function. Turn them off if you do not use the flash all the time.

Why the flash does not work when making a call (and how to fix it)

Even after correct settings, the flash may not work. data-i="163">and their solutions: the most common reasons and their solutions:

  • 📱 The case blocks the flash: check if the LED is covered with a cover or protective film. Remove the accessories and repeat the test.
  • 🔋 Battery saving: In energy saving mode, some functions are disabled. Add the flash app to exceptions or disable the mode.
  • 🔇 Conflict with other utilities: If you have LED control apps installed (for example, Light Manager), they may block the flash. Remove them.
  • 🛠️ Firmware error: on some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S9 with firmware from the operator), the function can be disabled at the system level. Resetting the settings or flashing the firmware will help.

If the flash blinks, but is too dim, try:

  • 🔦 Wipe the camera lens with an alcohol wipe (dust and grease reduce brightness).
  • ⚡ Enable maximum screen brightness in the settings (sometimes this affects the flash power).
  • 🔄 Reinstall the application to control the flash (if you are using third-party software).
💡

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi A2) the flash during a call only works in mode Priority to performance in the battery settings.

Not all manufacturers implement the flash function when making a call in the same way. The table below contains data on support on devices with Android 9 Pie (information is relevant for standard firmware without modifications):

Brand and model Standard support Engineering menu/ADB required Does it work with third-party applications
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ ❌ No ✅ Yes (via #0#) ✅ Yes
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7/8 ❌ No ✅ Yes (ADB) ✅ Yes
Google Pixel 3/3 XL ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Huawei P30/P30 Pro ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes (only some applications)
OnePlus 6/6T ❌ No ✅ Yes (ADB) ✅ Yes

If your model is not in the table, try looking for information on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers) at the request “[phone model] flash on call”. Enthusiasts often find undocumented ways to activate the function.

Features for devices with AMOLED screens

On smartphones with AMOLED (for example, Samsung Galaxy S10 or OnePlus 7 Pro) you can use screen flashinginstead of the flash. To do this, in the accessibility settings, select Flashing screen instead of Notification flashThis will save battery power, since AMOLED consumes less power when displaying. black background.

Security: how not to ruin your phone when setting the flash

Turning on the flash when making a call - This is a harmless procedure, but there are a few nuances that are worth remembering:

⚠️ Attention: Frequent use of the flash in blinking mode can reduce its lifespan. Manufacturers expect LEDs to last ~50,000 times, and constant blinking during calls accelerates wear and tear. If you receive a lot of notifications, it is better to use vibration or a sound signal.

Other important points:

  • 🔋 Battery drain: the flash consumes ~0.5–1 W of energy per hour. With active use, this can reduce battery life by 5–10%.
  • 🔧 Engineering menu: not change other parameters in ##4636##if you do not know their purpose. This may lead to network or camera malfunctions.
  • 📱 ADB commands: after use adb disable USB debugging in the developer settings to avoid vulnerabilities. security.

If after setting up the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, check:

  • Is the flash working in the background (for example, due to an application crash).
  • Is the option for all notifications (and not just calls).
  • Does the new setting conflict with other functions (for example, from Always On Display to Samsung).
💡

To extend the life of the flash, reduce the blinking frequency in the application settings (for example, to 1 times every 2 seconds) and turn off the function at night.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the flash when calling on Android 9

❓ The flash works, but blinks too dimly. How to increase the brightness?

The brightness of the flash depends on the hardware limitations of your phone. Try:

  1. Wipe the camera lens from dust and grease.
  2. In the application settings for the flash, select the mode Maximum brightness (if available).
  3. Install third-party software like Flash Alerts 2 —it sometimes gives more control over the intensity.

If all else fails, your model may have a weak LED (e.g. Samsung Galaxy A10).

❓ Is it possible to set different flash colors for different contacts?

On most phones, the flash only flashes white because it uses the standard camera LED. However, on devices with RGB backlight (for example, Xiaomi Mi 9 or Nubia Red Magic) you can adjust the colors through applications like Flash Notification:

  1. Open the application and go to Contact Settings.
  2. Select a contact and assign a color to it (for example, red for work, green for family).
  3. Save the settings and check.

Please note that an RGB flash consumes more energy than a regular flash.

❓ Why does the flash fire for notifications, but not for calls?

This is a typical problem on devices with custom firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI). Solutions:

  • Check in the settings of the flash application whether the option is enabled Flash on Calls (sometimes it is separate). from Flash on Notifications).
  • Install the application Flash Alerts 2 and manually add permission for phone calls.
  • On Xiaomi try disabling battery optimization for the application with flash in the settings Battery → Optimization.
❓ Is it possible to make the flash work only for certain contacts?

Yes, but not through the standard Android settings. You will need the application Flash Alerts 2 or LED Blinker NotificationsInstructions:

  1. Open the application and go to the section Contacts or Exceptions.
  2. Add contacts for which the flash should work.
  3. Set up rules: for example, flashing only for Favorites or contacts with a specific label.

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo) this function may not work due to system limitations.

❓ The flash stopped working after updating Android. What should I do?

Updates often reset settings or block access to hardware features. Try:

  1. Check if the settings in Accessibility have been reset Accessibility.
  2. Reinstall the flash control application (if you used third-party software).
  3. Reset the settings to factory settings (make a data backup first).
  4. If the problem persists, look on the forums for firmware that supports the function for your model.

On Samsung after updating to One UI sometimes typing helps code #0# and re-activating the option.