Turn On Your Android Flashlight Without Unlocking Your Phone

Android users can quickly activate their phone’s flashlight during emergencies without needing to unlock the device. As reported by Engadget, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones offer customizable pulldown menus and voice-activated tools on the lock screen for fast access.

Using Voice Commands

Users who prefer a hands-free approach can utilize an AI assistant to operate the flashlight on both device types. According to Engadget, a user simply needs to say “Hey, Google” on a locked phone followed by the command “Turn on the flashlight.”

Google Pixel Features

Pixel owners can access the flashlight by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings menu and tapping the flashlight icon. If the icon is not immediately visible, users can tap the pencil icon at the bottom of the menu and add the Flashlight icon to the top page.

Engadget noted that while shaking the phone to turn on the light is not natively supported like on older Motorola devices, Pixel users can enable the Quick Tap gesture. By navigating to Settings, System, Gestures, and Quick Tap, users can select Toggle Flashlight to activate the light with a double-tap on the back of the phone. Alternatively, third-party applications can enable shake-to-activate functionality.

Pixel users can also place the flashlight directly on the lock screen by long-pressing the screen, tapping the Customize button, scrolling to Shortcuts, and selecting the flashlight icon.

Samsung Galaxy Features

On Samsung Galaxy devices, the flashlight is available in the Quick Panel by swiping down from either corner at the top of the screen. Users can rearrange or reveal the icon by tapping the kebab or pencil icon while the panel is open.

Galaxy users can also replace the default Phone or Camera buttons at the bottom corners of the lock screen. Long-pressing anywhere on the lock screen allows users to select the flashlight as a replacement. If lock screen customization is disabled, users can navigate to Settings, Lock Screen and AOD, and enable Touch and Hold to Edit.