Being able to turn on the flashlight during a WhatsApp video call can be very useful when you are in a dark environment and want the person on the other end to be able to see you clearly. WhatsApp has a built-in flashlight feature that allows you to easily turn your flashlight on and off before or during a video call.
Prerequisites
Before you can turn on the flashlight for WhatsApp video calls, you need:
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device
- A device with a built-in rear camera flash/flashlight such as an iPhone or Android smartphone
- To be in a WhatsApp video call or setting up a video call
For iPhones
If you have an iPhone, turning on the flash for WhatsApp video calls is quick and easy. Here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp and start a video call (or be on an active video call)
- During the call, tap the screen to make the call options appear
- Tap the flashlight icon in the bottom left (it looks like a lightning bolt)
Your iPhone flashlight will turn on and illuminate you for the video call. The other caller will be able to see you clearly even if you are in the dark.
To turn the flashlight back off, simply tap the flashlight icon again during the call.
From Control Center
You can also turn on the flashlight from Control Center without having to open WhatsApp:
- Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Center
- Long press on the flashlight icon to turn it on
This will turn on your iPhone’s flashlight until you manually turn it off.
From Lock Screen
Another fast way to enable your flashlight for WhatsApp video calls is right from the lock screen:
- Wake your iPhone or turn on the screen
- Swipe left on the lock screen to open the Camera app
- Tap the flashlight icon below the camera shutter to turn it on
This flashlight shortcut works on the lock screen and from the Camera app, giving you quick access before a WhatsApp video call.
For Android Phones
On Android phones, the process is similar and easy to turn on the flashlight during WhatsApp video calls:
- Open WhatsApp and start a video call
- Tap the screen to bring up the call options
- Tap the flashlight icon in the top right (also looks like a lightning bolt)
Your Android phone’s LED flash will light up to illuminate you for the person on the other end of the call.
To turn off the flashlight, just tap the icon again.
From Quick Settings
You can also quickly enable the flashlight from the Quick Settings panel:
- Swipe down from the top of your Android’s screen to open Quick Settings
- Tap the flashlight tile to turn it on
This will turn on the flashlight until you manually switch it off.
From Lock Screen
Directly from your lock screen, you can also tap to turn on flashlight:
- Wake your phone or turn on the display
- Swipe down on the lock screen to reveal all quick settings
- Tap the flashlight icon to enable it
This gives fast access to turn on your Android’s flashlight before jumping into a WhatsApp video call.
Third-Party Flashlight Apps
If your phone doesn’t have a rear camera flash, you can also download free third-party flashlight apps from the App Store or Google Play Store. Here are some top options:
| App | Platform |
|---|---|
| Flashlight + LED | Android |
| Super-Bright LED Flashlight | Android |
| Bright LED Flashlight | iPhone |
| LED Flashlight | iPhone |
Look for a flashlight app with high ratings and reviews. Install one of these apps, then open the app and turn on its flashlight right before a WhatsApp video call when you are in the dark.
Troubleshooting
If you are having issues turning on the flashlight for WhatsApp video calls, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Close WhatsApp and restart the app
- Force quit WhatsApp and reopen (force quit by swiping up on the app in task switcher)
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your phone’s app store
- Restart your iPhone or Android phone
- Check app permissions and make sure WhatsApp has access to your camera
- Toggle your device’s flash/flashlight on and off in your camera app
- Clean the camera lens and flash LED on the back of your phone
Following these steps should get the flashlight working again properly in WhatsApp on both iPhones and Android phones.
Conclusion
Having the ability to turn your flashlight on during WhatsApp video calls is extremely useful for visual clarity when you are in dim lighting. On iPhone, toggle the flashlight right from the WhatsApp in-call interface or Control Center. On Android, enable it through the in-call screen or Quick Settings.
If your phone doesn’t have a rear camera flash, download a third party flashlight app for quick access to illumination during your WhatsApp video chats and calls. With the simple steps outlined here, you’ll be able to successfully turn on and off the flashlight in WhatsApp when needed.