Use Android Flash as Video Light

How to Keep Flash On While Recording Videos on Android.

Learn how to use your Android phone’s flashlight as a constant light source while recording video. If you shoot in dark rooms or at night, this simple setting can make a huge difference.

I’ll show you the steps to turn on the flash and keep it on during video recording. I’m using a Sony Xperia 1 V (Global EU Model XQ-DQ54) with Android 15, but the idea works on most Android phones.

Where to Find the Video Flash Setting

Most camera apps use a small icon that looks like a light bulb or a lightning bolt. That’s the flash control. When you switch to video mode, tap that icon to see your options.

Here’s what to look for:

• Light bulb icon – usually means torch or constant light
• Lightning bolt icon – often used for flash in photo mode
• Three dots or menu icon – some phones hide flash settings here

Step-by-Step: Turn On Flash for Video

Follow these steps on your Android phone:

1. Open your default camera app
2. Switch to Video mode (not Photo mode)
3. Look for the flash icon (light bulb or lightning bolt)
4. Tap the icon until you see always on or torch mode
5. Start recording – the light should stay on

If your phone supports it, you may also be able to adjust the flash intensity. This depends on the brand and model.

What If Your Phone Doesn’t Have This Feature?

Learn how to use flash during video recording if your default camera app doesn’t support it. Some Android phones skip this option in their stock camera app.

Here are a few workarounds:

• Download a third-party camera app – Open Camera and Footej Camera are good free options
• Use your phone’s torch first – Turn on the flashlight from quick settings, then open the camera app and record. This works on some phones but not all.
• Check for a “Video Light” setting – On some phones like Sony Xperia, this is separate from the regular flash control

Phones That Have Built-In Video Flash

Some Android models make this easier than others. Learn which brands typically include this feature:

• Samsung Galaxy – Found in the flash settings while in video mode
• Google Pixel – Look for the flash icon in the video toolbar
• Sony Xperia – Available in both the standard camera app and Video Pro app
• OnePlus – Usually located in the same spot as photo flash settings

Other brands like Xiaomi and Huawei may place this setting differently, but the light bulb or lightning icon is your best clue.

Why Your Flash Might Turn Off By Itself

If your flash keeps turning off during recording, here’s why:

• Overheating protection – The LED gets hot, so the phone may shut it off to protect the hardware
• Battery saving – Some phones turn off the video light after a few minutes
• App switching – Closing the camera app usually turns off the light. You’ll need to re-enable it when you open the app again

When to Use Video Flash (And When to Skip It)

The built-in flash works best for subjects that are close to the phone. Think one meter (about three feet) or less. Examples include:

• Recording a product for a review
• Filming someone’s face in a dark room
• Capturing small details up close

You probably don’t need video flash for:

• Distant subjects like a stage performance
• Outdoor night scenes
• Well-lit indoor spaces

The flash on a phone is not very powerful. It helps add a little extra light, but it won’t replace proper video lights.

A Note About Heat and Battery

When you use video flash, your phone may get warmer than usual. This is normal. Recording in 4K at 60 frames per second with the flash on will generate more heat. If your phone feels too hot, turn off the video light and let it cool down.

The flash also drains your battery faster. That’s another reason phones often turn it off automatically when you close the camera app.

Final Tips

• Re-enable the video light each time you open the camera app – it usually resets to off
• For serious video work, consider buying a small external LED light
• Test your video flash at home before you need it in a dark situation

I show you how to improve low-light video quality and fix camera app issues in my other videos. If you have questions about using flash while recording on your specific Android device, leave a comment.