The flashlight on smartphones Samsung Galaxy is one of the most popular functions, but sometimes it turns on accidentally or is forgotten in the active state, which leads to rapid battery drain. The problem is especially pressing for owners of models with side lock button, where the flashlight can be triggered if pressed inaccurately in your pocket. In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to turn off the flashlight - from standard to hidden functions that not everyone knows about.
Many users are faced with a situation where the flashlight continues to work even after the screen is locked. This is due to energy saving settings and firmware features One UI. For example, on Galaxy S23 Ultra i Galaxy A54 the flashlight control algorithm differs from older models. We tested all methods on current versions of Android 13–14 and identified those that work reliably.
If you notice that the flashlight turns on spontaneously, this may be due to damage to the power button or a malfunction Bixby Routines. In this case, not only shutting down will help, but also diagnosing the device. Below you will find instructions for all scenarios, including forced mode (when the screen does not respond to touches).
1. Turning off the flashlight through the notification panel
The fastest and most universal way is to use Notification Center. It works on all models Samsung, regardless of version One UI or Android.
To turn off the flashlight:
- Swipe top to bottom across the screen to open the panel notifications.
- If the panel is not fully expanded, swipe again to access all icons.
- Find the "Flashlight"** icon (usually depicted as a flashlight) and click on it.
On some devices (for example, Galaxy Z Flip5), the notification panel may be divided into two parts. In this case, the flashlight icon is usually located in first swipe (short). If the icon is missing, you can add it manually:
- 🔧 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the notification panel.
- 📱 Select "Order buttons" or "Customizing the toolbar».
- 🔄 Drag the flashlight icon to the active zone.
If the notification panel does not respond to swipes (for example, due to a crash TouchWiz), try unlocking the screen and repeating the action. On models with Always On Display (for example, Galaxy S22+), you can turn on the flashlight directly from the locked screen - you will need to unlock it to turn it off.
On Galaxy S24 and newer, the notification panel supports a double-tap gesture on the flashlight icon to turn on/off maximum brightness.
2. Using the side button (for models with a physical key)
On most flagship models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S21, S22, S23), the flashlight can be controlled using Lock buttons. This function is called "Flashlight quick start" and is enabled by default.
To turn off the flashlight:
- Press the button twice power/lock (even if the screen is locked).
- If the flashlight does not respond, check the settings: go to
Settings → Additional functions → Quick launch and gestures.
On some devices (for example Galaxy A73) this feature may be disabled by default. To activate it:
- 🔘 Go to
Settings → Additional functions. - 🔦 Find the item "Quick launch of flashlight" and turn it on.
- ⚙️ If necessary, adjust the sensitivity (for example, disable triggering in your pocket).
⚠️ Attention: On Galaxy Z Fold/Flip pressing the power button twice opens the camera by default. To reassign the action, use Settings → Additional functions → Side button.
☑️ Checking the operation of the flashlight button
3. Voice control via Bixby
If you have activated your voice assistant Bixby, you can turn off the flashlight using a voice command. This is convenient when your hands are full or the screen does not respond to touches.
To turn off the flashlight by voice:
- Say: «Hey, Bixby» (or press the side button if it is set to call the assistant).
- Say the command: «Turn off the flashlight» or «Turn off the flashlight».
If Bixby does not recognize the command:
- 🗣️ Check Is voice assistant enabled in
Settings → Additional features → Bixby. - 🔊 Make sure the microphone is not blocked (for example, due to the “Do not disturb mode»).
- 📱 Update application Bixby via Galaxy Store.
On models without a physical button Bixby (for example, Galaxy A52), the assistant is activated by holding the button power + volume up. Voice control of the flashlight also works in a locked state if it is enabled in the settings. option "Allow in locked mode".
What to do if Bixby does not understand the command?
Try alternative phrases: “Turn off the light”, “Turn off the flashlight” If the problem persists, re-train the voice. profile in the Bixby settings or reset the application data.
4. Disabling the flashlight through the quick settings menu (alternative method)
If the standard notification panel does not work (for example, due to a crash System UI), you can use quick settings menu, accessible through the curtain or gestures.
Instructions for models with One UI 5.0+:
- Swipe your finger top to bottom twiceto open the full panel.
- Click on pencil (edit icon) in the lower right corner.
- Find the flashlight icon in the list of inactive buttons and drag it to the top.
- Return to the panel notifications and click on the flashlight icon to turn it off.
On some firmware (for example, Galaxy M33), the quick settings menu may look different. If the flashlight icon is missing even after editing, try an alternative method:
- 🔧 Go to
Settings → Lock screen → Icons on the lock screen. - 🔦 Enable the display of the flashlight icon on the locked screen.
On Galaxy S24 Ultra s One UI 6.1 the flashlight can be disabled via widget on the lock screen - swipe left on the locked screen and click on the corresponding icon.
5. Software shutdown through settings (if the flashlight is frozen)
In rare cases, the flashlight may “freeze” when turned on due to a malfunction of light sensor or the camera driver. In situations, forced shutdown via Developer settings or resetting the camera settings helps.
Methods for forced shutdown:
- Reboot the phone: Hold the power + volume down button for 10 seconds.
- Reset camera settings: Go to
Settings → Applications → Camera → Memory → Clear data. - Disable light sensor: Activate Developer mode (click on the build number 7 times
Settings → Phone information), then inSettings → Developer modedisable the option "Auto brightness".
If the flashlight turned on due to damage to the connector charging (for example, after moisture), try:
- 🔌 Disconnect the phone from charging and blow out the connector with compressed air.
- 🛠️ Check the device for moisture using the built-in sensor (in
Settings → Device maintenance → Diagnostics).
⚠️ Attention: If the flashlight turns on spontaneously after dropping the phone, this may indicate damage power button flexible cable. In this case, repairs are required at a service center.
| Samsung model | Method to turn off the flashlight | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S23/S22/S21 | Double-press the power button | Works in a locked state |
| Galaxy A54/A73 | Notification panel or Bixby | The power button is not configured by default |
| Galaxy Z Flip5/Fold5 | Gesture on the external screen | Double-pressing the power button opens the camera |
| Galaxy M13/M33 | Only through the notification panel | No support for Bixby in some regions firmware |
6. Turning off the flashlight in emergency situations (the screen does not work)
If the phone screen does not respond to touches, but the flashlight continues to shine, you can use hardware buttons or connecting to a PC.
Methods for a broken screen:
- 🔄 Forced reboot: Hold the power + volume down button for 10-15 seconds until the phone turns off and turns on again.
- 🖥️ ADB control: Connect the phone to the computer, activate USB debugging (if it was enabled previously) and run the command:
adb shell input keyevent 26(this simulates pressing the power button).
- 🔋 Removing the battery (for models with a removable battery): Relevant for older devices like Galaxy J5 2016.
If the phone does not respond to any actions, but the flashlight continues to work, this may indicate short circuit in the LED power circuitIn this case:
- Disconnect charger (if connected).
- Try to cool the phone (for example, by putting it in a cool place for 10 minutes) - sometimes this resets frozen processes.
- Contact a service center if the problem persists.
Forced reboot is the most reliable way to turn off the flashlight if the screen does not work. However, this may interrupt background processes (for example, downloading files).
7. How to prevent the flashlight from turning on accidentally
To prevent the flashlight from turning on spontaneously, configure the following settings:
Ways to protect against accidental turning on:
- 🔐 Disable quick launch: Go to
Settings → Additional functions → Quick launch of the flashlightand deactivate the option. - 🛡️ Use a case with button blocking: Cases with a magnetic fastener (for example, official ones from Samsungprevent pressing the power button in your pocket.
- 📱 Configure Bixby Routines: Create a rule that will turn off the flashlight when the screen is locked (in
Settings → Additional features → Bixby Routines). - 🔄 Update the firmware: New versions One UI improved protection against false positives.
On models with ultrasonic proximity sensor (for example, Galaxy S23+), the flashlight can turn on when you raise your hand to the top of the screen. To disable this function:
- Go to
Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures. - Disable the option "Raise to wake" or "Palm gestures".
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware for Samsung (for example, in Russia or China), the gesture settings may differ. If the desired option is missing, check the regional features in the official documentation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the flashlight on Samsung
Why does the flashlight turn on by itself in your pocket?
This is due to the setting "Quick start of the flashlight" (double press of the power button). To fix:
- Disable the function in
Settings → Additional functions. - Use a case with a button lock.
- Check the power button for mechanical damage (jamming).
Is it possible to adjust the brightness of the flashlight?
On In most models Samsung the brightness of the flashlight is fixed. However, on Galaxy S24 Ultra and some other flagships there are 2 brightness levels available:
- Normal mode (one click on the icon in the notification panel).
- Maximum brightness (double click or holding the icon).
On older models (up to Galaxy S20), the brightness is adjusted only through the engineering menu (#0#), but this is not recommended without experience.
The flashlight does not turn off even after a reboot. What should I do?
This indicates a hardware problem. Possible reasons:
- Short circuit in the LED flashlight circuit.
- Damage to the flexible cable of the power button.
- Failure of the power controller (for example, after moisture).
Solution: contact the service center Samsung. Repairing yourself may void the warranty.
How to turn off the flashlight on Samsung using Google Assistant?
Google Assistant does not have a direct command to control the flashlight on Samsung, but you can use a workaround:
- Say: "Ok Google, open the notification panel.".
- Then manually click on the flashlight icon.
Alternatively, set Bixby Routines to automatically turn off the flashlight by Google Assistant voice command via IFTTT.
Why is the flashlight blinking or flickering?
A flashing flashlight may be a sign of:
- 🔋 Low battery (on some models the flashlight starts blinking at 5% charge).
- 💡 LED driver failure (diagnostics required).
- 📲 Activation of the SOS mode (on Galaxy S22 and newer, triple pressing the power button turns on the alarm with a flashing flashlight).
To turn off flashing, restart the phone or reset the camera settings.