How to fix iPhone Flashlight not working after iOS 18 update

If your iPhone’s flashlight stopped working after the recent iOS 18 update, you can troubleshoot the issue in a matter of minutes and get your trusty light shining again.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• To fix iPhone flashlight that’s not working on 18, close the camera app, and update your iPhone.
• You can also try restarting and resetting iPhone settings.
• If all else fails, contact Apple Support for assistance.

The LED camera flash on your iPhone (as well as on your iPad Pro and iPod Touch) doubles as a flashlight, a convenient feature that you can use while walking your dog at night, looking for small objects that have fallen underneath your bed, and more. However, iPhone Flashlight is not immune to issues. Recently, a handful of users have taken to various forums to complain that Flashlight is not working on their iPhone after installing iOS 18 update.

Reasons Why iPhone Flashlight Isn’t Working after iOS 18 update

There are several reasons why the iPhone flashlight function may not be working in iOS 18. It’s possible a software bug or glitch may be causing the feature to malfunction. If the iPhone Flashlight is greyed out, your phone may be having a hardware problem.

If your iPhone flashlight isn’t working, you don’t necessarily have to be left in the dark.

Here are five ways to fix an iPhone torch that won’t turn on.

How to fix iPhone Flashlight that’s not working after iOS 18 update

Follow these steps in the order listed to troubleshoot iPhone flashlight problem.

1. Close the Camera app

If your phone’s camera app is open, the flashlight won’t be able to take control of the LED.

• On an iPhone XR or later , swipe up and hold on the center of the screen, then swipe up to close the Camera app.
• On an iPhone SE )2nd generation) or later, tap the home button twice then swipe up to close the Camera app.

2. Update your iPhone

Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS 18.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. At this point, your iPhone will check if an update is available. When one is found, tap Update Now.

3. Restart your iPhone

Turning your iPhone off and on again may refresh the software and restore the flashlight.

To turn off an iPhone XR or later, follow the instructions below.

1. Press and hold down the side button and either the volume up button or volume down button.
2. When the power slider appears, swipe the power button inside it to the right.
3. After the iPhone has completely shut down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Turning off an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later is slightly different.

1. Press and hold down the side button.
2. When the power slider appears, swipe the power button inside it to the right.
3. After the iPhone has completely shut down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

4. Reset your iPhone settings

If you’ve gotten this far and nothing has worked, it might simply be a case in which some intermittent software glitch is keeping your iPhone Flashlight from working. Often, resetting all the settings on your iPhone can fix the problem. You won’t lose any data, images, or other stuff, but you may need to reset your wallpaper and alarms and other basics.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone at the bottom.
4. Tap Reset.
5. In the menu that appears, tap Reset all Settings.

Contact Apple support

You may find that the iPhone flashlight does not turn on, even when its button is lit up as usual. If so, this is a hardware problem, so you need to contact Apple support.

Visit Apple’s website to figure out which support option is best for you. Apple provides support online, over-the-phone, through the mail, and in-person at Apple Stores. If you plan to go into your local Apple Store, make sure to schedule a genius bar appointment first!