Want your iPhone to automatically turn off its flashlight after a few minutes or hours? Setting a timer can be useful in several situations. For instance, you might need the torch for a specific task or emergency but want to save battery life by avoiding extended use. Or you may use it to read or relax before bed and prefer not to risk falling asleep with it on.
While iPhone lets you control the flashlight brightness, it does not let you schedule it. However, there are workarounds available. Here are two ways you can set a timer for the flashlight on your iPhone.
1. Set a Flashlight Timer Using Siri Shortcuts
Since iOS 12, iPhone has a Shortcuts app to add triggers and actions. With it, you can create a shortcut that automatically turns off the flashlight after a set duration.
You can either download the Flashlight Auto-Off shortcut and customize it or create your own using the steps below:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the plus (+) icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
3. Search for and add the following actions in the set order:
- Set Flashlight or Set Torch: Choose On to turn on the flashlight.
- Wait: Set the duration (in seconds) for how long you want the flashlight to stay on. You can adjust the time by pressing and holding the number.
- Set Flashlight or Set Torch: This time, choose “Off” to turn off the flashlight after the wait time.
4. Tap Share icon at the bottom > Add to Home Screen.
5. Give your shortcut a name like Flashlight Timer and choose an icon of your choice (optional). Finally, tap Add to add it to your home screen.
Tap the newly created shortcut on your home screen, and the flashlight will turn on and turn back off automatically after the set time. You can also run the shortcut using Siri. Simply say “Hey Siri, run Flashlight Timer” (or whatever name you chose).
2. Use a Flashlight Timer App
Here are some third-party apps that let you set a timer before turning on the flashlight on your iPhone. However, the only downside is that the flashlight won’t work when your device is locked due to iOS system restrictions.
Torch Timer: Choose one of the preset timers or the + button to create your own. Set the desired duration or the specific time you want the torch to turn off automatically and start the timer. You can also add home screen widget to start a countdown timer or clock for the flashlight.
Download: Torch Timer for iPhone
Flashlight: Turn on the torch. Then, adjust the brightness and tap the Clock button to set a sleep timer. The app also includes a lock button to prevent accidental screen touches. Your iPhone’s screen will change into a flashlight with a large white light cone. You can adjust the size of the cone with two fingers, making it suitable for reading or other tasks.
Download: Flashlight with Timer for iPhone
These methods offer convenient ways to automatically turn off your iPhone’s flashlight after a set duration. Whether you prefer using Shortcuts for customization or third-party apps, you can now save battery life and ensure the flashlight doesn’t stay on longer than necessary.
