Learn How to Get Notified of Calls and Texts with Flash Alerts —for Android Users

Have you ever missed a call or text because you were listening to music or your phone was accidentally left in silent mode?

Did you know Android users can enable the LED light (the same light used for the camera flash and flashlight) on their device to visually alert them to incoming calls, texts, or email—even if the phone is in silent mode?

Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap “Device.”
  3. Tap “Accessibility.”
  4. Tap the box next to “Flash Notification.”

It’s that easy! Now your camera light will blink when you receive a notification.

Please note: If your device doesn’t have this option, you can download a free app from the Google Play Store:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Search for and install “Flash Alerts.”
  3. Open the app.
  4. Tap “ON” to enable flash alerts for incoming calls, text messages, or both.

That’s it! Your device’s LED flash will light up every time you receive a call or text.  For our iPhone users, we’ll show you how to do the same in next week’s blog.

12 Thoughts on "Learn How to Get Notified of Calls and Texts with Flash Alerts —for Android Users"

  1. Connie Sloan says

    Will phone continue to flash until answered?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Great question, Connie. Since the flash works like a ringer, it will flash until the call is answered or it goes to voicemail. Thank you!

  2. Dave says

    I want a flash for text and calls on my lg rebel 2. I DON’T want a flashlight flash!! How do I get this?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, Dave. Depending on your device, there may be an option to receive a text message alert via a light on the front of your phone. If that light isn’t present, this option may not be available. You can open your Settings app, then go to Notifications to see if visual options are included. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting!

  3. Kathy Lopez says

    I just want some sort of sound to let me know if I have a text.
    Is that possible?

    • Great question, Kathy. This is definitely something we can help you with. In your main menu, go to settings, then sound, from there you can adjust the volume and alert for your “notifications” setting. If you would like some help with this or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or try our online chat support here. Have a great day!

  4. Mary Heinz says

    I love this!

  5. Jean says

    DORO 7050 flip phone how can I add a flashing light to an incoming call so my Mother will see the alert to answer the phone?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Jean, there isn’t an option to add a flashing light, but you can adjust the ring tone until you find one that may work best at getting her attention.

  6. Narissa Hamilton says

    Thanks for making it easier for me!!!!!!!

  7. Peter Stevenson says

    My 80’s flip phone allowed me to set ringtones for both text and calls separately. Why does this modern 5g Motorola from CC not do that??

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for the question, Peter. There are a couple different ways to download a ringtone or text tone to an Android smartphone. You can download a music file from your computer to your phone, or use a third-party app that supplies ringtones that you can download. Before downloading any third-party apps, I recommend reading reviews and only downloading apps you trust.