Camera flashes use a xenon flash tube, not a traditional filament bulb. In normal use, the tube usually lasts a very long time—often as long as, or longer than, the camera or flash unit itself.

Community experience suggests flash tubes may be rated around 1,000–5,000 full-power consecutive pops before noticeable output loss begins, but that is more of a stress-case than real-world use. Lower-power flashes, allowing cooldown time, and avoiding overheating can extend life significantly. In practice, many users get tens of thousands of flashes, and well-made tubes can last much longer.

Flash tubes typically don’t fail suddenly like household bulbs. They usually degrade gradually, with reduced output over time. That’s one reason manuals often don’t list a simple “number of flashes” lifespan: actual life depends heavily on power level, heat, recycle habits, and overall flash design.

So for both built-in flashes and external speedlights, the flash tube is usually not a routine replacement item. If you avoid repeated full-power bursts and overheating, it will likely outlast your interest in the camera or flash.