iPhone flashlight not working? 7 fixes to try
2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Close the Camera app, because the flashlight cannot be used while the camera is open. Take off any case or accessory that covers the flash, then open Control Center and tap the Flashlight button. If the button is missing, add it under Settings, Control Center.
The flashlight uses the same LED as the camera flash. If it is greyed out or stays dark, the camera is usually using it, the phone is too hot or too low on power, or the button has gone missing from Control Center.
Menu names are from recent versions of iOS. On older versions a few entries have slightly different names, which are given in the steps.
Step by step
Close the Camera app
The flashlight button is greyed out while the camera is in use. Swipe up from the bottom and close Camera and any other app that uses the camera, such as a video call.
Remove the case and accessories
Take off any case, film or attachment that could cover the flash on the back.
Use Control Center
Swipe down from the top right corner (on an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge) and tap the Flashlight button. You can also press and hold the Flashlight button at the bottom left of the Lock Screen.
Add the button if it is missing
Open Settings, tap Control Center and add Flashlight to the controls.
Raise the brightness
In Control Center, touch and hold the Flashlight button and drag the slider up. A light set to the lowest level is easy to miss in daylight.
Test the flash in the camera
Open Camera and take a photo with the flash switched on. If the flash works only now and then, choose a different flash setting in the Camera app and try again.
Restart and update
Restart the iPhone (how to restart or force restart an iPhone) and install any waiting update (how to update an iPhone).
Good to know
A very hot iPhone switches the flash off until it has cooled down. See iPhone overheating: 7 fixes and what the temperature warning means.
On an iPhone with an Action button you can put the flashlight on that button: how to change what the Action button does on an iPhone.
If neither the flashlight nor the flash works after all of this, Apple says the iPhone may need service.
In short: Close Camera, remove the case, Control Center, add the button, raise the brightness, test the flash, restart and update.
- Apple Support: Turn the flashlight on or off on your iPhone or iPad Pro
- Apple Support: If the camera or flash on your iPhone isn't working
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.