Owners of Apple products often notice blinking on their gadget when receiving messages or talking on a smartphone. If you want to do the same on your phone, you only need brief instructions on how to turn on the flash when making a call on your iPhone. In fact, it is enough to enable one option in the smartphone settings and everything will work, but there are several nuances.
Flash on iPhone when making a call
How does the flash work when making a call on an iPhone?
Initially, the function of turning on the flash when making a call was developed for people with disabilities. Apple is trying to adapt its devices and their functionality to the appropriate restrictions in the best possible way. But these kinds of accessibility features have become common property: able-bodied people using iPhones and iPads have also enjoyed them.
With default settings, incoming calls and notifications on iPhone are accompanied by polyphonic ringing and vibration, which is created by the motor built into the phone.
Smartphone owners can choose their own ringtones and select vibrations individually for their contacts. This is enough for most users, but you can also turn on flickering for incoming calls.
The ability to turn on a light signal when making a call appeared only with iOS version 5. However, many have not heard about it for a long time. The light turns on and flashes when you make a call. Notification alert function is also supported. This functionality is available on iPhones:
- iPhone 4;
- iPhone 4s;
- iPhone 5;
- iPhone 5s;
- iPhone 6;
- iPhone 6s;
- iPhone 7;
- iPhone 8;
- iPhone X;
- iPhone Xs;
- iPhone 11;
- iPhone 12;
- iPhone 13.
The developers do not remove this function to this day, because they consider it in demand. Many smartphones have notification lights. Usually they are not noticeable, but Apple developers decided to make this feature bright on their products.
Despite the benefits, this feature soon begins to irritate many. And then users ask the diametrically opposite question of how to turn off the flash during calls.
It is not possible to reduce the brightness of the LED. The only solution to this problem is to turn off the flash when making a call.
In 2022, Apple introduced the iPhone 13
conclusions
As you can see, you can turn off the flash for notifications on iPhone and Android in the smartphone settings in a couple of clicks. In the latest Android updates, developers make these functions standard. Write in the comments if you managed to find these points. If you do not find a flash in the standard settings, let us know and we will write with the help of which applications you can control it for incoming calls and notifications. Ask other questions about the operation of mobile phone operating systems. We always meet our readers and try to cover the most interesting or problematic areas.
Evgeny Zagorsky
IT specialist. Author of information articles on the topic of Android smartphones and IOS smartphones. An expert in solving problems with computers and programs: installation, configuration, reviews, tips on the security of your devices. In his spare time, he designs and develops websites.
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Functions of enabled LED flashing
All smartphone models are currently equipped with backlighting. The main task is to install lighting for photo and video shooting. But it can also be set to blink as a call alert.
LED flashing can not only allow you to take a high-quality photo, but also notify you of incoming calls and messages. This useful functionality will allow you to learn about notifications even if the owner has hearing problems.
This feature is necessary in the following cases:
- if you cannot miss calls, messages, notifications in instant messengers and social networks;
- to draw attention to notifications and calls in loud environments: at work and leisure in noisy places;
- when you have to turn off sound and vibration, but an important call may come;
- use in conjunction with an alarm clock to make it easier to wake up.
This feature is found not only on iPhones, but also on Android. To do this, you need to carefully study the settings of your smartphone.
Which iPhone models support flash notifications?
Flash notifications support absolutely all iPhone models that were released after the iPhone 4s. It was there that the function was first introduced, which is now used by almost all owners of Apple smartphones.
Indicator light on iPhone
They tried to introduce a flashing light before, but the creator was unable to implement it. He was unable to place the indicator inside the device. So he made a mini-gadget called iFlash, which was designed to turn on the flashing lights when there was a phone call. In addition, iFlash could significantly improve the quality of photos and videos on a smartphone; it helped the camera capture more light and thus increased the detail of the picture, so it was often used for filming in the dark. It is thanks to this that the device has gained huge demand.
Important! If the user’s smartphone is version xr or 7 plus, then it definitely has the ability to turn on the backlight when making a call.
iFlash was not included with the smartphone. Users had to purchase it separately, which increased costs and caused inconvenience, since not every electronics store could find this device. Fortunately, the creator of Apple was able to implement a flash that would go off during an incoming call.
S. Jobs planned to ensure the ease of use of his technology specifically for people with disabilities. That's why it was important for him to implement blinking in his new device, and he succeeded. Now absolutely everyone could fully use an Apple smartphone.
How to enable a visual alert for an incoming call
Apple products have a number of additional features that are located in the settings. Many might not even know about them. Flashing a flashlight as an alert for a call or other notifications is not a new feature, but a small number of people use it.
Not everyone knows how to turn off or turn on the flash on an iPhone when making a call. To do this, you just need to look at the “Universal Access” section.
How to get to the Rumor menu
Enabling on older operating systems before iOS 13
The flash alert feature is useful for people who work in noisy environments but don't want to miss an important message. There are a number of other cases in which such functionality will be useful.
Detailed activation instructions are as follows:
- First of all, you need to go to your phone Settings. If you need to enable flash on notifications, you need to go to the “General” menu section.
- After this, you should go to “Universal Access” and turn on the “LED flash for warnings” function, which is located in the “Hearing” settings block.
If necessary, you can remove it here. From now on, when you make a call, your iPhone will not only play the selected melody and vibrate, but also turn on the flash. The indication will only work if the smartphone is locked.
Where to enable flash alerts
Now you can not only set the flash to the bell, but also use an additional parameter that will control it. If there are no hearing problems, then the flash can be useful mainly only in silent mode.
Users of iPhones with an operating system lower than version 10 cannot set blinking only in silent mode. They only have access to the main option - turn on the flash, regardless of the mode.
How to turn off the flash on iPhone during notifications in normal mode? Perform the following manipulations:
- Open settings.
- Select the “Basic” menu section.
- Go to "Universal Access".
- Select "Flash Alerts"
- Enable "Flash in silent mode".
Now the flash for calls and notifications will be turned on if the switch on the left side of the case is set to the “silent mode” position. For calls with audio, flashing will not be activated.
Enabling on new operating systems after iOS 13
Setting a flash to ring a bell on an iPhone is not difficult. It takes several menu navigations to get to the desired function. However, on new versions of the operating system, this feature has moved to another place, and therefore it will be somewhat more difficult to find it if you don’t know where to go.
Instructions for turning on are as follows:
- You need to open the Settings app.
- Go to the “Universal Access” section.
- Scroll down to the Hearing section.
- Select the “Audio Visualization” menu item.
- Scroll down to the visuals section and turn on the Flash for Alerts toggle switch.
- After this, you will be able to turn on the flash only for silent mode.
You can disable the function in the same way.
Enabling flash on new operating systems
Why didn't the function work?
Some owners of Apple gadgets complain that after activating the function, the flash does not work. There are many reasons that prevent you from fully using the built-in LED, ranging from damage to the phone when dropped, to software errors. To eliminate the problem, diagnostics should be carried out and negative factors identified.
| Problem | Solution |
| Moisture on individual camera elements | The camera module should be replaced with a new one. It and the LED are attached to the same cable, so replacing the component separately cannot be done. You can do the repair yourself. |
| Installing a protective film on the back of the device. In some cases, it interferes with the flash's operation. | If there is a film on the back cover, you need to remove it and test the iPhone. |
| The phone overheats during use. | Turn off the phone and wait until it cools down completely. After that, try again. |
| OS update. Considered to be the most common cause for iPhone 4s and later | Return to using an earlier version of the operating system or wait for new firmware from the developer. |
| Flash hardware failure. May occur due to an impact or fall of the smartphone. | A complete replacement of the component is required as it cannot be repaired. |
| Installing a “wrong” application that often freezes and blocks access to necessary functions. | Delete the application. If the problem cannot be resolved, reset the changes to factory settings. |
| Carrying out Jailbreak – an add-on that expands the functionality of the device. It allows you to install applications not only from the App Store. After this operation, the iPhone is automatically removed from warranty. | You can return the previous functions if you just roll back to factory settings. |
| The flash doesn't work at all. | Conduct testing in different programs, and even by installing a third-party application (for example, Flashlight). If the LED is triggered here, you need to update the standard “Camera” application. If not, you should check your settings and make sure that it is included in the allowed list. |
Problems also occur due to various breakdowns of the smartphone. Let's consider their solution in more detail
How to replace the camera on iPhone
In order for the device to work correctly in the future, you should purchase only original components. You need to purchase a rear camera part from a specialized store. The serial number must be indicated on its cable.
Using a pentagonal screwdriver, remove the back cover from the display. Disconnect the cables from the motherboard using a spudger. The previously installed module is located in the upper part - it should be removed by first removing all the screws. Install a new one and perform all steps in reverse order.
Emergency reboot
To eliminate temporary software problems, you need to press and hold the power button until the slider appears on the screen. Move the pointer located on the left side to the right and wait until the device turns off.
Installing updates
The latest versions, as a rule, contain an improved system for supporting the functionality of the smartphone and its security. To install new firmware, you need to connect the device to a power source and then connect it to the router. Go to Settings, select the “General” section, find “Software Update” in the list. Activate the “Download and install” option.
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A few setup warnings
The function will work when the phone is locked or in sleep mode. For the new functionality to take effect, you must restart the device. This is especially true for older devices.
It is worth remembering that you can only see the flickering if the smartphone is lying face down. The indicator should work in the following situations:
- if silent mode is enabled;
- if vibration is turned off;
- if the ringer switch on the side of the phone is turned off.
Visual cues work better in combination with vibration, which is provided by the system as a default setting.
However, this type of indication should work well as the only source of alerts, since it was intended as an additional option for people with hearing impairments.
Lack of backlight when taking photos and notifications due to a software glitch or incorrect iOS update can be fixed by installing a new firmware version. For these purposes you will need to take a few simple steps:
- Put your phone on charge. During the update download process, battery power is consumed much faster.
- Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid consuming unnecessary traffic and speed up the download process.
- Go to iPhone settings and click on “Software Update”.
- Select “Download” and wait for the system to install.
You will need to restart your device for the changes to take effect. If the flashlight does not work, it is recommended to take the phone to a service center, as the camera module and LED may need to be replaced.
The flashlight is an integral part of the camera module, and therefore it cannot be replaced separately - it will have to be completely demolished.
For these purposes, it is recommended to use original parts, since when installing non-original ones, the camera or flashlight may not fit, or they will not interact with the system correctly.
Location of the silent mode button
How to change the brightness of the notification light on iPhone
Users often encounter inconveniences in using the flashlight on their phone: it shines too dimly or, conversely, too brightly. The creators of Apple found a solution to this problem and in iOS 13 they provided the ability to adjust the brightness of the flashlight on the iPhone.
For your information! Initially, this privilege was available only to users of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, but now every owner of an Apple smartphone can adjust the brightness of the flashlight on the device; to do this, he just needs to update his gadget to iOS 13 version.
The brightness level of the flashlight is directly related to the brightness of the flickering that accompanies calls and alerts coming to the smartphone. To reduce or increase the brightness of the flash, you do not need to go into settings or download additional programs for this.
Changing the brightness of the flashlight
To change the brightness of the indicator, just launch the control center and press and hold the flashlight icon. To open the control center, you need to swipe up from the bottom of the display. While holding, swipe up to increase brightness or down to decrease.
Note! This action changes not only the brightness level of the flashlight, but also the brightness of the flash that accompanies calls.
Thus, it becomes clear that turning on and off flickering during a call is a very simple action that takes less than a minute. The user can configure this option at his own discretion, for example, change the brightness of the flicker or the mode in which it will work.
Additional functions
If you like the opportunity to put a flash on a call on your iPhone, it is recommended that you study the “Universal Access” section more carefully, since there are other functions there that may be useful. Many assistive technologies are not available on other platforms. Some of them may appeal to people with disabilities.
These include:
- a magnifying glass that will help you see objects better;
- adjusting the font size depending on its characteristics;
- display adaptation;
- adjusting the volume of the right and left channels;
- deleting typed text by shaking the smartphone;
- Easy one-handed access (the top of the screen folds down so you can reach it with the fingers of one hand).
But it is worth noting that some of the functions will be quite demanding - they will begin to consume more battery power, which is why the phone will require charging more often.
Activate flashlight
Another option for using photography lighting is flashlight mode. At the same time, the phone starts to light constantly, and not blink, until you turn off the function. To turn on the flashlight: Open the bottom control panel by swiping up from the edge of the screen. Click on the button with the image of a flashlight.
How to turn off the glow: in the control panel, click on the flashlight again. On a locked display, you can turn off the light in another way: press the “Home” button and briefly tap on the camera icon in the right corner. The image on the screen will jump and the flashlight will turn off.
