How to add the flashlight shortcut to the Samsung home screen?

The flashlight integrated into your Samsung smartphone is one of the most practical tools for everyday use. However, when you really need it — in a dark hallway, during a power outage, or to find a dropped object — you often lose precious seconds searching for the option in the menus.
Fortunately, there are several ways to add a flashlight shortcut directly to your Samsung home screen, to activate it instantly without opening the notification panel.

1. The fastest shortcut: activate the flashlight from the notification panel

This is the first solution, often overlooked even though it is already integrated into your phone.
All Samsung smartphones with One UI (regardless of the version, from One UI 4 to One UI 7) have a “Flashlight” shortcut in the notification panel.

How to do it?

1. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to display all quick shortcuts.
2. Look for the “Flashlight” icon. If it doesn’t appear, tap “Edit buttons” or “Button order.”
3. Drag the “Flashlight” icon to the first line to make it visible at all times.
4. Tap “Done.”

From now on, two swipes are enough to turn on the flashlight, and another to turn it off.
It’s simple, but not yet as fast as a real shortcut on the home screen. For that, let’s move on to the next method.

2. Samsung’s secret widget: add the flashlight directly to the home screen

Samsung widgets allow you to add functional shortcuts to the main screen, including the flashlight.
This is the most convenient method if you want immediate access without going through the notification panel.

Steps to follow:

1. Long press on an empty area of your home screen.
2. Tap “Widgets”.
3. Look for the “Quick Commands”, “SmartThings”, or “Shortcuts” section depending on your phone version.
4. Choose the “Flashlight” widget and drag it to your home screen.
5. Place it in the most accessible spot for you.

Once installed, a simple tap on the widget is enough to turn the flash on or off.
It’s the most direct and fastest way, ideal if you use the flashlight often in daily life.

3. Voice command: turn on the flashlight without touching the screen

For those in a hurry, Samsung offers an even faster alternative: voice command.
If your phone is set up with Google Assistant or Bixby, you can activate the flashlight by voice, even with your hands full.

With Google Assistant:

Simply say:

“Hey Google, turn on the flashlight.”
and to turn it off:
“Hey Google, turn off the flashlight.”

With Bixby:

Activate Bixby via the side button or by the voice command “Hi Bixby”, then say:

“Turn on the flashlight.”

The flash turns on instantly, without you needing to unlock or navigate through menus.
It’s the perfect solution for emergencies, especially if your hands are occupied.

4. Samsung routines: a flashlight that turns on automatically based on your actions

If you like to automate your smartphone’s actions, the Modes and Routines function (formerly Bixby Routines) is a gem.
It allows you to program the activation of the flashlight based on an action or context.

Examples:

• Turn on the flashlight when you shake the phone.
• Activate the flashlight when you open the Camera app.
• Turn off the flashlight as soon as you lock the screen.
• Turn on the flashlight at night when you get home (via geolocation).

How to create a routine?

1. Open Settings → Modes and Routines.
2. Tap “+” to create a new routine.
3. In the “If…” section, choose a condition (e.g., “When I shake the phone”).
4. In the “Then…” section, select “Flashlight → On”.
5. Save.

As soon as the condition is met, the flashlight turns on automatically.
It’s a powerful feature, ideal for those who want a smart and responsive smartphone.

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