Every iPhone has a built-in flashlight that uses the camera flash LED, and there are several fast ways to turn it on: Control Center, the Lock Screen button, Siri, the Action button and Back Tap. You can also make it brighter or dimmer. This guide covers every method on current iPhones and older models like the iPhone 5 and iPhone SE, plus what to do if the flashlight is grayed out.
Quick Answer
Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner, or up from the bottom on iPhones with a Home button) and tap the Flashlight button. Tap it again to turn it off. Touch and hold the button to change the brightness.
Method 1: Control Center
- Open Control Center.
- Tap the Flashlight icon. It turns white when on.
- Tap it again to turn it off.
Don’t see it? Customize Control Center: on iOS 18 and later, touch and hold an empty area of Control Center, tap Add a Control and choose Flashlight. On iOS 17 and earlier, go to Settings > Control Center and tap the green + next to Flashlight.
Method 2: Lock Screen
On iPhone X and later, press firmly or touch and hold the flashlight button in the bottom-left corner of the Lock Screen. On iOS 18 and later, you can swap this button for a different control by customizing the Lock Screen.
Method 3: Siri
Say “Siri, turn on my flashlight” or “Turn off the flashlight.” This works even when the iPhone is locked, if Siri is allowed on the Lock Screen.
Method 4: Action Button or Back Tap
- Action button (iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPhone 16 and later): Settings > Action Button, swipe to Flashlight. Press and hold the button to toggle it.
- Back Tap (iPhone 8 and later): Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then select Flashlight. Tap the back of the iPhone to toggle it.
Adjust Flashlight Brightness
- Open Control Center.
- Touch and hold the Flashlight button.
- Drag the slider up or down. iPhone remembers the last brightness level.
On iPhone 14 Pro and later running iOS 18 or later, Dynamic Island shows a flashlight control where you can swipe to adjust both brightness and beam width on supported models.
Older iPhones (iPhone 5, 5s and SE)
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center and tap the flashlight icon in the bottom row. On iOS 10 and later, 3D Touch or Haptic Touch on the icon gives brightness options on supported models.
Flashlight Grayed Out or Not Working?
- Camera app open: the flashlight can’t be used while the Camera app is using the flash. Close Camera from the App Switcher.
- Phone too hot or cold: the flashlight is disabled until the temperature returns to normal.
- Low battery: charge the iPhone, or turn off Low Power Mode and try again.
- Restart the iPhone and update iOS.
- Test the camera flash in the Camera app. If neither works, the LED may need repair.
For turning the light off when it won’t go off, see how to turn off the flashlight on an iPhone.
On newer iPhones, see how to turn on the iPhone flashlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the flashlight drain the battery?
A little. Leaving it on for an hour uses a noticeable amount, so turn it off when you’re done.
Can I use the flashlight for notifications?
Yes. Turn on LED Flash for Alerts in Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual.
Why does the flashlight turn on by itself?
Usually an accidental press on the Lock Screen button or Back Tap. Turn off Back Tap or swap the Lock Screen control.
Summary
- Open Control Center and tap Flashlight.
- Or use the Lock Screen button, Siri, Action button or Back Tap.
- Touch and hold the button to adjust brightness.
- Close the Camera app if the button is grayed out.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.