Is your iPhone screen getting dim for no reason? Whether it’s shifting brightness levels randomly or going too dark to read, you’re not alone. iPhones use a bunch of features to adjust screen brightness — and sometimes they go overboard.
Here’s a full list of ways to stop your iPhone from dimming on its own and regain control over your screen brightness.
1. Turn Off Auto-Brightness
Auto-Brightness uses sensors to adjust your screen based on ambient lighting. Sounds useful — until it starts misjudging and dimming the screen too much.
To disable Auto-Brightness:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Go to Display & Text Size.
- Scroll down and toggle Auto-Brightness off.
Your screen will now stay at the brightness level you set, without adjusting on its own.
2. Disable True Tone
True Tone tweaks your display’s color and brightness to match lighting conditions. While it improves color accuracy, it can also make the screen appear dimmer.
To turn off True Tone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Toggle True Tone off.
If the dimming stops, True Tone was likely the cause.
3. Keep Your iPhone Cool
iPhones auto-dim when they overheat to protect internal components. If your phone is getting warm, that could be why the screen is dimming.
Tips to prevent overheating:
- Don’t leave your iPhone in hot environments (like a car or direct sun).
- Close high-performance apps when not in use.
- Avoid using a battery case while charging.
- Enable Low Power Mode under Settings > Battery to reduce system strain.
If you see a temperature warning, shut the device down and let it cool before using again.
4. Adjust Auto-Lock Timing
Your screen may dim just before it turns off. That’s normal, but if it happens too fast, you can increase the auto-lock delay.
To change Auto-Lock settings:
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Tap Auto-Lock.
- Choose a longer time, like 5 minutes.
This keeps the screen active longer and prevents premature dimming.
5. Turn Off Dark Mode
Dark Mode doesn’t directly lower brightness, but it can make your display look dimmer overall — especially with a dark wallpaper.
To switch back to Light Mode:
- Open Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Select Light under Appearance.
Your screen should instantly look brighter and more vibrant.
6. Disable Reduce White Point
This accessibility feature reduces bright colors and dims the entire screen — even if your brightness slider is maxed out.
To turn it off:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility.
- Tap Display & Text Size.
- Scroll down and switch Reduce White Point OFF.
This will restore your display’s full brightness potential.
7. Update iOS
Sometimes dimming issues are caused by bugs in the software. Keeping iOS updated can squash these glitches.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
8. Reset All Settings
Still having brightness issues? Try resetting your settings — it won’t erase your data, but it will restore all system settings to default.
To do it:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Once your iPhone restarts, check if the dimming issue is resolved.
9. Contact Apple Support
If none of these fixes work, you may have a hardware issue — like a faulty ambient light sensor.
You can:
- Visit an Apple Store for a Genius Bar appointment.
- Chat or call Apple Support for remote diagnostics.
- Mail in your iPhone if it’s under warranty or AppleCare.
Apple can run tests and let you know if a repair or replacement is needed.