Dark Mode changes iOS system screens and supported apps from light backgrounds to darker colors. You can turn it on manually, toggle it from Control Center, or schedule it to follow sunset and sunrise.
Dark Mode is available system-wide on iOS 13 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a darker iPhone appearance for nighttime use, comfort, preference, or a small OLED battery benefit.
Turn On Dark Mode Manually
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Under Appearance, choose Dark.
You can also open Control Center, touch and hold the brightness slider, and tap the Dark Mode button.
Schedule Dark Mode Automatically
- Open Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Turn on Automatic.
- Tap Options.
- Choose Sunset to Sunrise or set a Custom Schedule.
- Return to Display & Brightness to save the choice.
Dark Mode Notes
App Support
Most modern apps follow the system appearance, but some apps have their own theme setting that must be changed inside the app.
Battery Life
On OLED iPhones, darker pixels can use less power than bright white screens. The effect is usually smaller than reducing brightness or using Low Power Mode.
Increase Contrast
If dark text and backgrounds feel too low-contrast, open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and enable Increase Contrast.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Dark Mode on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Control Center on iPhone
- Apple Support: Change Display and Brightness settings on iPhone