What flash notifications do and why you might want them
Flash notifications make your phone's camera flash or screen brightness pulse when you get a call, text, or app alert. Instead of (or in addition to) sound and vibration, your phone uses light to grab your attention. This is especially useful if you're in a loud environment, have your phone on silent, or are deaf or hard of hearing.
The feature goes by different names depending on your phone: "LED flash for alerts" on Android, "LED flash" on some Samsung devices, or "Flash Notification" on iPhones with Face ID. The steps to turn it on vary by phone model and operating system version, but the general idea is the same across all of them.
Key Takeaways
- Flash notifications use your phone's camera flash or screen to pulse when alerts arrive, and the setting location depends on whether you have an iPhone or Android device.
- On iPhones with Face ID, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, then toggle on LED Flash for Alerts.
- On Android phones, the setting is usually in Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
- You can often customize which apps trigger the flash and whether the flash works when your phone is locked or unlocked.
How to turn on flash notifications on iPhone
On iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer), open Settings and tap Accessibility. Then tap Audio/Visual. You'll see a toggle for LED Flash for Alerts — turn it on. Your camera flash will now pulse when you receive calls, texts, and notifications from other apps.
If you have an iPhone with a home button (iPhone 8 or earlier), the setting is in the same place: Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts. The feature works the same way on both models.
Once you turn on LED Flash for Alerts, you can also toggle on Flash on Silent if you want the flash to work even when your phone is in silent mode. Without this toggle on, the flash will only activate when your phone's ringer is on.
How to turn on flash notifications on Android
On most Android phones, open Settings and go to Accessibility. Look for a section called Hearing or Audio (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap it, then look for Flash Notification, LED Flash for Alerts, or Notification Light. Turn the toggle on.
Samsung phones sometimes place this setting under Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements > Flash Alerts. Google Pixel phones use Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > Flash Notification. If you can't find it in Accessibility, try searching your Settings app for "flash" — most phones have a search function at the top of the Settings menu.
Some Android phones let you customize which apps trigger the flash. If you see an option to choose apps or notifications, you can select only the ones you want to create a flash alert — for example, just calls and texts, or just messages from specific contacts.
What to do if your phone doesn't have flash notifications
Older phones or budget Android models may not have a built-in flash notification feature. If you've looked in Accessibility and Hearing settings and can't find it, your phone hardware may not support it — not all phones have the necessary sensors or software.
As an alternative, you can use third-party apps from your phone's app store that create visual alerts. Search for "flash notification" or "LED notification" in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone). These apps can create screen flashes or use your phone's light in other ways, though they typically use more battery than a built-in feature.
Customizing flash notification settings
Once you turn on flash notifications, you may be able to customize them further. Some phones let you choose the flash pattern — how fast or slow it blinks. Others let you set which types of notifications trigger the flash: calls only, texts only, or all notifications.
Check your phone's Accessibility settings for options like Flash Duration, Flash Intensity, or Notification Types. These settings vary widely by phone model, so explore the menu after you turn on the main toggle to see what your phone offers.
Troubleshooting flash notifications that aren't working
If you've turned on flash notifications but your phone isn't flashing, check whether your phone is in silent mode. On iPhones, flash notifications may not work unless you also toggle on Flash on Silent. On Android, some phones require the ringer to be on for the flash to activate — check your phone's notification settings to confirm.
Also check that the app sending the notification has permission to send alerts. Go to your phone's notification settings for that specific app and make sure notifications are turned on. If the app's notifications are off, the flash won't trigger even if flash notifications are enabled globally.
If your phone's camera flash is physically broken or dimmed, the flash notification may be too faint to notice. Try the feature in a dark room to see if it's working — sometimes the flash is subtle in bright light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does flash notification drain my battery?
Flash notifications use very little battery because the camera flash only activates for a moment when an alert arrives. The impact is negligible compared to your screen or apps. Built-in flash notifications are far more efficient than third-party apps that create screen flashes.
Can I set flash notifications for only certain contacts or apps?
On some Android phones, yes — you can customize which apps trigger the flash in the notification settings. iPhones don't offer per-app customization for flash alerts, but you can turn off notifications for specific apps entirely if you don't want them to trigger any alert (including flash).
Will flash notifications work when my phone is locked?
Yes, on both iPhone and Android, flash notifications work whether your phone is locked or unlocked. The flash activates as soon as the alert arrives, regardless of your phone's state.
What's the difference between flash notifications and vibration?
Flash notifications use light, while vibration uses physical movement. You can use both at the same time — they're separate settings. Many people use all three (sound, vibration, and flash) for important alerts like calls, or just flash and vibration when they want to stay quiet.