Why cant I use my flash on my iPhone?

iPhone Tricks > TILs

Posted in TILs by Tyrone on October 18, 2018

iPhone ‘Flash is disabled’ Camera error.

If you browse this article you’ve obviously just been prompted with the “Flash is Disabled” prompt while opening the stock iOS Camera app. The text of the notification informs you that “The iPhone needs to cool down before you can use the flash.” It actually means what it says. You either exposed your iPhone to the sun for a prolonged period of time, or you performed some demanding tasks, that caused the device to overheat.

As a protective measure the Flash, a heat generating source, has been temporarily disabled to allow the iPhone to cool down. So, simply bring it into the shadow or let it “rest”, in a temperature friendly environment, without playing resource demanding games or multitasking. Be aware, that wireless charging can also heat-up your iOS device, especially if the iPhone is loading up in a hot environment caused by excessive summer temperatures, for example.

Fact: The ‘Flash is Disabled’ Camera error has been reported both on new iPhone models as well as on older devices. We’ve seen it on the iPhone XS and X as well as on the iPhone 8. The print-screen uploaded nearby has been snapped in my car, at 9am, after the device was stored in the vehicle for 30 minutes. Outside temperatures 94 degrees Fahrenheit (around 35 degrees Celsius), in the car it was most likely even hotter.

Important: Do not use ice or any other unconventional methods, like inserting the device in the fridge for a few minutes. Drastic temperature changes can do more harm then good. Switching from a hot environment to a freezing one could cause condensation in your iPhone which in worst case scenarios can lead to a short circuit or any other severe damage.

Related: Notice, that the Flashlight icon is also greyed out in the Control Center! It will become available when the iPhone returns to normal functioning temperatures. However, if the Flashlight is disabled, but the Flash in the Camera apps works normally, please tap here for the fix.

Tip: Do you know that you can turn off the iPhone’s flashlight with a swipe? Here is how to do it!

Q: Hi, I just have a problem with my phone. I wonder whether I can get some help. My iPhone 5s flash is disabled. And I cannot take pictures normally. What should I do? Any answer is appreciated.

Taking photos is one of the most common and indispensable features of iPhone. To take pictures when you are in a correspondingly dark environment, you need to use a function of camera – the flash. Otherwise, the pictures we took are too dark and you cannot see the content clearly.

Some people reported flash is disabled on iPhone 13, 12, and earlier models. If you have the same problem as them, you must want to know the answers to the following questions: What causes this problem? How to fix it? That just what this tutorial is going to discuss.

Possible causes of flash is disabled issue

When you try to use flash but fail, your iPhone may get a message - "Flash is disabled. The iPhone battery is low and needs to be charged before you can use the flash." Or you may receive a message that telling you the flash on your iPhone is disabled, and you need to cool down your iPhone to activate flash again.

The messages actually hint at the reasons for this problem. when you get the first massage, maybe your battery is too low and there is not enough power to support this feature. When you get the second message, your iPhone might be put in a hot place or the running software make iPhone overheat. In addition, your iPhone could come across some iOS system problems, which cause this problem. It is not enough when you have a guess about the reason. To know the workable fixes, please check the next part.

Video Guide: How to fix flash is disabled on iPhone

6 fixes for iPhone flash is disabled

The followings are 6 methods. Use the former 2 methods, when you receive the first message; check the third one if you get the second message; the last 3 are common solutions.

Fix 1. Charge iPhone

When your iPhone says that iPhone battery is low, maybe you just need to charge it. So, calm down and charge it to 100%. Do not use wireless charging, because it can heat your iPhone and may cause this problem again. Then you can try to use flash and see what will happen.

See also: How to fix iPhone battery draining fast.

Fix 2. Turn on and turn off the Optimize Battery Charging feature

If you have charged iPhone even to 100% but this problem still exists, you can try to turn on and then turn off the Optimize Battery Charging to fix flash is disabled on iPhone. The Optimize Battery Charging is a feature which can use machine learning to predict your charging routine. The ultimate goal of it is to prolong the battery life span.

Some people fixed the flash problem by applying for this feature. So, you can just have a try. You can find this feature by following: Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging.

Fix 3. Cool down iPhone

When your iPhone says, "flash is disabled. iPhone needs to cool down", you can try the simplest method first. Put iPhone at a place with the proper temperature. And do not forget to turn off all the apps which are running. Leave it alone for half an hour. When your iPhone is at a normal temperature, just try to use flash again.

Fix 4. Restart iPhone

If you think your iPhone owns enough battery and is not overheated at all, try the following 3 methods to fix. The first one I want you to use is restarting iPhone. Apple also suggests those whose iPhone flash is disabled trying restarting iPhone to fix it. You just need to turn off iPhone and turn it on after a while. If it is still not working to solve the problem, you can force restart your iPhone.

Fix 5. Use iOS system recovery software (100% fixed!)

After several tests, we found a method that has a magical effect on fixing this flash error. That is using an iOS repair tool - TunesKit iOS System recovery. It is an excellent tool for solving system errors of iOS. It can fix 150+ iOS system issues, containing iPhone camera not working, iPhone stuck in recovery mode, Apple logo, etc. You can use TunesKit to fix iOS system problem of iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and even Apple TV.

It offers Standard mode and Advanced mode. For those common issues, you can use the Standard mode to fix them without data loss. For serious problems like iPhone disabled screen, it is time to use Advanced mode.

Only 3 steps are needed after you download and install it.

Key Features of TunesKit iOS System Recovery:

• Fix iPhone flash is disabled issue with no data loss
• Repair various tvOS/iOS problems effectively
• Standard and Advanced Mode are provided
• Freely enter the recovery mode on one click
• Fix different iOS issues within several steps

Step 1 Connect the iPhone with PC

Connect the iPhone with PC and start to run TunesKit iOS System Recovery. Click the Start button.

Choose the Standard Mode option to fix it without data loss, since this problem is simple for this tool. And click the Next.

Step 2 Download firmware package

Make sure the information of your iPhone presented on this page is completely correct. Then, click the Download button.

Step 3 Fix iPhone flash is disabled issue

Supposing the firmware package is downloaded, you should click the Repair button to return your iPhone to normal.

Fix 6. Update iOS

While your iOS device is outdated, many errors may be caused. It is not weird, supposing your iPhone flash is disabled with outdated iOS. Just go to check for the update of iOS. Follow: Settings > General > Software Update.

Conclusion and advice

After reading this passage, you can know 6 solutions to fix iPhone, when flash is disabled on iPhone. The later 3 methods are common fixes, especially TunesKit iOS System Recovery. You also need to keep in mind that avoid making your iPhone overheated or in extremely low battery frequently which cause this problem easily.

More Tips & Tricks

• How to Solve FaceTime Waiting for Activation
• Top 8 Tips to Fix Notifications Not Working on iPhone
• How to Fix iPad Touch Screen Not Working?
• 6 Best Way to Fix iPhone Screen Recording has no Sound
• Top 10 Tips to Fix iPhone Voicemail Not Playing Issue

Brian Davis has covered tech and entertainment for over 10 years. He loves technology in all its forms.

Tuneskit uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn moreGot It!

Why can't I use my flash on my iPhone?

How do I get my flash to work on my iPhone?

Why is my flash not working on my phone?