10 Ways to Fix iPhone Flashlight Not Working in iOS 18

User Concern

“Hi, my flashlight stopped working after installing iOS 18. It's even not available on the locked screen. Any ideas what I could do to fix it?”

The flashlight is one of the handiest tools on an iPhone, especially in dark or low-light situations. Whether you're outside at night or searching for something in a dark room, the flashlight is just a tap away - even from the lock screen.

However, this convenient feature can sometimes stop working, leaving the flashlight icon greyed out and unresponsive. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up 10 proven solutions to help you get your iPhone’s flashlight working again. Let’s get started.

Why Did My iPhone Flashlight Suddenly Stop Working?

If your iPhone flashlight suddenly stopped working, there could be several reasons. Here's a breakdown of the most common causes:

• Incompatible Cases: Some cases can block the flashlight or press against the camera area, which can stop the light from working properly.
• Low Battery: If your battery is very low or Low Power Mode is turned on, the flashlight might be disabled to save energy.
• Incorrect Settings: The flashlight might be turned off in settings or removed from the Control Center by mistake.
• Outdated iOS: If your iPhone’s software isn’t up to date, it might cause problems with features like the flashlight.
• Software Glitches: Sometimes, your iPhone may have a small bug that causes the flashlight to stop working.
• Hardware Issues: There might be a problem with the LED flash itself, such as a damaged LED flash or internal component.

Basic Solutions for iPhone Flashlight Not Working

Force Close the Camera App

If the Camera app is open, it can interfere with the flashlight since both use the same LED. When the camera is active, the flashlight won’t work.

To fix this, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on iPhones with Touch ID) to view recent apps. If the Camera app is open, swipe it up to close it.

Charge Your iPhone

The flashlight may not work on iPhone if the device is run out of power. That’s to say, you should ensure that your iPhone has sufficient power before opening the flashlight.

It is also recommended to disable Low Power Mode by going to iPhone Settings > Battery. Also, you can turn it off in the Control Center.

Remove iPhone Case

Certain iPhone cases or screen protectors can block the flash and stop the flashlight from working properly. If your flashlight isn’t working, try removing any case or accessories. If it works afterward, then the issue was likely caused by the case or attachment - not your iPhone.

Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can often fix minor software glitches and bugs. It refreshes temporary settings that might be causing the flashlight or other features to stop working. Here’s how to do it:

• On iPhone without Home button: Hold the Volume button and Side button until you see the power slider. Slide to turn off. Then hold the Side button to turn it back on.
• On iPhone with Home button: Hold the Side or Top button until the power slider shows. Slide to turn off. Then hold the same button to turn it on again.

Force Restart iPhone

Sometimes a normal restart won’t fix the issue. In that case, try a hard reset, which gives your iPhone a deeper refresh. Here’s how to do it:

• For iPhone 8 and newer: Press and quickly let go of Volume Up. Press and quickly let go of Volume Down. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down and Side button together until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home and Power button until you see the Apple logo.

Advanced Ways to Fix Flashlight Not Working on iPhone

Update Your iPhone

If your iPhone flashlight still isn’t working, try updating your iOS. Apple often includes bug fixes in updates, so installing the latest version might fix any software glitch that's affecting the flashlight.

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General.
• Next, choose Software Update and wait while your device checks for any available updates.
• If an update is available, tap Update Now, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Reset All Settings on iPhone

This process won’t delete your data or apps. It simply resets your iPhone’s settings to their defaults, which can help fix issues like a missing or non-working flashlight icon.

• On your iPhone, open Settings and tap General.
• Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Reset.
• Choose Reset All Settings, enter your passcode when asked.

Restore iPhone to Factory Settings

If resetting all settings doesn’t work, a factory reset might fix deeper software problems. This will erase all data and settings, so make sure to back up your iPhone first.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Follow the on-screen steps to back up your data to iCloud if needed.
• Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
• Once the reset is complete, restore your data and check if the flashlight works.

Fix Flashlight Issue without Data Loss

If your iPhone flashlight still isn’t working after trying all the solutions above, the problem may be with the iOS system itself. The easiest and most reliable way to fix system-related issues is by using a professional tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery.

This tool can repair iOS issues without erasing your data. It not only fixes flashlight problems but also helps with black screen, boot loops, camera issues, and more. It supports nearly all iPhone models and works perfectly with iOS 18/17.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to fix the iPhone flashlight not working issue without losing any data:

Step 1. Download and launch the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your computer. Then choose "Standard Mode".

Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. The tool will find the right iOS firmware for your device. Just click "Download" to get it.

Step 3. Finally, click the "Fix Now" button to begin the repair. Once it’s done, turn on your iPhone and see if the flashlight is working again.

Contact Apple Support

If the flashlight button lights up but the flashlight won’t turn on, it’s likely a hardware issue. In this case, you should contact Apple or visit an authorized repair center. If your iPhone is under warranty, the repair may be free.

Avoid trying to fix the flashlight yourself, as this could void your warranty and possibly make the problem worse.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering why your iPhone flashlight won’t work, we hope these fixes have helped you solve the problem. For a fast and reliable solution, FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is a great option. It fixes iOS issues without causing any data loss. You can download it and try the free trial today.