Setting up a flash when making a call on Honor smartphones: all methods

A light flash for an incoming call on Honor is a useful feature that helps you not miss an important call in a noisy environment or when the phone is face down. It is especially relevant for users with hearing impairments or in situations where the sound is turned off due to etiquette (for example, at meetings). However, not all smartphone owners Honor know that such an option exists and how to configure it correctly.

In this article we will look at all the available ways to activate the flash during a call - from standard settings EMUI to using third-party applications. You will learn how to enable the function on different models Honor (including Honor 50, Honor 70, Honor Magic and budget series), as well as what to do if the flash does not work despite all efforts. We will separately dwell on the nuances for devices with Android 13/14 and older versions.

Important: configuration options may vary depending on the firmware version and regional modification of the smartphone. If your model Honor does not support the built-in function, we will offer alternative solutions.

Why is flash during a call useful?

Light indication of incoming calls solves several practical problems:

• 🔔 Visual alert —you won’t miss a call, even if the phone is in silent mode or in your bag.
• 👂 Accessibility —indispensable for people with hearing problems or in high noise environments (for example, at a concert or construction site).
• 📵 Etiquette — allows you to stay in touch without disturbing the silence in the library, cinema or office.
• 💡 Energy efficiency —modern LED flashes consume a minimum of charge compared to a vibration alert.

According to research, visual signals are perceived by the brain 20% faster than sound signals, which is especially critical for emergency calls. In addition, the function works even when the screen is locked, unlike notifications on the display.

The Honor implements a two-stage notification system: first, a short flash when a call starts, then periodic flashing until you answer or drop the call. The intensity and color of the glow depend on the model - for example, Honor Magic 5 supports RGB backlighting, while budget devices are limited to white light.

Method 1: Turning on the flash through standard settings EMUI

Most smartphones Honor based EMUI 10.0 and newer have a built-in option to activate the flash during calls. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section Accessibility (on some models - Universal access).
3. Select item Hearing → Notification flash.
4. Activate the switch Flash on calls.
5. If necessary, configure additional settings:
   • Color flashes (if supported)
   • Blinking frequency (fast/slow)
   • Working in silent mode

On Honor 8X, Honor 9 Lite and other models with EMUI 8/9 the path may differ: Settings → Wireless networks → Advanced → Notification flash.

Smartphone model supports the function|EMUI version not lower than 8.0|The flash is not blocked by third-party applications|The camera is not used at the time of the call-->

Important! The flash is not will work if:

• 📸 The camera is active (for example, while shooting a video or selfie).
• 🔋 The battery level is below 15% (on some models).
• 🛠️ The function is disabled at kernels (rarely, after unofficial firmware).

Method 2: Using the application Flash Alerts 2 for advanced settings

If the standard settings Honor are not satisfied (for example, you want to adjust the color or rhythm of blinking), use a third-party application Flash Alerts 2 from the developer Nexstreaming Corp. It is compatible with most models Honor and offers flexible options:

• 🎨 Color selection flashes (red, blue, green - if the hardware supports).
• ⚡ Frequency setting blinks (from 1 to 5 times per second).
• 🔔 Separate settings for calls, SMS and application notifications.
• 🕒 Operation timer (for example, turn off the flash after 30 seconds).

Installation instructions and settings:

1. Download Flash Alerts 2 from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and grant all requested permissions (access to notifications, camera, contacts).
3. In the main menu, activate the switch Flash on Call.
4. Press Customize → Flash Settingsto configure:

   Flash Color: White (or other)
   Flash Speed: Medium
   Repeat Until: Call Ends

5. In the Exceptions section, add applications for which the flash should not work (for example, WhatsApp, if you have separate settings for messengers).

The application consumes minimal battery power (about 1-2% per day with active use) and does not conflict with standard functions EMUI. However, on some models Honor (for example, Honor Play 30), you may need additional permission in Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Battery optimization (turn off optimization for Flash Alerts 2).

Why does the application ask for access to contacts?

This is necessary to determine priority calls (for example, you can configure the flash to fire only for contacts from your favorites or family). Data is not transferred to third parties and is stored locally.

Method 3: Setting via Google Camera (for advanced). users)

A little-known life hack: if your Honor has a modified version of Google Camera installed (for example, GCam from BSG or Arnova), you can use its API to control the flash. This method is suitable for models that support Camera2 APIsuch as Honor View 20, Honor 20 Pro or Honor 30.

Action algorithm:

1. Install a compatible version Google Camera (can be found on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Open the camera configuration file (usually gcam.xml or settings.xml) through the file manager.
3. Find the line with the parameter <flash_mode> and change the value to torch (constant light) or flash (pulse).
4. Save the file and reboot your smartphone.
5. In the settings Google Camera activate the option Use flash as notification (if available).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing configuration files may cause camera crashes. Before making changes, make a backup copy of the original file!

Honor model	Camera2 API support	Compatible with GCam	Recommended version
Honor View 20	Full	Yes	BSG GCam 8.1
Honor 20 Pro	Full	Yes	Arnova8G2 v2.5
Honor 30	Level 3	Partly	Shamim GCam 7.3
Honor 50	Full	Yes	LMC8.4 R11
Honor 70	Full	Yes	Wichaya v1.4

This method requires technical skills and is suitable only for enthusiasts. For ordinary users, it is easier to use the first or second. method.

Problem solving: why the flash does not work?

If you have enabled the function, but the flash does not fire during calls, check the following points:

• 🔦 Hardware malfunction — test the flash in camera mode. If it does not work there either, the problem is in the LED module.
• 📱 Application conflict —some battery saving apps (for example, Greenify) may block access to the flash.
• 🔄 Reset settings —after updating EMUI parameters may be reset. Check the settings again.
• 🛡️ Security Policy —on corporate devices, the administrator can disable the function via Android Enterprise.

Fault diagnosis:

1. Run a hardware test via ##2846579## (type in the dialer) → ProjectMenu → Hardware Testing → Flashlight.
2. If the test fails, contact the service center. On models Honor with a guarantee until 2026, repair of the LED module is free for factory defects.
3. Check the system logs via ADB:

   adb logcat | grep -i "flash"

   Look for errors like E/CameraService: Flashlight not available.

⚠️ Attention: If you installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the flash function on calls may be disabled at the kernel level. In this case, you will need to manually edit the file board_config.mk or install a patch via Magisk.

Alternative options for visual alerts

If the flash on your model Honor is not supported or you are looking for additional notification methods, consider these alternatives:

• 💡 Screen flash —applications like Screen Flash Notifications blink the screen during a call (works even with the display turned off).
• 🔴 RGB backlight —on models with Aura Sync (for example, Honor Magic 4), you can customize the color display via Settings → Display → Backlight effects.
• 📱 Vibration + light —combined schemes in Flash Alerts 2 (for example, 2 vibrations + 3 flashes).
• 🌈 Smart lamps — integration with Google Home or Mi Home for blinking smart lamps when calling (required Tasker or IFTTT).

For owners Honor Watch or other ecosystem gadgets Huawei notification synchronization is available: a call on the phone will be duplicated by flashing the watch or bracelet screen. This is activated in the application Huawei Health → Device → Notifications → Call settings.

If you often miss calls, combine several methods. For example: Flash + vibration + smart lamp —this way you will definitely not miss an important call.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up the flash on Honor

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

Yes, but only through third-party applications like Flash Alerts 2. In standard settings EMUI this option is not available. In the application, you can assign a unique color (for example, red for work, green for family) through the menu Contact Specific Flash.

Why does the flash work with SMS, but not with calls?

This is a typical problem on Honor s Android 10 and below. Solution:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Notifications.
2. Make sure that incoming calls are turned on Sound and Vibration (even if they are are disabled, this may block the flash).
3. Restart the phone.

If that doesn't help, use Flash Alerts 2 —it bypasses the restrictions system.

How to turn off the flash when the battery charge is low?

There is a built-in limitation: the flash turns off when the charge is below 15%. To change the threshold: EMUI 12+ There is a built-in limitation: the flash turns off when the charge is below 15%. To change the threshold:

1. Install ADB on PC and connect the phone.
2. Run the command:

   adb shell settings put global flashlight_battery_block 5

   (where 5 —new threshold in percentage).

3. Reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: Too low a threshold (less than 10%) may cause the phone to suddenly turn off during a call.

Does it work? flash when calling via WhatsApp or Telegram?

Standard function EMUI works only for regular calls. For instant messengers:

• V WhatsApp: Settings → Notifications → Notification tones → Light indication.
• V Telegram: Settings → Notifications and sounds → LED indicator.

Or use Flash Alerts 2 with the option enabled Flash for Apps.

Is it possible to set the flash to Honor without root access?

Yes, all the methods described in the article (except editing Camera2 API) work without root. For most tasks, standard Android permissions are sufficient. Root may only be needed for deep customization (for example, changing the blinking frequency at the kernel level).