Want a visual indicator rather than an audio cue for every notification you get? Flash notifications might be what you’re looking for. Depending on your preference, you can set your Android phone to flash its screen or the camera light.
While this is handy for someone who’s hard of hearing, it’s equally beneficial if you’re not a fan of loud, distracting, alert tones. Here, we’ll show you how to set up flash notifications on a Samsung or Pixel phone running Android 14 or later.
How to Enable Flash Notifications on a Samsung Phone
To enable flash notifications on your Samsung phone, go toSettings > Accessibility > Advanced Settings > Flash notification.
You’ll see two options here:Camera flash notificationandScreen flash notification. The former flashes the camera of your Samsung phone, whereas the latter flashes the display. Toggle on your desired option to start using flash notifications.
By default, flash notifications will be enabled for all apps, but you can tap the flash notification setting and choose which apps you want to enable these notifications for. Additionally, you can set the color for the screen flash notification from the same menu.
Going forward, in addition to notification sounds, your phone will alert you with a visual cue. This is one of the many ways tomake your Samsung phone more user-friendly.
How to Enable Flash Notifications on a Pixel Phone
Pixel phones have handy accessibility features like RTT calling, TalkBack, and, as you may have guessed, flash notifications. Setting up flash notifications on a Pixel phone is pretty similar. All you need to do is head toSettings > Accessibility > Flash notifications.
Like on a Samsung phone, you’ll see two options:Camera flashandScreen flash. Choose your desired option. By default, your screen will flash yellow when you get a notification, but you may choose from one of the twelve available color options.
To gander at an example of what a color looks like, tapPreviewto see the screen subtly blink in a chosen color.
Get Visual Notification Cues on Your Phone
Flash notifications provide a visual cue to people with hearing disabilities, allowing them to stay on top of their notifications in a suitable manner. However, it can also be a convenient, silent alternative to notification sounds. Try using flash notifications for your favorite apps and see how they work out for you.
