How to Switch On Your Android Flashlight Without Unlocking the Phone

Owners of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel handsets can switch on their flashlight without unlocking the device, according to Engadget. The shortcuts sit in menus that are reachable from the lock screen on both brands.

Engadget notes that each phone has a customizable pulldown menu on the lock screen holding a range of handy tools. That means the light can be reached quickly when it is needed in an emergency.

On a Pixel, the user swipes down from the top of the display to open Quick Settings. A tap on the flashlight symbol turns the light on, and a second tap turns it off. Should the icon be missing from the first set of options, the user taps the pencil at the bottom of the menu and then presses the plus button on the flashlight icon, or drags it toward the top so it is visible right away.

Pixel owners have another option through a gesture. By going to Settings, then System, then Gestures, then Quick Tap to start actions, a user can enable Toggle Flashlight. Once that is done, two taps on the back of the phone bring the light on. Engadget points out that shaking a Pixel will not work, since that is an older Motorola feature, though third-party apps can add shake control.

Lock screen buttons can also be changed on the Pixel. A long press on the lock screen followed by a tap on the Customize button at the bottom opens the options. The user scrolls to Shortcuts and picks the flashlight icon to place it at the bottom of the lock screen.

On Galaxy phones, the light lives in the Quick Panel, which appears with a swipe down from either top corner. If the icon is absent or the order needs changing, a tap on the kebab or pencil icon while the panel is open allows edits and rearranging.

Galaxy users can also swap the two buttons in the lower corners of the lock screen, which usually hold the Phone and Camera icons. A long press anywhere on the lock screen lets the user pick one and replace it with the flashlight. If editing will not work, Engadget advises going to Settings, then Lock Screen & AOD, and enabling Touch and Hold to Edit.

Both phone lines also accept a spoken request. Saying "Hey, Google" without unlocking the handset, then asking for the flashlight to be turned on, works hands-free.