If you have trouble hearing your iPhone’s alert sounds or simply prefer a visual cue, you can use a built-in accessibility feature to make the LED light on the back of your phone flash for incoming notifications. This is a great way to ensure you never miss an important text message, especially in loud environments or when your phone is on silent.
Before you can use this feature with text messages, you must first have notifications enabled for the Messages app. To check your message notification settings and activate the LED flash alert feature, follow the two-part process outlined below.
To begin, open the Settings app on your iPhone, which looks like an icon with gears on your home screen, and tap on Notifications. You may need to scroll down the menu to find this option. Then, scroll down the alphabetical list of apps and select Messages. Find the toggle switch next to Allow Notifications at the top of the screen and ensure it is in the On position, which will appear green. To allow message alerts when your phone is locked, tap the radio button next to Lock Screen in the Alerts section. You can also adjust banner styles and sounds on this screen.
With notifications enabled for Messages, you can now activate the LED flash for notifications. Return to the main screen of the Settings app and tap on Accessibility. On older versions of iOS, this may be located inside the General menu. Scroll down to the HEARING section and tap on Audio/Visual. At the bottom of the next menu, select LED Flash for Alerts. Toggle the switch next to LED Flash for Alerts to the On position. Note that this setting will activate the flash for notifications from all apps, not just Messages. To prevent an app from triggering the flash, you must disable its notifications.
You can further customize this feature by choosing when it activates. To see a flash even when your device is unlocked, toggle on the switch for Flash While Unlocked. To enable or disable the flash when your phone is in silent mode, toggle the switch for Flash in Silent Mode according to your preference. Once you are finished, you can exit the Settings menu, and your changes will be saved automatically.
For this feature to be effective, remember to place your iPhone face down on surfaces so you can easily see the LED flash on the back. The flash will not work if Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode is enabled. Activating the LED flash for notifications is more than just a novelty; it serves several practical purposes. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, it provides an essential visual cue that replaces an audio alert. It’s also incredibly useful in noisy environments where a ringtone or vibration might go unnoticed, ensuring you don’t miss an important call or message.
Furthermore, this feature can be a lifesaver when you’ve misplaced your phone in a dark room. Sending a text to your phone will trigger the bright flash, making it much easier to locate. By offering a powerful visual signal, this accessibility setting enhances your iPhone’s usability in a variety of situations where sound alone isn’t enough.
