Why Your Phone Gets Warm When the Flashlight Is On

Leave your phone flashlight on for a while and you may notice warmth near the camera. That's usually normal, but it's worth understanding.

Why it warms up

An LED turns electricity into light, but not all of it. A share is released as heat. A phone flash is tiny and packed into a slim body, so heat builds up near the LED, especially during long use. The phone's processor, screen and battery also add warmth.

When warmth is normal

• Mild warmth near the camera after several minutes.
• The phone feels warm but not hot to touch.
• It cools quickly once the torch is off.

When to be careful

• The phone feels hot to hold comfortably.
• A warning appears about temperature.
• It's very hot outside, or the phone is in direct sun.
• The battery is old or the phone is being charged while in use.

Some phones lower the brightness of the flash, or turn it off, if they detect heat. This is a protective feature.

Simple ways to stay cool

1. Use the torch in short bursts rather than for long stretches.
2. Take the phone out of its case, since cases can trap heat.
3. Keep it out of direct sun and hot cars.
4. Don't cover the flash. Blocking it traps heat.
5. Avoid charging while using the torch for long periods.
6. Close other heavy apps running in the background.

Safety points

• Never leave a lit phone on a bed, sofa or pillow, where heat can't escape.
• Don't use it near flammable material.
• If the phone becomes very hot, swollen or smells odd, switch it off, let it cool and seek advice.

Long jobs

If you need light for a long time, consider a dedicated torch or lantern so your phone stays cool and keeps its battery for calls.

Battery impact

An app that's light and quick to launch keeps use short. With a one-tap toggle, you can switch the torch on when needed and off again straight away.

Get Night Torch →