A ​​flashlight on a smartphone is one of the most popular functions that helps out in the most unexpected situations: from searching for keys in a bag to illuminating a dark entrance. T Android 13 Google developers not only preserved the usual ways of controlling the flashlight, but also added new features that not all users know about. However, even this seemingly simple function has nuances: on some smartphone models (for example Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi), the layout of menu elements may differ, and on devices with custom firmware there may be no standard options at all.

In this guide we will look at all current ways to turn on a flashlight on Android 13 - from the classic swipe to the notification panel to voice commands and hidden functions for advanced users. We will pay special attention to typical problems: why the flashlight may not work, how to turn it on on a locked screen, and what to do if the option disappears after updating to Android 13. For convenience, we have collected instructions for different manufacturers (Google Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi and others) and added a function compatibility table.

If you think that you know everything about a flashlight, check yourself: did you know that it can be turned on on some devices double press the power button or even using Google Assistant without unlocking the screen? And what Pixel 7 Pro flashlight supports brightness adjustment directly from the quick settings panel? These and other life hacks are ahead.

1. Standard method: notification panel

The most universal and fastest method is using the notification panel. It works on all devices with Android 13, regardless of the manufacturer, and does not require additional settings. Here's how to do it:

  1. Unlock the screen (if it is locked). On some models, the flashlight can be turned on without unlocking - read about this in section 4.
  2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel. On most smartphones, one swipe is enough, but on devices with large screens (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra), you may need to swipe twice.
  3. Find the icon flashlight (usually an icon with a flashlight or flash). On Google Pixel it is located in the first row, on Xiaomi it can be hidden under the "More" button.
  4. Tap on the iconto turn on the flashlight. Pressing it again will turn it off.

If the flashlight icon is not in the quick settings panel, you can add it manually:

  1. Open the notification panel and click on the icon "Pencil" (or "Edit").
  2. In the list of available options, find "Flashlight" and drag it to the active area.
  3. Save changes.

Is the battery charged? (the flashlight drains the battery quickly)|

Is the camera clean (dirt on the flash reduces the brightness)|

Is there a case blocking the flash|

Is Do Not Disturb mode turned on (can block notifications)

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On some devices (for example, OnePlus 10 Pro), the quick settings panel supports adjusting the brightness of the flashlight. To do this, hold your finger on the flashlight icon - a slider with settings will appear. This is useful if the standard brightness is too high or, conversely, insufficient.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED screens (for example Samsung Galaxy S23), prolonged use of the flashlight at maximum brightness can lead to data-i="80">areas around the camera. If the smartphone becomes hot, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. overheating areas around the camera. If your smartphone becomes hot, let it cool for 5–10 minutes.

2. Voice control: “Okay, Google”

If your hands are busy or you are in the dark, you can turn on the flashlight using voice assistant. This method works on all devices with Google Assistant (pre-installed on most smartphones with Android 13) and does not require unlocking the screen.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Say "Okay, Google" or "Hey Google" (if the voice launch feature is enabled).
  2. After the beep, say the command:
    • 🔦 "Turn on the flashlight"
    • 🔦 "Turn on the light"
    • 🔦 "Turn on the flash"
  • The assistant will confirm the command and the flashlight will turn on.

    • To turn off the flashlight by voice, use similar commands with the addition of the word "turn off" or "turn off."

    Through the notification panel|

    Voice (Ok Google)|

    Gestures or buttons|

    Other way-->

    If voice commands do not work, check the following settings:

    • 📱 Make sure Google Assistant is turned on (Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Google Assistant).
    • 🎤 Enable voice launch in the Assistant settings.
    • 🌐 Check whether the smartphone is connected to the Internet (some voice commands require online access).
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei (without Google services) voice control of the flashlight works via Huawei Assistant. The commands may differ: try saying "Turn on the flashlight" in Chinese or English.

    3. Quick gestures and buttons

    Smartphone manufacturers often add unique ways to control the flashlightto stand out from competitors. For example, on Xiaomi and Redmi devices, you can turn on the flashlight by double pressing the power button, and on Motorola - using the “shake phone” gesture. Let's look at the most popular options.

    3.1. Double press the power button (Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco)

    This function is available on most smartphones Xiaomi s MIUI 13/14 (including models Redmi Note 11, Poco X4 Pro etc.). To activate it:

    1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Gestures and motions → Double press the power button.
    2. Select the option "Flashlight".
    3. Now double click on the on/off button will turn on/off the flashlight, even if the screen is locked.

    3.2. "Shake" gesture (Motorola, some Samsung models)

    On smartphones Motorola (for example, Moto G72) and some devices Samsung (series Galaxy A) you can turn on the flashlight, just shaking the phone. To do this:

    1. Open Settings → Motions (or Convenience → Gestures on Samsung).
    2. Find the option "Shake for flashlight" and turn it on.
    3. Adjust the sensitivity of the gesture (if available).

    After activation, it is enough quickly shake your smartphone twicefor the flashlight to light up. This method is convenient when your hands are wet or you are wearing gloves.

    3.3. Long-press the volume button (Google Pixel)

    On smartphones Google Pixel (starting from Pixel 4 and newer), the flashlight can be turned on hold the volume down button for 1-2 seconds. This feature works even on a locked screen. To activate it:

    1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures → Hold the volume button.
    2. Select "Flashlight".
    What to do if gestures do not work?

    If flashlight gestures do not work, check:

    1. Are there any conflicts with other gestures (for example, on Xiaomi, double pressing the power may be occupied by launching the camera).

    2. Is the software updated? —some functions appear only after installing the latest security patches.

    3. Are accessibility disabled —some gestures work through the "Accessibility" menu, which can be turned off by the device administrator (for example, on a work phone).

    Manufacturer Model Gesture/button for flashlight Works on a locked screen?
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 Double press the power button Yes
    Motorola Moto G84, Edge 40 Shake the phone Yes
    Google Pixel 7, Pixel 6a Hold the volume button Yes
    Samsung Galaxy S23, A54 Shake (on some models) Depends on the firmware
    OnePlus OnePlus 11, Nord 3 Triple press the power button No

    4. Flashlight on a locked screen

    Situations when you urgently need to turn on a flashlight, but the screen is locked, happen often. Fortunately, this is possible on most smartphones with Android 13 - the main thing is to know the right way. Here 3 proven methods:

    4.1. Through the notification panel (most devices)

    On many smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel), the notification panel is available even on the locked screen. Simple:

    1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
    2. Find the flashlight icon and tap on it.

    If the panel does not open, check your lock settings: access to notifications on the locked screen may be disabled.

    4.2. Voice command (without unlocking)

    As mentioned earlier, Google Assistant can turn on the flashlight even when the screen is locked. To do this: Google Assistant status

    1. Tell "Hey Google, turn on the flashlight".
    2. If the screen does not respond, check if it is turned on voice start in locked state (Settings → Security → Screen lock settings → Voice launch).

    4.3. Gestures or buttons (depending on the model)

    On some devices, the flashlight can be turned on without unlocking by:

    • 🔘 Double-clicking the power button (Xiaomi, Redmi).
    • 🔊 Holding the button volume (Google Pixel).
    • 🤳 Shake gesture (Motorola).
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with strict security policies (for example, corporate phones), access to the flashlight on the locked screen can be disabled by the administrator. In this case, unlock the screen using the standard method (PIN, fingerprint, Face ID).
    💡

    If the flashlight does not turn on on the locked screen, try adding its icon to bottom quick settings panel - this will make it easier for one person to reach it hand.

    5. Problems with the flashlight on Android 13: causes and solutions

    Sometimes the flashlight refuses to turn on or does not work correctly. This may be due to software failures, hardware problems or energy saving settings. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

    5.1. The flashlight does not turn on at all

    If the flashlight icon in the notification panel is inactive or nothing happens when pressed, check:

    • 🔋 Battery charge — on some devices the flashlight turns off when the charge level is below 5%.
    • 📸 Camera status — if the flash is physically damaged or dirty, the flashlight may not work.
    • 🛠️ Permissions for the Camera application —go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Permissions and make sure access to the camera and flashlight is allowed.
    • 🔄 Restarting the device — sometimes a simple reboot helps, especially if the problem appeared after an update.

    5.2. The flashlight turns off spontaneously

    If the flashlight goes out after a few seconds, the reasons may be as follows:

    • 🔋 Energy saving mode — turn it off in Settings → Battery → Mode energy saving.
    • ⏱️ Auto shutdown timer —on some devices (for example, Samsung) the flashlight turns off after 5-10 minutes to save battery. This behavior can be changed in the camera settings.
    • 📱 Overheating —If the smartphone gets hot, Android 13 can force the flashlight to turn off to protect the battery.

    5.3. The flashlight is blinking or is unstable

    A flashing flashlight usually indicates:

    • 💡 Problems with the firmware —update the software to the latest version.
    • 🔌 Conflict with other applications —try turning on the flashlight safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe Mode").
    • 🔧 Hardware defect —if the problem persists, the flash or camera cable may be faulty.
    💡

    If the flashlight stops working after updating to Android 13, try resetting the Camera application settings (Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Reset settings).

    5.4. No flashlight icon in the notification panel

    If the flashlight icon disappears after the update, do the following:

    1. Check whether it is hidden in the notification panel settings (Settings → Notifications → Quick settings panel).
    2. Update the application "Google" in the Play Market - sometimes the flashlight icon depends on Google services.
    3. On devices Samsung try adding a flashlight widget to the home screen.

    6. 13

    A flashlight on modern smartphones is not just about turning the flash on/off. In Android 13 and on devices with custom firmware (for example, MIUI, One UI, OxygenOS) there are advanced settingsavailable, which many users are not aware of.

    6.1. Adjusting brightness (Google Pixel, OnePlus)

    On some devices (for example, Google Pixel 7 or OnePlus 11) you can change the brightness of the flashlight. this:

    1. Turn on the flashlight through the notification panel.
    2. Hold your finger on the flashlight icon - a brightness slider will appear.
    3. Adjust the level to suit your needs (for example, 30% is enough for reading in the dark brightness).

    6.2. Strobe mode (SOS)

    On devices Samsung and some models Xiaomi the flashlight supports SOS mode - flashing at a certain frequency, which can be used to send distress signals. activate: SOS mode data-i="297">or

    1. Open the application "Camera".
    2. Go to settings (gear in the corner).
    3. Find the option "SOS signal" or "Blinking flashlight".

    6.3. Automatic shutdown by timer

    If you often forget to turn off the flashlight, set automatic shutdown. To do this:

    • On Samsung: Settings → Additional functions → Flashlight → Timer.
    • On Xiaomi: use the application "Quick Tools" (Quick Tools) to create automation.
    • On other devices: install a third-party application like Flashlight Timer from the Play Market.

    6.4. calls/SMS

    The flashlight can blink when there are incoming calls or messages. To enable this feature:

    1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Hearing → Camera notifications.
    2. Enable option "Blinking flash".

    Now, when making a call or SMS, the flashlight will blink, even if the phone is face down.

    How to use a flashlight to shoot video?

    If you shoot a video in the dark and want to use a flashlight as a source light:

    1. Open the application "Camera".

    2. Switch to the mode "Video".

    3. data-i="326">and select "flash" and select "On" (not to be confused with the flash!).

    4. The flashlight will be on continuously while recording is in progress.

    7. Third-party flashlight applications

    If the standard flashlight functions do not suit you, there are dozens of alternative applications with advanced functionality. We tested the most popular and selected the best. Google Play There are dozens of alternative applications with advanced functionality. We tested the most popular and selected the best.

    7.1. Tiny Flashlight + LED

    One ​​of the most popular applications with brightness adjustment, color filters (you can make the flashlight red, blue or green) and widget for the main screen. Supports:

    • 🔦 Blinking mode (SOS, strobe).
    • 🎨 Color filters (useful for photographers).
    • ⏱️ Automatic shutdown timer.

    Download: Tiny Flashlight in Play Market.

    7.2. Flashlight by iHandy

    App with minimalistic design and additional functions:

    • 📱 Widget for quick access.
    • 🔋 Level indicator charge (shows how much energy is left when the flashlight is on).
    • 🌍 Night mode (red light, not blinding).

    7.3. Super-Bright LED Flashlight

    An application for those who need maximum brightness. Supports:

    • 💡 Brightness boost (on some devices up to +30%).
    • 🔄 Gestures for controls (shake to turn off).
    • 🛡️ No advertising in the premium version.
    ⚠️ Attention: Some third-party applications require suspicious permissions (for example, access to contacts or location). Install only proven apps with high ratings and a large number of downloads. Read reviews before installation!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the flashlight on Android 13

    🔦 Why is the flashlight on my smartphone very dim?

    The dim light of the flashlight may be due to:

    • 🔋 Battery saving — disable the power saving mode.
    • 📱 Settings cameras —on some devices the brightness of the flashlight is tied to the flash settings.
    • 💡 Hardware limitations —on budget models (for example, Redmi 9A) the flash is less powerful.

    Try installing a third-party application (for example, Tiny Flashlight) and check if it changes brightness.

    📱 Is it possible to turn on the flashlight on Android 13 without unlocking the screen?

    Yes, but the methods depend on the smartphone model:

    • On Google Pixel - hold the volume down button.
    • On Xiaomi/Redmi — double-click on the power button (must be enabled in settings).
    • On Samsung — swipe down for the notification panel (if not disabled in security settings).

    If nothing works, check your lock settings screen.

    ⚡ The flashlight quickly drains the battery. How to reduce consumption?

    To make the flashlight consume less energy:

    • 🔘 Reduce the brightness (if there is an adjustment).
    • ⏱️ Set the automatic shutdown timer.
    • 🔋 Close background applications before turning on flashlight.
    • 📴 Use airplane modeif you do not need the Internet.

    On some devices (for example, Samsung) a flashlight in minimum brightness mode consumes up to 50% less charge.

    🔧 After updating to Android 13, the flashlight icon disappeared. What to do?

    Try the following steps:

    1. Restart your smartphone.
    2. Update the application "Google" in the Play Market.
    3. Add an icon manually by editing the panel notifications.
    4. Reset the application settings "Camera" (Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Reset).

    If all else fails, check if the flashlight function is disabled in developer settings (sometimes this happens after resetting the settings).

    📸 Is it possible to use a flashlight as a constant light source for shooting?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 🎥 In video mode, the flashlight will be on constantly if you turn it on through the app "Camera".
    • ⚠️ Long-term use (more than 10 minutes) can lead to overheating the area around the camera.
    • 🔋 For long-term shooting, it is better to use an external light source.

    On Google Pixel i Samsung Galaxy S-series, the flashlight automatically turns off after 5 minutes of continuous operation to protect the battery.