Add Flashlight to Android Lock Screen

How to Add a Flashlight Button to Your Android Lock Screen (So You Never Stumble in the Dark Again).

Learn how to add the torch function to your lock screen and Quick Settings menu on Android. No more swiping around in the dark trying to find the right button.

I use a Sony Xperia 1V with Android 14, but these steps work on most Android phones like Google Pixel and Samsung. The menu names and positions might look a little different, but the general idea is the same.

Let me show you exactly how to set this up.

The Fastest Way to Use Flashlight on Android

If you just need to turn on the flashlight quickly, here is the standard way:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade
2. Look for the flashlight icon (it might look like a tiny torch)
3. Tap it to turn the light on
4. Tap it again to turn it off

That works fine. But you can make it even faster.

How to Add the Torch Button to Your Lock Screen

This is my favorite trick. You can put a flashlight button right on your lock screen so you do not even need to unlock your phone first.

Here are the steps:

1. Unlock your phone and go to your home screen
2. Find an empty spot on the screen and press and hold your finger there for a second
3. A customization menu will pop up
4. Look for an option that says “Lock screen” or “Customize lock screen”
5. Find the section for “Shortcuts” – these are the two buttons that show on the bottom left and bottom right of your lock screen
6. Pick one side (left or right) and tap on it
7. Scroll through the list until you find “Torch” or “Flashlight”
8. Select it
9. Exit the menu

Now lock your phone. You should see the torch icon on your lock screen. Tap it once to turn the light on. Tap it again to turn it off. No need to unlock anything.

How to Add the Torch to Your Quick Settings Pull-Down Menu

If you want the flashlight button in the Quick Settings menu (the one that appears when you swipe down from the top), here is what you do:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen once or twice to open the Quick Settings panel
2. Look for a pencil icon or an “Edit” button – usually at the bottom or top corner
3. Tap it to enter edit mode
4. You will see a bunch of icons. Some are active (showing in your menu) and some are hidden
5. Find the Torch or Flashlight tile in the hidden section
6. Press and hold it, then drag it up to your active tiles area
7. Put it somewhere easy to reach
8. Tap the back arrow or done button to save

Now when you swipe down from the top, the flashlight button will be right there waiting for you.

A Quick Note About Different Android Phones

The shapes and menu locations change slightly between brands. On Samsung phones, you might need to look under “Lock screen” then “Shortcuts” in the Settings app. On Google Pixel, the long-press method on the home screen works great. On my Sony Xperia, both methods work.

If you cannot find the option, try searching for “lock screen shortcuts” inside your Settings app. That usually gets you there.

Why This Is So Useful

I added the torch to both my lock screen and my Quick Settings menu. It saves me so much time when I need a quick light. Power outages, looking for something under the couch, finding my way to the bathroom at night – it is always two taps away at most.

Plus you never have to unlock your phone just to see where you are walking.

Thanks for reading.