Flash notifications let your phone's light blink when you get a message
A flash notification is when your phone's camera light or screen flashes to alert you to a message or call, instead of (or in addition to) a sound or vibration. It's useful if you're in a loud environment, deaf or hard of hearing, or straightforward want a silent alert that doesn't disturb others. The steps to turn it on differ depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, and which version you're running.
Flash notifications are built into most modern phones. You don't need to read anything or change any settings outside the notification controls themselves. The feature works for calls, texts, and app notifications — though not every app supports it.
Key Takeaways
- Flash notifications use your phone's camera light or screen brightness to alert you silently, and the setup takes less than a minute.
- On iPhones running iOS 13 or later, turn on flash alerts in Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, then enable it per app in notification settings.
- On Android phones, the process varies by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and others have different menu locations, but all are in accessibility or notification settings.
- Flash notifications work best for calls and texts; some third-party apps may not support the feature even if your phone does.
How to turn on flash notifications on iPhone
Open Settings and go to Accessibility. Scroll down and tap Audio/Visual. You'll see an option called LED Flash for Alerts — turn this on. This enables the feature system-wide, but you still need to turn it on for individual apps.
Go back to Settings and open Notifications. Select the app you want flash alerts for (start with Phone or Messages if you want to test it). Scroll down to the Alert Style section. Make sure you have either Banners or Alerts selected (not None). Below that, toggle on Flash on Silent and Flash on Ring. You can now do this for any app that supports notifications.
Test it by having someone call or text you, or by opening the app and sending yourself a notification. The camera light on the back of your phone should flash in a steady pattern. If it doesn't, check that you've turned on both the system-wide setting and the per-app toggles.
How to turn on flash notifications on Android
The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer. Here are the most common paths:
Google Pixel phones: Open Settings and go to Accessibility. Tap Hearing enhancements, then Flash notifications. Turn it on. Then go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications, select an app, and make sure notifications are turned on for that app. Flash alerts should now work for that app's notifications.
Samsung phones: Open Settings and go to Accessibility. Tap Hearing enhancements or Vision enhancements (depending on your version). Look for Flash notification or LED indicator. Turn it on. Then go to Settings > Apps > Notifications, select an app, and may support notifications are enabled. Some Samsung models also let you control flash brightness in the same accessibility menu.
Other Android phones: Open Settings and search for "flash" or "accessibility". Most phones have the option under Accessibility > Hearing or Vision settings. Once you find it, turn it on, then check that notifications are enabled for the apps you want to use it with.
What to do if flash notifications aren't working
First, confirm you've turned on the feature both at the system level and for the specific app. Many people turn on the system setting but forget the per-app step, and then wonder why nothing happens.
Second, check that the app itself has notifications enabled. If an app's notifications are turned off entirely, flash won't work for it. Go to your phone's notification settings, find the app, and make sure notifications are switched on.
Third, test with a built-in app like Phone or Messages before testing with a third-party app. Some apps don't support flash notifications even if your phone does. If flash works for calls and texts but not for a specific app, that app straightforward doesn't have the feature built in.
If you're on an older phone (iPhone before iOS 13, or Android from several years ago), your device may not support flash notifications at all. Check your phone's manual or search for your specific model and year.
Flash notifications versus other silent alert options
Flash is one of several ways to get a silent alert. You can also use vibration patterns, screen brightness pulses, or haptic feedback (a gentle buzz in your hand). Many people use flash in combination with vibration — the light catches your eye while the vibration confirms the alert is for you.
If you're in a situation where you can't see your phone (like driving or cooking), vibration alone may work better. If you're in a loud place but can see your phone, flash is often more noticeable than vibration. You can turn on multiple alert types at once, so test what works for your daily life.
Why some apps don't support flash notifications
Flash notifications rely on the app sending a notification through your phone's standard notification system. Older apps or apps that send alerts in unusual ways may bypass this system, so flash won't trigger for them. Social media apps, messaging apps, and email clients usually support it. Games and utility apps are less consistent.
If an app you use frequently doesn't support flash, you can still use vibration or sound for that app while using flash for others. There's no way to force an app to support flash if the developer hasn't built it in, but you can contact the app's support team and request the feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does flash notification drain my battery?
No, not noticeably. The camera light uses very little power, and it only flashes for a few seconds when an alert arrives. Leaving it on all the time has no meaningful impact on battery life.
Can I make the flash brighter or dimmer?
On most iPhones, you cannot adjust the brightness of the flash itself. On some Samsung phones, you can control it in the accessibility menu. Check your phone's accessibility settings to see if brightness control is available.
Will flash notifications work if my phone is in my pocket?
No. The light needs to reach your eyes to be useful. If your phone is in a pocket or bag, you won't see the flash. Vibration is a better choice for that situation.
Can I set different flash patterns for different people?
Not through the standard flash notification feature. Your phone will flash the same way for all alerts. However, you can use different vibration patterns for different contacts, and combine that with flash for a more personalized alert.
What if I have an older phone that doesn't support flash?
Older iPhones (before iOS 13) and older Android phones don't have built-in flash notification features. Your options are vibration, sound, or screen brightness changes. Consider upgrading your phone's operating system if possible, or use vibration as your primary silent alert.