iPhone (iOS) · Display & Sound
Switch Between Light and Dark Appearance
Dark Mode changes the system interface and supported apps to a dark color scheme, and can be set to switch automatically at sunset and sunrise or on a custom schedule.
How to open Dark Mode
- Open Settings → Display & Brightness
- Choose Light, Dark, or Automatic
- If Automatic, tap Options to set Sunset to Sunrise or a custom schedule
- Adjust wallpaper for Light/Dark variants if desired
What you should know
- Applies to system apps, Home Screen, and any third-party apps that support Dark Mode
- Automatic scheduling can follow Sunset to Sunrise or a fixed custom time range
- Can be toggled instantly from Control Center's brightness menu
- Wallpaper can be set to change automatically between light and dark variants
Why it matters
Dark Mode has become one of the most widely adopted display preferences, valued both for reduced eye strain in low-light environments and for potential battery savings on OLED displays, where darker pixels use less power. It also has an accessibility dimension for users sensitive to bright screens or with certain light sensitivity conditions. Because appearance choice now often follows time of day automatically, it reduces the friction of manually switching modes throughout a normal daily routine.
Best practices
- Set Automatic scheduling to Sunset to Sunrise for a hands-off day/night appearance switch
- Pair with Night Shift for a fuller nighttime viewing setup
- Choose dark or light wallpaper variants that complement the current appearance mode
- Check third-party apps individually, since not all fully support Dark Mode styling
Common problems and fixes
- An app doesn't switch to Dark Mode
- Check that app's own in-app appearance setting, since not all apps follow the system-wide setting
- Dark Mode doesn't switch automatically
- Confirm Automatic is enabled under Settings > Display & Brightness and Location Services is available for sunset/sunrise timing
- Wallpaper doesn't change with appearance mode
- Choose a wallpaper option that explicitly supports Light/Dark variants when setting it
Tips and tricks
- Use a long-press on the Control Center brightness slider for a one-tap Dark/Light toggle
- Choose a Dynamic or Dark-specific wallpaper to make the transition feel more deliberate
Frequently asked questions
Does Dark Mode save battery?
On OLED displays, dark pixels use less power, so it can provide modest battery savings, especially at higher brightness.
Can I set Dark Mode for specific apps only?
The system setting is global, but many apps offer their own independent light/dark override within the app.
Is Dark Mode the same as Night Shift?
No, Dark Mode changes interface colors, while Night Shift adjusts the warmth of the display's color temperature.
Related settings
- Display & BrightnessDisplay & Brightness settings control screen brightness, True Tone, Dark Mode, text size, and Night Shift for warmer colors in the evening.
- Night ShiftNight Shift automatically shifts the iPhone display to warmer colors on a schedule or from sunset to sunrise, reducing blue light exposure that can interfere with sleep when using the device at night.
- True ToneTrue Tone uses ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the display's white balance and intensity to match surrounding lighting conditions, keeping colors looking natural under different light sources.
More Display & Sound guides for iPhone (iOS)
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- Sounds & HapticsSounds & Haptics controls ringtone and alert tones, ringer and alert volume, and the tactile vibration feedback (haptics) your iPhone provides for calls, texts, and everyday interactions like typing.
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- Text Size & Bold TextText Size and Bold Text controls scale font size and weight across the system and supporting apps, making text easier to read without reducing the amount of visible screen content the way zooming would.
- Attention Aware FeaturesAttention Aware Features use the TrueDepth camera on Face ID-equipped iPhones to keep the screen on and dim alert volume when it detects you're looking at the display, and to keep it unlocked while you're viewing it.