Color Flashlight on Android: Torch, Flash Alerts and Safe Options

Android phones handle the flashlight from Quick Settings, and many recent models add a feature that most people never find: notifications that flash the screen in a color you choose. Here is how to use both, plus a simple way to get colored light with no app at all.

The built-in flashlight

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings; swipe down again to see all of them (Android Help). Tap the flashlight or torch tile to turn it on. If it is missing, open the edit (pencil) option and drag the tile into place.

Some phones let you change flashlight strength by touching and holding the tile; whether this is available depends on the manufacturer and model.

Flash notifications in color

Android’s flash notifications can blink the camera light, the screen, or both for calls, alarms and notifications. You can choose the screen-flash color, and the default is yellow (Android Accessibility Help). Find it under Settings, then Notifications or Accessibility, then Flash notifications. Camera flash is not available on every device.

Getting colored light without an app

If you install an app

Before installing any flashlight or color-light app from Google Play, read the Data safety section and the permissions list.

• Contacts, location, SMS or call logsNone of these are needed for light.
• “Display over other apps” without a clear reasonThis permission can be abused for intrusive ads.
• Aggressive subscriptionsA light should not need a recurring payment.

Setting up a color show

• Use deep colors and full brightness.
• Bounce the light off a wall or ceiling.
• Avoid fast strobing around anyone sensitive to flashing light.

Battery and heat

A bright screen and the torch both drain the battery and warm the phone. Short sessions are fine; long ones are not.

Which phones it works on

Quick Settings exists on all modern Android phones, though menus differ between brands. Google notes that some steps apply only to Android 13 and up, so check your version if an option is missing.

Troubleshooting

• The torch tile is gray: close the camera and any app that might be using the flash.
• Flash notifications missing: the feature depends on the Android version and manufacturer; search “flash” in Settings to find it.
• Screen dims too quickly: increase screen timeout and turn off adaptive brightness while using colored light.
• Colors look yellowish: eye comfort or night light modes tint the screen; switch them off temporarily.

Checking an app’s permissions after installing

Using colored light for photos

A second phone with a colored screen works as a small soft light for close-up photos. Hold it to the side of your subject, keep it close and use a dim room so the color shows clearly.

Turning the torch on fast

Many Android phones offer shortcuts beyond Quick Settings: a long press on the lock screen icon, a double-press of the power button or a gesture such as shaking the phone, depending on the brand. Check your phone’s settings for gestures or buttons. Google Assistant can also turn the flashlight on and off with your voice.

A brighter colored beam

For a strong colored beam, hold thin colored cellophane over the rear LED. It keeps the brightness of the torch and adds the color of the film. Take it off afterwards and avoid covering the LED in a way that traps heat.

Play Store safety signals

• The Data safety section shows what the developer says the app collects and shares.
• Play Protect scans apps for harmful behavior; keep it turned on.
• A developer website and a privacy policy are minimum requirements for any app you install.
• Very recent apps with many reviews in a short time deserve extra caution.

Most phones already include a flashlight in Quick Settings, so a separate flashlight app is optional. If you only want color, the photo method in this guide needs no download at all.

Sources: Apple Support (iPhone User Guide) and Google Android Help, reviewed October 2026. Menu names vary by phone model and software version. Galo Hoje is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Google.