The flashlight on Apple devices is a useful tool for a variety of situations, from navigating in the dark to signaling in emergencies. Both the iPhone and Apple Watch include flashlight features, though they work differently. The iPhone uses an LED light near the camera, while the Apple Watch relies on its screen at maximum brightness.
This guide covers how to turn on and off the Apple flashlight, adjust brightness, troubleshoot common issues, and use it efficiently.
How to Turn On the Flashlight on iPhone
There are several ways to activate the flashlight on an iPhone.
Using Control Center
Swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone X and later or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone 8 and earlier. Tap the flashlight icon to turn it on. Tap the icon again to turn it off.
Using the Lock Screen
Press and hold the flashlight icon in the bottom left corner of the lock screen. Release when the flashlight turns on. This works on iPhones with Face ID.
Using Siri
Activate Siri by saying hey Siri, turn on the flashlight. To turn it off, say hey Siri, turn off the flashlight.
How to Adjust Flashlight Brightness on iPhone
iPhones allow users to adjust the flashlight brightness for different needs.
Open control center. Press and hold the flashlight icon until the brightness slider appears. Drag the slider up to increase brightness or down to dim the light.
This is useful when conserving battery or needing softer lighting.
How to Turn On the Flashlight on Apple Watch
Unlike the iPhone, the Apple Watch does not have an LED flashlight. Instead, it brightens its screen to provide illumination.
Turning On the Apple Watch Flashlight
Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open control center. Tap the flashlight icon. The screen will turn white at maximum brightness.
Switching Between Flashlight Modes
Apple Watch offers three flashlight modes.
Standard white light for general use. Flashing white light for safety or signaling. Red light for preserving night vision.
To switch modes, swipe left while the flashlight is on.
Turning Off the Flashlight on Apple Watch
Press the digital crown or swipe down on the screen to turn off the flashlight.
Using Flashlight for Emergency Situations
The flashlight can be an important tool for safety and signaling.
Using the Flashing Mode on Apple Watch
The flashing white light mode makes the wearer more visible in the dark, useful when walking at night or in low-visibility situations.
Enabling LED Flash Alerts on iPhone
The iPhone can use its LED flash as a visual alert for notifications, which is helpful for those in noisy environments or with hearing impairments.
Open settings. Go to accessibility, then audio visual. Turn on LED flash for alerts.
This feature flashes the iPhone’s light when receiving notifications.
Saving Battery While Using the Flashlight
Using the flashlight continuously drains battery life. Here are some ways to optimize usage.
Lower the Brightness
Reduce flashlight intensity through control center to preserve battery power.
Turn It Off When Not in Use
Check the iPhone’s lock screen to ensure the flashlight is not left on unintentionally.
Use Apple Watch Instead
For short-term lighting, the Apple Watch flashlight is a lower-power alternative.
Troubleshooting Common Flashlight Issues
iPhone Flashlight Not Turning On
If the flashlight is unresponsive, restart the iPhone. Check if low power mode is enabled, as it may disable some functions. Ensure no apps, such as cameras, are using the flash.
Flashlight Button Greyed Out
A grayed-out flashlight icon usually means that another app is using the camera or flash.
Close the camera app or any app using the LED light. Restart the device to refresh system functions.
Apple Watch Flashlight Not Working
If the Apple Watch flashlight does not activate, ensure the watch is updated to the latest watchOS version. Check control center settings to confirm the flashlight is enabled. Restart the Apple Watch.
iPhone Flashlight Too Dim or Flickering
If the flashlight is dim or flickering, increase brightness in the control center. Check if the iPhone case is blocking the LED light. Reset all settings under settings, general, reset, reset all settings.
Comparing iPhone and Apple Watch Flashlights
| Feature | iPhone Flashlight | Apple Watch Flashlight |
| Light Source | LED Flash | Screen Brightness |
| Adjustable Brightness | Yes | No |
| Flashing Mode | No | Yes |
| Emergency Use | LED Alerts Available | Flashing White Light for Visibility |
Additional Features for Future Updates
Apple could enhance flashlight functionality with the following improvements.
Siri flashlight brightness control allowing users to adjust brightness through voice commands. Scheduled flashlight activation to turn on at set times. Battery-saving flashlight mode that dims the light when battery levels are low.
FAQs
How do I quickly turn on the flashlight on iPhone
Use the control center or press the flashlight icon on the lock screen.
Can I adjust iPhone flashlight brightness
Yes, press and hold the flashlight icon in control center to access the brightness slider.
Does Apple Watch have an LED flashlight
No, it uses the screen at maximum brightness instead of an LED.
How do I switch Apple Watch flashlight modes
Swipe left after turning on the flashlight to cycle through white, flashing white, and red light modes.
Why is my iPhone flashlight not working
Restart the phone, check for low power mode, or close any apps using the camera.