To turn on flashing light when phone rings, you can use a built-in accessibility setting on both iPhone and Android that makes the camera flash or screen flash for incoming calls and notifications. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts and toggle it on; on a stock Android 14+ device, go to Settings > Notifications > Flash notifications and toggle on Camera flash or Screen flash.
Turn on flashing light when phone rings on iPhone
This feature, called "LED Flash for Alerts," uses the LED flash next to the camera lens on the back of the device. It is primarily intended as an accessibility feature for those with hearing impairments, but is useful for anyone who might miss audible alerts due to noisy environments or ringer and ringtone issues.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Audio/Visual.
- Turn on LED Flash for Alerts.
By default, LED Flash for Alerts on iPhones works only when the device is locked. iPhones also offer options to control whether the flash happens 'Flash While Unlocked' and 'Flash in Silent Mode' within the 'Flash for Alerts' settings. As of iOS 26.2, iPhones can also flash the screen in addition to or instead of the LED flash for alerts.
Enable flash notifications on Android
Android flash notifications can use either the camera flash or the screen flash. For stock Android 14 and newer, the primary path is through the Notifications settings.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Notifications.
- Tap Flash notifications.
- Toggle on Camera flash or Screen flash.
Alternatively, on some Android devices, flash notifications can be found under Settings > Accessibility > Flash notifications. Android's screen flash notification allows users to customize the flash color, with yellow being the default.
Samsung Galaxy-specific path
- Open Settings.
- Tap Advanced Settings or Sound and vibration.
- Select Notifications or LED indicators.
- Toggle on LED notifications or Flash notifications.
For Samsung Galaxy phones, screen flash notifications can be enabled via Settings > Advanced Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity > Screen flash notifications.
How flash alerts behave for calls and notifications
When an incoming call rings on Android, the camera light, screen, or both will continue to flash until the call is answered. For other notifications on Android, the camera light or screen typically flashes a couple of times. Flash notifications on both iOS and Android respect Do Not Disturb settings. Battery saver mode on Android devices may disable flash notifications to conserve power.
Use a third-party app if your phone lacks the feature
The camera flash notification feature may not be available on all Android devices. If your phone does not have the built-in option, you can use a reputable third-party app like Flash Alerts as a fallback. These apps can provide flash alerts for incoming calls, SMS, and other notifications, with options for flash intensity, frequency, and patterns. Be cautious about the permissions you grant, and check the developer's reputation before installing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if the flashing light isn't working on my phone?
First, confirm the feature is enabled in your device's settings. Restart your phone or perform a software update, as this may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, contact your device manufacturer or service provider for further assistance.
Are third-party flash alert apps safe to use?
Most reputable apps are safe, but they may require permissions to access your notifications. Always read reviews and check the developer's reputation before installing. Stick to well-known apps with a large number of positive ratings.
How do I turn off the flashing light feature?
On iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and toggle off LED Flash for Alerts. On Android, go to Settings > Notifications > Flash notifications (or the Accessibility path) and toggle off Camera flash or Screen flash. On Samsung, revisit the same settings path used to enable it and toggle the feature off.
For the wider topic, see ringer and ringtone issues.
