How to Set Up Flash Light Notifications on Your Phone

Your phone's accessibility settings might have an LED/Camera Flash toggle. Switch it on to enable visual alerts

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on May 21, 2024
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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Android

What to Know

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts. Tap the toggle.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Flash notifications. Tap the Camera flash toggle.
  • Apps like Flash Alerts 2 and Flash Notification 2 are good substitutes if your phone doesn't include this option.

This article explains how to make your iPhone or Android flash its camera when there's a notification, like an alarm or a call. We also provide a list of third-party apps that perform this same function.

How to Enable a Notification Light on iPhone

Setting up an iPhone notification light is easy. The option is in the Settings app. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Tap Settings > Accessibility.

    In older iOS versions, you'll need to tap General before finding Accessibility settings.

  2. Scroll down and tap Audio/Visual. If you don't see that, just tap LED Flash for Alerts.

  3. Select LED Flash for Alerts at the bottom.

    Depending on your iOS version, you might not see a menu for this. Skip this step, if so.

  4. Flip the LED Flash for Alerts toggle to turn it on. This enables the notification light for all alerts.

    iPhone Settings, Accessibility, and LED Flash for Alerts screens

    You can also turn on the Flash in Silent Mode toggle (called Flash on Silent in older iOS versions) if you want this light to be enabled even when your phone is in silent mode.

How to Enable a Notification Light on Android

Enabling flash notifications on Android phones is just as simple as on the iPhone. It should be in the accessibility area of the Settings app, assuming your phone supports this feature. Here's how to get there:

Because Android differs depending on the company that makes your smartphone, and between various Android versions, these instructions won't work on every phone. In some cases, you'll follow similar steps using different menus. In other cases, your phone may not have built-in support for flash notifications.

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Accessibility.

  3. Tap Flash notifications. On some phones, you'll need to go to Advanced settings > Flash notifications instead, or Hearing > Flash notifications.

  4. Tap the toggle next to Camera flash (called Camera flash notification or Camera light on some devices).

    Accessibility, Flash notifications, and Camera flash toggle highlighted in a Pixel phone Settings app

Apps that Add Flash Notifications for Android

Support for this feature is up to the manufacturer, so not all Android phones offer flash notifications. If you can't find an option for camera flash alerts in the Settings app on your Android, you should be able to download an app that adds the feature to your phone. Some examples include Flash Alerts 2 and Flash Notification 2.

FAQ
  • Why is my phone not ringing?

    If your phone isn't ringing, check to see if AirPlane mode, Mute, or Do Not Disturb are turned on. If your device is connected to Bluetooth headphones, you might not hear it ring.

  • Why am I not getting notifications on my phone?

    To fix notifications on Android, make sure you haven't turned off app and system notifications, then clear the app cache, and turn off Battery Saver. To manage push notifications on iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews or choose an individual app.

  • How do I stop my other devices from ringing when I get calls on my iPhone?

    To stop all your devices from ringing when you get calls on iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and turn off Allow Calls on Other Devices.

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