On this headlamp, holding the top button turns it on and off. While it is on, the side button cycles through the three respective modes. The top button will control the output of whichever mode you are on. So your headlamp should be able to cycle through the modes without having to turn it off and on. You can try to download the latest software for it on the Petzl website. If not, you can contact our returns department and they will get you taken care of.