Unlike some Android phones, Apple's iPhones don't have a dedicated notification LED that lights up when you get a call, text, or other alert. What iPhones do include is an optional Accessibility feature for the deaf and hard of hearing that blinks the rear camera flash and provides a visual cue for incoming notifications.

2020 iphone se camera red
Even if your hearing is fine, having a visual cue for incoming alerts can be handy to have if, say, you're in a quiet environment and don't want to disturb the peace. An LED flash notification can be useful when your iPhone or iPad is lying on a table with vibration alerts off, for instance.

Follow the steps below to turn on LED flash alerts on your ‌iPhone‌ or iPad Pro. Just remember to leave your iOS device locked with the screen down and the rear camera system in your line of sight.

led flash iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app on your device.
  2. Tap Accessibility.
  3. Turn on LED Flash for Alerts using the toggle switch.
  4. Turn on Flash on Silent if you only want LED flash alerts when your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad Pro‌ is silenced.

Note that the LED Flash for Alerts option only works on ‌iPad Pro‌ 2016 or later models, but is compatible with all iPhones that have a rear flash feature.

Related Stories

Apple Releases iOS 15.1.1 With Call Improvements for iPhone 12 and 13 Models

Wednesday November 17, 2021 10:20 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released iOS 15.1.1, a minor update that comes almost a month after the launch of iOS 15.1. The iOS 15.1.1 update can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, iOS 15.1.1 improves call drop performance...

Apple Announces Self Service Repair Program, Starting With iPhone 12 and 13

Apple today announced the "Self Service Repair" program, allowing users to complete their own repairs via a new online store dedicated to parts and tools. The Self Service Repair program will give customers who are comfortable with the idea of completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and manuals, starting with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups. The scheme will be...

Apple Updates AirPods Pro Firmware to Version 4A402 and AirPods 3 Firmware to 4B66

Tuesday November 16, 2021 11:34 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released a new 4A402 firmware update for the AirPods Pro, which is up from the prior 4A400 firmware that was released back in October. Apple has also updated the AirPods 3 firmware to 4B66, up from the 4B61 that was previously available. Apple does not offer information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, so we don't know what improvements or bug ...

Everything New in iOS 15.2 Beta 3: Macro Mode Updates, iCloud Private Relay Tweaks and More

Tuesday November 16, 2021 12:21 pm PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released the third beta of an upcoming iOS 15.2 update to developers for testing purposes, and the Cupertino company is continuing to refine features ahead of the software's release. Beta 3 doesn't add as many new features as prior betas, but there are some notable changes. Playlist Search in Music App Apple has added a long-awaited feature that allows Apple Music users to...

iFixit Lauds Apple's New Self Service Repair Program, Calls It a 'Remarkable Concession'

Wednesday November 17, 2021 12:04 pm PST by Juli Clover

Apple this morning surprised the world with an unexpected "Self Service Repair" program, which is designed to allow customers access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and manuals for making their own device repairs. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Giving customers this kind of unprecedented access to repair guidelines and hardware is a major win for Right to Repair...

Apple Releases watchOS 8.1.1 With Fix for Apple Watch Series 7 Charging Issue

Thursday November 18, 2021 10:14 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released watchOS 8.1.1, a minor update to the watchOS 8 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 8.1.1 comes three weeks after the launch of watchOS 8.1, an update that added SharePlay Fitness+ group workouts and other features. ‌‌watchOS ‌8.1.1 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update....

AAPL Stock Sets New All-Time High Following Latest Apple Car Rumors

Thursday November 18, 2021 10:13 am PST by Eric Slivka

Right on the heels of a fresh round of rumors about Apple's autonomous car project, Apple's stock price spiked to a new all-time high today, touching $157.87 per share before pulling back slightly. The previous all-time intraday high was set back on September 7 at $157.26, and Apple's stock is now up over 21% so far in 2021 and 33% over the past twelve months. Investors are no doubt...

Here's What Data Apple Will Give Your Family When You Pass Away

Apple's new Digital Legacy feature is now available to beta testers, giving the first clear indication of exactly what data Apple will make available to your next of kin when you pass away. First outlined in June with the unveiling of iOS 15, Digital Legacy is a new feature designed to let you set a person as your Legacy Contact, giving the person access to your Apple ID account and personal ...