The Pocket Activation Vector
The iPhone Lock Screen features two prominent, persistent shortcuts at the bottom of the display: the Camera and the Flashlight. Because these icons require only a firm press (haptic touch) to activate, they are frequently triggered by accident while sliding the phone into a pocket, pulling it out of a bag, or simply gripping the device tightly. An accidentally activated flashlight can rapidly drain the battery and cause the phone to overheat dramatically.
How to Disable the Flashlight Shortcut
Starting with iOS 18, Apple finally granted users the ability to remove or replace these persistent Lock Screen toggles, preventing accidental activation.
1. Lock your iPhone, then tap the screen to wake it up (ensure Face ID authenticates you, but do not swipe up to go to the Home Screen).
2. Press and hold anywhere on the empty space of the Lock Screen until the interface shrinks slightly and the “Customise” button appears at the bottom.
3. Tap the Customise button, then select Lock Screen.
4. Look at the bottom-left corner of the screen where the Flashlight icon is located. Tap the small grey minus (-) icon attached to it.
5. The Flashlight shortcut will instantly disappear, leaving a blank space.
6. Tap Done in the top-right corner, then tap your Lock Screen again to exit the editing mode.
You can still access the flashlight at any time by swiping down from the top-right corner to open the Control Centre, but it will no longer activate accidentally in your pocket.