Is the flashlight on your iPhone not working? Don’t worry! This is a common problem that can often be fixed easily. In this blog post, we will share the 10 best ways to get your iPhone flashlight working again.
The flashlights on iPhones can stop working for a few different reasons. Maybe the flashlight toggle switch got stuck or disabled, the camera or LED flash is damaged, or there is a software glitch.
Whatever the cause, not having a working flashlight on your iPhone can be frustrating and inconvenient.
But there’s good news – in most cases, you can get your iPhone flashlight working again fairly easily on your own.
With a few simple troubleshooting tips and tricks, you can often resolve the issue in just a few minutes.
We will walk through the top 10 ways to fix an iPhone flashlight that is not working. These include basic steps like restarting your device, checking for app and software updates, using the AssistiveTouch shortcut, and more.
If the problem persists after trying these troubleshooting methods, we will also cover how to get further support via Apple or a repair shop.
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10 Best Ways to Fix iPhone Flashlight Not Working
1. Restart Your iPhone
The first thing to try when your iPhone flashlight stops working is simply restarting your device. Restarting can clear out minor glitches that may be preventing the flashlight from operating.
Follow these steps:
- For iPhone 8 or earlier – Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until “Slide to Power Off” appears. Slide to turn off. Then hold the Sleep/Wake button again until you see the Apple logo to turn back on.
- For iPhone X or later – Hold down the Side button and either Volume button until the slider appears. Slide to turn off. Then hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo to turn on.
Once your iPhone completely restarts, try toggling the flashlight on and off. Many times this simple reboot is all you need to get the flashlight working again.
2. Check for App Updates
If restarting your iPhone didn’t fix the problem, next check for any app updates. Go to the App Store and tap your profile icon at the top. Then select “Check for Updates.” Install any available updates.
App updates sometimes include bug fixes that can resolve problems like an unresponsive flashlight. After updating all apps, try the flashlight again. Updating iOS is also a good idea.
3. Make Sure the Flashlight Switch is Enabled
Another possible cause of an iPhone flashlight not working is if the flashlight toggle switch has become disabled. To check this:
- Go to Settings > Control Center
- Make sure the Flashlight icon is green and says “Included”
- If it is gray and says “Removed”, tap the + icon to re-add it
This will make sure the flashlight shortcut in the Control Center is actually available to be turned on.
4. Check Camera and LED Flash
The iPhone flashlight uses the LED flash associated with the rear camera. So if this LED flash is damaged in some way, that can cause flashlight problems.
First, inspect the camera area on the back of your device and make sure there is no visible damage to the LED flash.
Next, open up the Camera app and take a few photos with the flash enabled. If the camera flash works, then there is likely an issue with the flashlight toggle/software rather than a hardware problem.
5. Reset All Settings
Resetting all settings on your iPhone will clear out any corrupted settings that could be messing with system functions like the flashlight.
To reset settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings (this does NOT erase data)
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm
Your iPhone will reboot and reset back to factory settings. Now try the flashlight again. If it’s still not working, move on to the next steps.
6. Use AssistiveTouch Shortcut
The AssistiveTouch accessibility feature lets you turn on the flashlight with onscreen button presses, without using the regular flashlight toggle switch.
To use AssistiveTouch to enable the flashlight:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch
- Turn on AssistiveTouch
- A circle icon will appear on your screen – this is the AssistiveTouch menu
- Tap the icon and select Device > More > Flashlight from the menu
- The flashlight will turn on!
If this works, it means the hardware is fine and the problem is with the software toggle switch. Keep this AssistiveTouch shortcut enabled as a temporary workaround.
Read Also: How to Fix a Tecno Phone that Keeps Restarting
7. Check for Water Damage
It’s possible water damage could cause the iPhone flashlight not to turn on. Water can get into the device and cause corrosion or shorts with the LED flash.
Carefully inspect your iPhone for any signs of water damage. Things to look for include:
- Water in microphone or speaker holes
- Blurry or foggy camera lens
- Rattling or abnormal sounds
- Flashes or flickering when you turn it on
- Unresponsive buttons
- Red indicator in SIM card slot
If you see evidence of water damage, you will likely need professional phone repair or replacement. Your options include Apple Support, third-party repair shops, or phone insurance if you have it.
8. Update or Restore iOS
Software issues are a common reason for iPhone flashlight problems. Updating iOS or doing a full restore can often resolve glitches like this.
First, try updating to the latest iOS version via Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates.
If the flashlight is still not working, the nuclear option is an iOS restore:
- Connect to iTunes on a computer
- Put the iPhone in recovery mode (press Volume Down then Volume Up then hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen)
- In iTunes, click Restore
This will completely reinstall a fresh copy of iOS, fixing any corrupt system files. Run through setup again until you reach the home screen. Now test the flashlight again.
9. Hardware Repair or Replacement
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your iPhone flashlight still does not turn on, it’s likely a hardware issue with the LED flash. At this point repair or replacement are your options.
Apple Support can run diagnostics and possibly repair or replace your iPhone if it is still under warranty. Visit an Apple Store or contact them online for assistance.
For out-of-warranty devices, you will need to go to a third-party repair shop. They can do part replacements if possible or give you a cost estimate for a replacement phone if needed.
10. Use a Flashlight App Instead
If all else fails and you need a flashlight right away, install a flashlight app for temporary use until you can get your iPhone flashlight fixed.
Some top options include Flashlight+ HD, Lumos Flashlight, and Tiny Flashlight + LED. These provide bright flashlight functionality using your iPhone screen rather than the LED flash.
While not an ideal permanent substitute, a flashlight app can get you out of a jam when your usual iPhone flashlight stops working.
Read Also: Why itel Phone Keeps Restarting (And How To Fix It)
To Sum Up
Having your iPhone flashlight suddenly stop functioning can be a hassle. But in many cases, you can get it working again through simple troubleshooting techniques.
Using the AssistiveTouch shortcut offers a handy temporary workaround as well. For hardware issues that require professional repair, Apple Support or a qualified independent repair shop can replace any damaged parts.
As a last resort, flashlight apps can provide emergency illumination if needed.
With the handy tips in this article, you now have a handy toolkit to get your recalcitrant iPhone flashlight shining brightly once again.
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