[Top 10 Fixes] iOS 16/17/18: Flashlight not Working

Can’t turn on flashlight on your iPhone running iOS 16? You may need this guide to troubleshoot the issue - iOS 16 flashlight not working using 10 effective solutions.

Demi by Demi Updated October 24, 2024
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If you’re having trouble with your iOS 16/17/18 flashlight not working, you’re not alone. Many users have reported issues with this feature, which can be frustrating if you rely on it for tasks like navigating in the dark or find something in a dimly lit room.

flashlight not working

Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to get your iOS 16/17/18 flashlight working again. In this guide, we’ll walk you though 10 fixes that can help resolve common issues with the flashlight feature on your iPhone.

Why isn’t Flashlight Working in iOS 16/17/18?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s worth nothing that figuring out the possible reasons to the issue in advance can help solve the problem faster. Some common reasons that lead to iPhone flashlight not working in iOS 16/17/18 are listed below.

• Camera is in use. No matter whether your camera is in use or running in the background, your iPhone flashlight is automatically disabled.
• iPhone is in low battery status. If your iPhone battery is close to or less than 20%, some of the iPhone features, like flashlight will be temporarily disabled until you charge it.
• Unknown software bugs and glitches. Bugs and glitches can also disable the flashlight on iPhones, especially when you have used the device for long.

8 Fixes to iOS 16/17/18 Flashlight not Working

For flashlight not working on iPhone running iOS 16/17/18, here are a number of effective solutions that can help fix the issue.

1# Quick troubleshoots for flashlight not working in iOS 16/17/18

iPhone flashlight disabled may not be a serious problem, before any operations, you may quickly get out of the issue with the quick troubleshoots below.

Remove any cover
First and foremost, you should check to see if there is anything like case, camera protector, etc. in the way of your camera and lights operating.

Charge your iPhone
Flashlight not working in iOS 16/17/18 may simply be due to a lack of battery power on your iPhone. As a result, you should put your iPhone into a power source and start charging it.

Ensure your iPhone isn’t too hot
iPhone overheating is a long-standing problem for many iPhone users. Charging while playing, shooting/taking too many videos/photos at the same time, dropping in into water, and other factors can all have an impact on your iPhone.

As a result, if you do something that may cause it to be too hot, stop! Move it to a moderate place and try your flashlight again.

2# Quit apps running in the background

When troubleshooting iPhone flashlight not working in iOS 16/17/18 issue, it is best to exiting all background apps in the very beginning. Here is what you should do.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen > Swipe up all the apps’ previews.

quit all apps

3# Turn off & on LED flash for alerts

It is handy for someone who has missed a sound alarm when receiving a notice to enable LED flash for alert. And it is reported that turning if off and on is helpful when flashlight is not working. Just follow the steps to have a try.

Step 1. Go to the iPhone Settings app > Scroll down to locate and choose Accessibility > Audio/Visual.

Step 2. Find LED Flash for Alerts, and toggle the button off then on.

LED flash for alerts

4# Remove flashlight from Control Center

Removing flashlight from Control Center is one possible solution to your iOS 16/17/18 flashlight not working problem, this is the same as removing any problematic app from your iPhone. Follow the steps to remove flashlight and then reattach it.

Step 1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Control Center.

Step 2. Under Included Controls, tap the red minus ⛔ icon for flashlight > Click Remove to confirm.

remove flashlights

5# Turn off Low Power Mode

Why is the flashlight still dead despite the fact that you have charged your iPhone? Very likely because your Low Power Mode is not disabled. If you enable it, the flashlight will not be able to perform properly since the system will automatically limit background activity. All you have to do is disable it.

Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode > Toggle off the button next to it if it is enabled.

low power mode

6# Force restart iPhone

Force restarting iPhone can fix deeper problems and refresh all software processes. So, if your iPhone is frozen or any feature/app of it like the iOS 16/17/18 flashlight not working, try force restarting your iPhone.

To force restart iPhone with Face ID, quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

force restart iPhone

7# Check and update to the latest iOS

Never forget to upgrade the iOS system! Apple includes bug patches in every version, you may stop asking “why my iOS 16/17/18 flashlight is not functioning” after updating.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General Software Update. If there is a new iOS version, download and install it.

iOS software update

8# Reset all settings

It’s likely that you’ve tried all of the solutions above but with no success. If this is the case, you may need to reset all iPhone settings. It’s a basic repair, but it may solve the problem permanently. Here’s what you should do in that regard:

Step 1. Open Settings > Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

Step 2. Click on Reset All Settings > When asked, enter your password > Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm.

reset all settings

2 last resorts for flashlight not working in iOS 16/17/18

If iOS 16/17/18 flashlight not working problem still exist, there are 2 last resorts you can try to get out of it. While you should be noted in advance that both of the solutions will erase your iPhone data. Therefore, it is necessary to full backup your iPhone first.

Preparation: One-click full backup iPhone

FoneTool, a free iOS backup tool, offers you an easy and complete iPhone backup and restore solution.

With one-click, all your iPhone data will be backed up locally, including apps, Safari, system settings, as well as photos, contacts, text messages, music, etc. Follow the steps below to full backup iPhone without data loss.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch FoneTool > Connect your iPhone to PC via USB > When prompt, you need to tap Trust on your iPhone to let computer scan your iPhone.

Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 2. Choose Phone Backup from its homepage > Mouse over to Full Backup > Click Get Started to continue.

full backup

Step 3. Optionally, you can enable Backup encryption to protect your privacy > Choose a backup storage path > Click Start Backup and wait until it finishes.

start backup

It’s simple to restore the backup. After troubleshoot, head to the Backup History page in FoneTool, and locate the backup file to restore it to your iPhone.

full restore

9# Restore iPhone to factory settings

It’s suggested that you try this method when all others fail to show their abilities. Just make sure you backup all your iPhone data before to get started, and you can give it a shot.

Go to the iPhone Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings to reset your iPhone. Enter your passcode and begin the process.

erase all content and settings

10# Downgrade iOS 16/17/18 to the previous version

If you are sure that flashlight not working on iPhone after updating to iOS 16/17/18, you can try to downgrade iOS 16/17/18. Please make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on computer, and follow the steps to downgrade iOS 16/17/18.

Step 1. On your iPhone, turn off Find My iPhone function from Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

Step 2. Download previous iOS version like iOS 15 firmware file from Apple IPSW Downloads: Go to https://ipsw.me/ > Choose your iPhone type and the IPSW you need (Now, only iOS 15.5 is available) > Click Download.

download ipsw files

Step 3. Connect your iPhone to computer > Launch iTunes and tap the phone icon > Click the Summary from the left pane > Click Restore iPhone... option.

restore iPhone from iTunes

Step 4. Choose the IPSW file and click Open > A pop-up windows will appear and tell you that iTunes will restore your device to iOS 15.5, click Restore to confirm.

When it is done, you will be welcomed by the Hello screen. Just set up your iPhone like the way you used to do.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several solutions you can try if your iOS 16/17/18 flashlight not working. It's important to note that some of these fixes may cause data loss or other issues, so be sure to backup your iPhone before attempting any of them.

Additionally, if none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. For any other queries, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

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