The flashlight not working on your smartphone can be unexpectedly frustrating, especially when you need it most. Much like life, where unexpected issues can arise, keeping your device error-free isn’t always simple.
If you’ve encountered this problem before, you’re not alone—many people face flashlight issues on their smartphones. In today’s guide, I’ll walk you through effective solutions for fixing a non-working flashlight. These fixes aren’t just theoretical; over 108 people have tested and confirmed them, so you’ll be getting tried-and-true methods to resolve this issue.
Before moving on to the tutorial, You need to understand what is causing this error and why the flashlight is not working.
Quick Steps to Fix Flashlight Not Working
- Disable power-saving mode.
- Restart your phone.
- Clear camera app data.
- Remove recently installed apps.
- Use a third-party flashlight app.
- Reset system settings.
- Seek professional assistance.
Common Causes of Flashlight Malfunctions
If your flashlight isn’t working, there are several possible reasons, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures. Let’s explore these in detail.
| Cause | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Power-Saving Mode Enabled | Power-saving mode disables non-essential features like the flashlight to conserve battery. | Disable power-saving mode in the settings or from the quick panel. |
| ✅ Software Glitches | Corrupted app cache, outdated firmware, or incomplete updates can disrupt the flashlight’s functionality. | Clear the app cache, update your device software, or restart your phone. |
| ❌ Conflicting App Permissions | Apps like the camera or third-party flashlight apps might block access to the flashlight. | Reset app permissions or clear data for the camera/flashlight app in settings. |
| ❌ Recently Installed Apps | Conflicting or buggy apps could interfere with the flashlight’s operation. | Uninstall any recently downloaded apps to identify and fix the conflict. |
| ❌ Hardware Issues | Physical damage, such as a drop or wear and tear, can cause the flashlight module to malfunction. | Seek professional assistance if no software fixes resolve the problem. |
| ✅ Malfunctioning Ambient Light Sensors | Ambient light sensors that control brightness may stop working after a system update or app conflict. | Recalibrate the sensors by restarting your phone or using a diagnostic tool (e.g., Samsung Members). |
Before diving into fixes, perform this quick diagnostic checklist to narrow down the issue
Is the flashlight toggle greyed out?
Are you getting the error “flashlight in use by another app”?
Is your phone in power-saving mode?
Has the flashlight stopped working after a recent update or drop?
Comprehensive Solutions for Flashlight Issues on Android and iOS
We will now delve into several methods to troubleshoot and fix your Flashlight not working on Android. Follow these steps carefully to regain the functionality of your Flashlight.
Method 1: Check the device’s Battery saver mode
Power saver mode is designed to conserve battery life by disabling certain functions, including the Flashlight. We will guide you through disabling power saver mode on different Android devices, allowing your Flashlight to work as intended.
Flashlight disabled by power-saving mode or low-battery restrictions.
You can enable and disable power saving mode from the quick panel on your Android or get into device battery settings and disable power saver. Whenever your battery reaches a certain percentage, the Flashlight won’t work and will stop working. On most smartphones with a certain battery percentage, some are 50%, and for some, it’s 15%.
Disable the power-saving mode on your Android or iOS for better effects.
Method 2: Restart the Smartphone
Restarting helps clear temporary files and resets system processes, which may have caused the flashlight to stop working after an update or app crash.
Restarting a smartphone can be beneficial when you cannot turn on a flashlight on an Android and even when you cannot turn on a flashlight on an iOS Device.
Frequently due to the hidden junk files that get collected into your Smartphone, and because of that and sometimes due to an error or an update bug, Flashlight would stop working and even turn until you restart the device. So whenever you see the flashlight miss misbehaving, restart your smart.
Method 3: Clear camera app data
Camera app data corruption can disrupt the functionality of the Flashlight. We will show you how to clear the camera app data on your Android device, reset it to its default settings, and potentially resolve any flashlight-related issues.
In most common cases, a flashlight has been used by the default camera, or if using any third-party camera app, you can apply the same thing to that app.
If you see an error message like ‘Another app is using the flashlight,’ clearing the app cache and data often resolves this issue. This error is common on Samsung and Xiaomi devices.
So for the easiest solution, clearing the camera app cache data, forcing the camera, and then restarting this Smartphone to fix can’t turn on the torch because another has used the Flashlight.”
Method 4: Remove recently installed applications
Sometimes, conflicting applications can interfere with the proper functioning of the Flashlight. We will help you identify these problematic apps and provide step-by-step instructions on uninstalling them, ensuring your Flashlight operates smoothly again.
Method 5: Utilize third-party flashlight apps
If the default flashlight feature is still not working, using a third-party flashlight app can be a viable solution. We will introduce you to reliable and user-friendly flashlight apps available in various app stores, ensuring you have a backup option to rely on.
If you cannot turn on your flashlight even after trying various troubleshooting methods, you can consider using a third-party flashlight app. One highly recommended app is “Flashlight.”
Method 6: Perform system settings reset
If you’re having trouble getting the Flashlight to work on your Android device, resetting the system settings could be the last solution. This process will reset your device’s settings to their default state, which may fix any software issues causing the Flashlight to malfunction.
Remember that resetting the system settings will erase all your customized settings and preferences, so back up your data before proceeding.
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Go to the “System” or “System & Updates” section.
- Look for the “Factory data reset” or “Reset phone” option.
- Enter your passcode or pattern lock if prompted.
- Ensure you have backed up your important data.
- Confirm the decision to perform the reset.
- Wait for the device to complete the reset process.
- Set up your device again.
- Test the Flashlight to check if the issue is resolved.
Method 7: Seek professional assistance
In rare cases where hardware issues are causing the Flashlight to malfunction, it is advisable to consult authorized service centers. We will emphasize the importance of professional assistance and guide locating and contacting the nearest service center.
Method 7: Reset App Permissions
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Look for the app that controls the Flashlight or the camera app.
- Tap on the app to access its settings.
- Locate the “Permissions” or “App Permissions” option.
- Reset the app permissions to their default settings.
- Repeat this process for other apps related to the flashlight functionality.
- Restart your device.
- Test the Flashlight to see if it is now working correctly.
Additional Tips and Precautions
To prevent future flashlight malfunctions, we will share some practical maintenance practices. Additionally, we will provide precautions for those considering DIY repairs or modifications and emphasize the importance of regularly updating your device’s software for optimal performance.
A: System updates can sometimes reset app permissions or create temporary bugs. Ensure the camera or flashlight permissions are correctly set and restart your device.
A: This error indicates that another app (like a camera or third-party flashlight app) is using your phone’s flashlight resource. Closing background apps or clearing app data typically fixes this.
A: Power-saving settings automatically disable non-essential functions like the flashlight when the battery is low. Disable power-saving mode to resolve this.
| Weird Fix | Explanation | User Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Reset Ritual | Cooling down the phone resets its thermal sensors, potentially fixing the issue. | “Worked for me! (Reddit: coolfixer)” |
| Darkroom Activation | Activating the flashlight in pitch darkness recalibrates light sensors. | “Fixed mine instantly! (User: darkroomtech)” |
| Tap Around the Camera Lens | Tapping gently around the camera lens realigns the flashlight module. | “It actually worked! (User: phonepro)” |
| App Install & Remove | Installing and removing an app clears temporary memory. | “This cleared it up! (User: appwizard)” |
| Flashlight Toggle Cycle | Toggling the flashlight rapidly during charging recalibrates the system. | “Surprisingly effective. (Reddit: flashlightfix)” |
Conclusion
Following the step-by-step solutions outlined in this guide, you can overcome the frustrations of a non-functional flashlight on your Android device. Whether it’s a software-related issue or a rare hardware problem, this ultimate guide has you covered.
So that is all from my side in today’s blog post. In today’s blog post, I showed you the absolute heat method you could use to fix a malfunctioning flashlight or not turn it on.
How to Prevent Flashlight Issues in the Future
- Regularly update your phone’s software to avoid bugs.
- Don’t overload your phone with unnecessary apps that may cause conflicts.
- Avoid dropping your phone, as it can misalign the flashlight module.
- Clean your phone’s cache periodically to keep apps running smoothly.
I hope this guide helped you fix your flashlight issues. If you have additional fixes or experiences, share them in the comments below. Your feedback can help others facing the same issue!
