Can my phone flash a light when an alert arrives?

If you have an iPhone, yes: Apple provides a setting that can flash the rear LED, the screen, or both for notifications. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then Audio & Visual, and tap Flash for Alerts. Turn on the feature and choose the visual option you want. [S1]

If you have a different kind of phone, these iPhone steps may not apply. Check your device’s accessibility or notification settings for a visual-alert option, and follow the menu labels shown on your phone.

Apple documents the rear LED, the screen, or both as choices. Select the screen option rather than both if you want a screen flash without the rear LED. The settings also include controls for flashing while the phone is unlocked and while it is in Silent mode; review those switches and set them to suit your preferences. [S1]

For example, you might choose the screen and review the unlocked setting if you want to decide whether flashes should happen while you are using the phone. That is a setup example, not a recommendation that everyone use the same combination.

Apple’s documented Flash for Alerts controls describe the flash type and behavior while unlocked or in Silent mode, but do not describe selecting individual apps or alert categories for the flash. The available documentation therefore does not establish that you can limit the flash to messages alone. [S1]

You can review your apps’ notification settings separately, but do not assume those settings create a separate flash rule. The documented controls do not explain how app-specific notification choices interact with Flash for Alerts. If you need that distinction, check the options displayed on your device and its current support guidance.

Return to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Flash for Alerts. Turn off Flash for Alerts to disable the feature, or turn off an individual option to change its behavior. [S1]

Use this quick check:

1. Confirm that you are in Flash for Alerts.
2. Turn on the feature only if you want visual flashes.
3. Choose the rear LED, screen, or both.
4. Review the controls for flashing while unlocked and in Silent mode.
5. To stop the flashes, turn off the main feature or the individual option you want to change. [S1]

These steps describe Apple’s documented iPhone controls. If the menu labels or choices on your phone differ, follow the options displayed on your device.