You’re in the middle of something important, reach for your phone’s torch, and realize the flashlight is not working. No warning, no error just a dead light when you need it most. It’s annoying, confusing, and usually happens at the worst possible time.
This post is here to help. We’ll break down the most common reasons your flashlight might stop working on Android or iPhone and more importantly, show you exactly how to fix it. Simple steps, clear solutions, no tech jargon.
Comprehensive Solutions for Flashlight Issues on Android and iOS
If your flashlight isn’t working, there are several proven methods to fix it on both Android and iPhone. These include turning off power-saving mode, restarting your phone, clearing the camera app’s data, and uninstalling any recently added apps that might be causing issues. You can also try using a third-party flashlight app or resetting your system settings. If none of these work, the problem might be hardware-related, and it’s best to get professional help.
Method 1: Check the device’s Battery saver mode
Battery saver or power-saving mode can automatically turn off certain features like your flashlight to save energy. This often happens when your phone’s battery drops to a specific level (sometimes 50%, sometimes 15%).
To fix this, go to your phone’s quick settings panel or battery settings and turn off power-saving mode. Once it’s disabled, your flashlight should start working again.
Method 2: Restart the Smartphone
Restarting your smartphone can fix the flashlight issue by clearing temporary files and resetting system processes. Sometimes, hidden junk files, app crashes, or update bugs stop the flashlight from working properly. A quick restart often helps resolve these glitches on both Android and iPhone. If your flashlight acts up, restarting is one of the simplest and most effective first steps to try.
Method 3: Clear camera app data
Sometimes, your phone’s flashlight won’t work because the camera app is causing problems especially if it’s been used recently or is still running in the background. This often happens on Android phones like Samsung or Xiaomi, and you might even see a message saying the flashlight is being used by another app.
To fix this, go to your phone’s settings and clear the camera app’s cache and data. This resets the app to its default state and often solves the issue. If you’re using a third-party camera app, do the same for that one too. After clearing the data, it’s a good idea to restart your phone for the changes to take effect.
Method 4: Utilize third-party flashlight apps
If your phone’s built-in flashlight still isn’t working after trying other fixes, you can try a third-party flashlight app as a backup. These apps are easy to find in app stores and are often simple to use. One popular and trusted option mentioned is an app called “Flashlight.”
Method 5: Perform system settings reset
A system settings reset returns your Android phone to its default factory settings. This can help fix software problems like when the flashlight is not working by clearing out bugs, glitches, or conflicting settings.
- Use this only if other flashlight fixes haven’t worked
- It resets all settings and preferences to default
- Backup your important data before starting
- Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete the reset
- Reconfigure your device and test the flashlight again
Close Camera App to Fix Flashlight Not Working
Your phone’s camera and flashlight share the same light, so they can’t be used at the same time. If the camera app is open, it often causes the flashlight icon to appear greyed out or unresponsive.
To fix this, simply close the camera app. On most iPhones, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom (or double-pressing the home button), then swiping the camera app off the screen. This clears the conflict and usually gets the flashlight working again.
Turn off Low Power Mode if Flashlight Is Not Working
Low Power Mode is a battery-saving feature on iPhones that activates automatically when your battery drops below 20%. It changes the battery icon to yellow and limits certain functions like 5G, brightness, visual effects, and background tasks to extend battery life.
While the flashlight usually works in Low Power Mode, it may stop working in some cases. If your flashlight isn’t responding, try turning off Low Power Mode from the Settings or Control Center. This simple step often fixes the issue.
Remove and Add iPhone Flashlight in Control Center
If the flashlight isn’t working from the Control Center, try removing it and adding it back again. This simple step can refresh the function and fix any temporary glitch.
To do this, go to Settings > Control Center. Tap the red minus (–) next to Flashlight/Torch to remove it. Then scroll down, find it under More Controls, and tap the green plus (+) to add it back. After that, check if the flashlight works again.
Test Flashlight in Camera App
The flashlight doesn’t respond from the Control Center, try testing it through the Camera app to check if the hardware still works. Open the Camera, switch to Photo mode, tap the arrow (or swipe up), and turn the flash to “On.”
Take a picture if the flash goes off, your flashlight hardware is fine. The issue behind the flashlight not working is probably a software glitch.
Ask Siri to Turn On Flashlight
If the flashlight icon is greyed out or not responding, Siri can be a quick and easy way to turn it on. This method works even when other options don’t unless your iPhone battery is very low.
Just activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by holding the Side button. Then simply say, “Turn on the flashlight,” and Siri will do it for you right away.
Update iOS If Flashlight Not Working
If your iPhone’s flashlight still isn’t working, try updating the iOS. Apple often includes bug fixes in new updates that can solve software issues, including problems with the flashlight.
Go to your iPhone’s Settings > General > Software Update. If a new version is available, download and install it. This simple step can often fix hidden glitches that are stopping the flashlight from working.
Make sure the flashlight isn’t blocked
If your flashlight not working issue seems sudden, it might just be blocked by something physical. Thick phone cases, lens attachments, or waterproof covers can cover the LED flash without you noticing.
Take a moment to remove your phone case or any accessories near the camera. Once cleared, test the flashlight it could start working instantly.
Disable flash inside the iPhone Camera app
flashlight not working on iPhone, the Camera app might be the reason. Open the Camera, tap the small arrow at the top, and set the flash to Off. Then close the Camera app completely. This frees up the flash so your flashlight not working issue can be fixed instantly.
Uninstall flashlight apps
If you’re using a third-party flashlight app, it could be the reason your flashlight isn’t working. To fix this, simply remove the app.
Touch and hold the app icon on your Home Screen, then tap Remove App > Delete App > Delete. After uninstalling, restart your iPhone. Once your phone is back on, try using the built-in flashlight option it often starts working again after this step.
Remove the Flashlight From the Control Center
If the flashlight still won’t turn on, try removing it from the Control Center and adding it back.
Go to Settings > Control Center, tap the red minus (–) next to Flashlight to remove it. Then scroll down, tap the green plus (+) to add it again. This quick reset might fix the issue.
Turn On Your Flashlight Using the Camera Flash
If your iPhone flashlight isn’t working through the Control Center, you can try using it through the Camera app.
Open the Camera, switch to Video mode, then swipe up to access more options. Tap the Flash icon and set it to On this will turn on the same light used by the flashlight.
Toggle the Flash in Your iPhone’s Camera App
If your iPhone flashlight isn’t working, try turning the flash on and off in the Camera app. Open the Camera, tap the flash icon, and switch it between On and Off a few times. This quick toggle can help clear minor glitches and get your flashlight working again.
Ask Siri to Turn On Your iPhone’s Flashlight
If your flashlight icon is greyed out or not responding, you can use Siri as a quick workaround. This method works even when the flashlight won’t turn on manually unless your iPhone battery is too low.
Just say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the side button to activate Siri. Then simply say, “Turn on the flashlight,” and Siri should switch it on instantly.
Read More: Technology Falcon
FAQ’s
Why won’t my phone flashlight turn on even though the battery isn’t low?
Sometimes background apps or system glitches not just battery level can block your flashlight from working.
Why is my flashlight not working only at night?
If your flashlight is not working at night, it could be due to low battery or a sensor issue affecting light response.
Why is my flashlight working in Camera but not from the main toggle?
It’s often a software glitch. Try clearing the camera app cache or restarting your phone.
Why did my flashlight stop working after installing a new app?
Some apps (especially camera or QR apps) can hijack flashlight permissions. Try uninstalling the recent app.
Why does my flashlight shut off after a few seconds?
This could be due to battery saver mode, overheating, or a faulty flashlight module.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more annoying than a flashlight not working when you need it the most but now, you know exactly how to tackle it. Whether it’s a sneaky app in the background, a system glitch, or a battery setting gone rogue, you’ve got the tools to bring the light back. Try these proven fixes step by step, and you’ll no longer be left in the dark.
I’m Rana Waseem, an SEO blogger with a passion for creating content that ranks and drives results. With a deep understanding of search engine optimization and keyword strategy, I help businesses and readers discover valuable information through well-researched, engaging blog posts. My goal is to simplify SEO for everyone while staying ahead of the latest trends in digital marketing