Putting a Torch on Your Home Screen: Shortcuts and Quick Access
Ways to reach your flashlight in a second, from home-screen icons to quick settings, and how to make it easy for everyone at home.
In the dark, every second counts. The best flashlight is the one you can start without thinking. Here's how to make yours easy to reach.
Home-screen icon
Put your torch app on your main home screen, where you can find it without searching. Move it to the bottom row, near the phone and camera, or to a corner you'll always remember.
Quick settings
Most Android phones have a quick settings panel, opened by swiping down from the top of the screen. A torch toggle is often included. If it isn't visible, you can usually edit the panel to add it. The steps differ between phones, so look at your phone's help pages.
Other shortcuts
Depending on your phone and version, you might be able to:
- Use a lock-screen shortcut, if your phone offers one.
- Use a button gesture, if your phone's manufacturer provides one.
- Use a voice assistant: "Turn on the flashlight".
- Use a home-screen widget, if the app or phone offers one.
Not every phone offers every option, so check what yours supports.
Voice control
A voice assistant can switch on the torch hands-free, which is useful if your hands are full. Try it before you need it, to check it works with the phone locked.
Make it easy for everyone
- Show family members where the torch is on their phones.
- Set up older relatives' phones with a large, obvious icon.
- Practise once in a dark room.
- Keep it consistent. Put the icon in the same place across family phones where you can.
Check the basics
- Test in the dark to be sure it works quickly.
- Test with the phone locked, if you rely on a lock-screen shortcut.
- Keep the app updated.
Backup plan
Keep a real torch in an easy place too. If your phone is flat or broken, you'll still have light.
The one-tap idea
A torch that opens straight to a button, with no menus and no delays, suits the dark, when you can't see the screen well. That's how Night Torch is designed.
Night Torch
A simple, reliable flashlight app for night-time use
More about Night Torch
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