Why does my Flash/Torch only work in the camera app when taking pictures or videos?

Why does my Flash/Torch only work in the camera app when taking pictures or videos?
I’ve noticed an issue with my smartphone where the flash or torch only activates when I’m using the camera app to take pictures or record videos. It’s really puzzling because the torch function works perfectly fine within the camera app, but as soon as I try to use it outside of the camera, it just doesn’t respond. I’ve checked all the settings and permissions, but nothing seems to be out of place. It’s frustrating because I rely on the torch for various tasks, and having it only usable within the camera app is quite inconvenient. I’m starting to wonder if this is a software glitch or maybe some kind of restriction set by the phone’s system. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any insights or similar experiences would be helpful.
7 Answers

Your phone’s app permissions might be the culprit here. Navigate to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions and verify that the torch permission is granted to necessary apps. Updates can sometimes restrict these permissions, leading to functionality issues. Adjusting these settings might fix the torch’s standalone operation.

In my experience, software updates often resolve such issues. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update and check for any available updates for your device. Installing the latest firmware update resolved similar functionality problems on my phone, ensuring the torch worked smoothly outside the camera application.

Aggressive power-saving settings could be causing your issue. Check Settings > Battery > Power-saving Mode and set it to a less restrictive mode. After making this adjustment, the torch should function correctly outside of the camera app as well, providing the flexibility you need for other tasks.

I suspected a software glitch when I faced the same issue. Restarting my phone provided a temporary fix, but the problem persisted. Eventually, I backed up all my data and performed a factory reset. It was a drastic measure, but it restored the torch functionality to work outside the camera app properly.

For me, the torch issue was linked to a third-party app conflict. I uninstalled recent apps, checking the torch functionality after each removal. Identifying and removing the conflicting app resolved the issue, and the torch worked normally. This systematic uninstallation helps pinpoint and eliminate the problematic app.

In some cases, the problem might be hardware-related. I took my device to a technician, and they found an issue with the internal connection of the flashlight module. A minor repair fixed the problem, and the torch worked independently of the camera app. If software solutions don’t work, consider professional help.