How to Turn On or Off the Flashlight on Android: A Simple Guide

The flashlight feature on most smartphones serves a dual purpose: while it helps improve the lighting for your photos, it also functions as a convenient tool for everyday situations. Whether you’re trying to unlock your door at night or searching for something in a dark room, your phone’s flashlight can be extremely helpful. Here’s how to quickly and easily turn the flashlight on or off on Android devices.

Turning the Flashlight On or Off via Android Quick Settings

The most straightforward way to access your flashlight on an Android device is through the Quick Settings menu. Follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification area.
2. Swipe down again to expand the Quick Settings menu.
3. Look for the “Flashlight” toggle and tap it. This will turn the flashlight on or off.

If you don’t see the flashlight option in your Quick Settings, you can easily add it:

1. Pull down the notification bar again by swiping from the top of the screen.
2. Swipe down once more to see the full Quick Settings menu.
3. Tap the pencil icon to edit your Quick Settings options.
4. Find the “Flashlight” icon, tap, and hold it, then drag it to your active Quick Settings area.

Once you’ve done this, the flashlight toggle will be readily available for future use.

Using a Flashlight App as an Alternative

If your device doesn’t have a built-in flashlight toggle in the Quick Settings, or if you prefer a more customised experience, there are plenty of flashlight apps available for download from the Google Play Store. Here’s how to find and use a flashlight app:

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for “flashlight app.”
2. Download your preferred app (many are free and offer additional features).
3. Once installed, open the app to turn on the flashlight.

Using a third-party app can offer added functionality, such as adjustable brightness or strobe effects, depending on the app you choose.

Activating the Flashlight Using Google Assistant

Since its introduction in 2016, Google Assistant has evolved to include various helpful functions, including controlling your phone’s flashlight with voice commands. All Android devices running version 6.0 Marshmallow or higher can use Google Assistant to operate the flashlight hands-free. Here’s how:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google,” or by pressing and holding the side button on most modern phones.
2. Once Google Assistant is active, say, “Turn on the flashlight.”
3. To turn it off, simply say, “Turn off the flashlight.”

For those who prefer not to use voice commands, you can also type your requests to Google Assistant. To do this:

1. Open Google Assistant.
2. Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom left corner.
3. Type “Turn on the flashlight” or “Turn off the flashlight” as needed.

Customising the Side Button to Launch Google Assistant

By default, many Android devices allow you to launch Google Assistant by pressing and holding the side button. However, if this feature has been changed or disabled, you can reconfigure it in the settings. Here’s how to adjust the side button’s function:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the “System” section.
3. Tap on “Gestures.”
4. Select “Press & hold power button.”
5. Choose the function you want the button to perform. In this case, set it to activate Google Assistant.

This setup ensures that you can always quickly access Google Assistant, making it even easier to use voice commands like turning the flashlight on or off.