Mobile phone flashes have become the new flashlights. However, even so, in some cases it's not easy. turn on the LED without opening the camera or wasting time looking for quick access. However, with Torchie, you can turn on the flashlight from your mobile phone by pressing simultaneously the volume buttons, immediately and without touching the screen.
Torchi
This app doesn't actually require much text to explain its functionality. It simply allows you to turn on your phone's LED. pressing simultaneously the two volume buttons. Some smartphones don't have a shortcut for the flashlight; we can download apps that turn on the light when launched, and other phones include a shortcut in Quick SettingsHowever, for many users, it's more useful to be able to activate the flashlight with the volume buttons. The volume buttons are one of those physical buttons that... They can be put to better useSince they're there, they can be used, for example, to activate the flashlight by pressing them simultaneously, and that's precisely the goal of Torchie.
Torchie stands out because it is open sourceThat is, open source, can be obtained from F-Droid and Google PlayIt doesn't need root permissions, it's free and no ads and it works as a lightweight service that remains listening with minimum consumption battery drain. To control the hardware with the screen locked or off, it requires permission from accessibility, a standard requirement in Android for this type of action.
However, the app gives us three options, two of which are already activated: the flashlight activates when both volume buttons are pressed simultaneously, both when the The screen is on., like when we're in the lock windowHowever, there is a third option that comes disabled and that we can activate: that the flashlight turns on even when we press the volume buttons with the screen offIt is indicated that this could consume more batterySo, if you notice your phone's battery life is reduced after activating it, you'll know it's because you enabled this option. It's a very simple app that runs as a "function" on your phone and won't consume any battery power (except with that third option mentioned earlier).
How to set up Torchie on Android
Its use is not mysterious, but it's worth clarifying to get the most out of it. maximum match Safely:
- Install Torchie from Google Play or F-Droid and open the app to activate "Functions of Torchie".
- Grants permission to accessibility when the system requests it; it is necessary to react to the buttons with the screen locked or turned off.
- Try this gesture: squeeze at the same time volume up and down (A short press, without holding). Pressing again turns the light off.
- In the menu of adjustments You can choose whether it works with the screen on, locked, or off, activate vibration, or adjust the LED behavior.
Useful settings and tricks
- proximity sense: activates the use of the proximity sensor to prevent accidental power-ups when the phone is in the pocket or purse.
- LED or screenChoose whether Torchie turns on the rear flash or uses the screen as light soft, useful for not dazzling.
- Auto power off: set up a with a timer so that the flashlight turns off automatically after X seconds and thus saves battery.
- Haptic response: Activates vibration when turning on/off to confirm the action without looking at the screen.
- CompatibilityIf you notice conflicts with the volume control on very old devices, disable the function when the screen is on and leaves the rest of the scenarios active.
Alternatives and other quick ways to turn on the flashlight
- Quick settings: anchors the flashlight icon to the panel of quick access to activate with a touch.
- Shortcut on the lock screenSome manufacturers allow you to place a flashlight button on the lock screen for instant access.
- Voice commandsWith the Google Assistant you can say «Turn on the flashlight"And that's it; useful when your hands are full."
- shake the phoneApps like Shake Light turn on the light when shake the device, configurable in sensitivity.
- Power buttonUtilities like "Power Button Flashlight" allow you to activate with three touches on the power button.
- FingerprintWith tools like Fingerprint Gestures you can assign the flashlight at a gesture in the fingerprint reader.
- Similar alternative"Volume Button Torch" also takes advantage of volume buttons to turn the light on/off, even with the screen off.
- Privacy : prioritize apps no adsWith a good track record and minimal permits, Torchie performs very well here.
With Torchie you turn the volume buttons into an always accessible physical switch, gaining speed, comfort and control. Its open-source approach, without ads or root access, and its features like the proximity sensor or timer, make it an elegant solution for having a flashlight handy in any situation.
