How to turn on and off the flashlight on Android (and fix it if it’s not working)

⚡️Fast fix

• Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the flashlight icon in Quick Settings.
• Ask Google Assistant to turn off the flashlight.
• Tap the pencil icon to add the Flashlight to your Quick Settings menu if it’s hidden.

When you’re walking in the dark, trying to read in low light, or looking for a lost item under the couch, you need light. Luckily, you probably carry a convenient flashlight with you wherever you go in the form of your phone.

You can light up your Android® phone’s flashlight in seconds and turn it off when you’re done. Most Android phones include built-in flashlight shortcuts through Quick Settings, voice commands, or gestures.

Asurion’s team of tech experts is here to help you make the most of your devices, from providing solutions when your camera is not working to explaining how to keep your phone running like new. Use our guide to learn how to turn on the flashlight on Android phones and what to do if the flashlight is missing or not working.

How to use the flashlight from Quick Settings

One of the easiest ways to turn on the flashlight on an Android phone is to use the Quick Settings menu. Follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of your phone's screen to open the notification panel.
2. Tap the flashlight icon to turn on the flashlight.

If the flashlight icon is missing on your Android, don’t worry. Try these steps:

1. Tap the pencil icon to edit the tiles in your Quick Settings menu.
2. Find the flashlight icon in the “Hidden” section. Press and drag it into your active panel. Put it in the first row for faster access.
3. Now, you can tap the icon to turn on the flashlight.

Next time you open the Quick Settings menu, the icon should still be there so you can conveniently tap your flashlight on and off. iPhone flashlight instructions are similar.

Keep in mind that some Android layouts may vary slightly between Samsung, Pixel, and Motorola devices. You may have to scroll and click around a little the first time to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Some people would prefer an Android flashlight shortcut on the home screen, like an app. You can do this either by downloading a third-party widget from the Google Play Store® or, if you have a Samsung Galaxy®, creating a new routine.

How to turn on your flashlight with voice commands or gestures

Alternatively, you can simply ask Google Assistant to turn your flashlight on for you. Say, “Hey Google, turn on the flashlight” to turn on the flashlight with your voice on Android. Use “Hey Google, turn off the flashlight” when you’re done.

Specific devices also have gestures that can act as shortcuts to turn the flashlight on and off. On a Motorola phone, for example, making a quick double chopping motion with your phone will turn on the flashlight. The same motion will turn the flashlight back off.

On a Google Pixel, double-tap the back of your phone to turn on the flashlight. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > System > Gestures. Choose Quick Tap to Start Actions, and turn on the flashlight action.

While in the Settings app, you can adjust your lock screen settings for more security.

Why your Android flashlight is not working

If you try to turn on the flashlight and nothing happens, there’s probably a simple explanation. Look for these common causes of your flashlight not working on Android:

• The camera app is currently open.
• Your phone is on low battery and has battery restrictions.
• There are glitches with the flashlight permissions.
• Your phone is overheated or is protecting against overheating.

A grayed-out flashlight toggle means you can’t currently use the flashlight. Try restarting your phone or updating to the newest software to help resolve temporary software issues.

FAQs

Why is my flashlight icon missing on Android?

If you don’t see the flashlight tile in Quick Settings, you may have accidentally removed it. Open Quick Settings and select the pencil icon to edit your tiles. Drag the flashlight icon back into your active tiles so it’s available for use.

Can you change flashlight brightness on Android?

Some Android phones, especially Samsung and newer Pixel models, let you adjust the brightness of your flashlight. In the Quick Settings menu, press and hold the flashlight tile to bring up the brightness settings. Select a higher or lower brightness depending on your needs.