How to Enable Automatic Dark Mode on iPhone and iPad

Automatic appearance switches your iPhone or iPad between Light and Dark Mode on a schedule, so you do not have to change it manually each day. You can use sunset-to-sunrise timing or choose your own hours; the setting is built into iOS and iPadOS.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad with a reasonably current version of iOS or iPadOS.
Access to the device’s Settings app. No extra app or account is required.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Find the gray gear icon on your Home Screen or in the App Library, then tap it.
Open Display & Brightness. Scroll the Settings list if needed and select Display & Brightness.
Choose the appearance controls. Near the top, you will see Light and Dark previews, along with an Automatic switch. Tap the switch to turn it on. If the screen is currently in Light Mode, it may stay light until the next scheduled change.
Open the schedule options. Tap Options beneath Automatic. Depending on your current appearance and software version, you may need to turn Automatic on before Options appears.
Pick a schedule. Choose Sunset to Sunrise to use local sunset and sunrise times, or select Custom Schedule to choose specific times.
Set custom times if you prefer. For a custom schedule, set the Light appearance time and the Dark appearance time using the time pickers. For example, set Light to 7:00 AM and Dark to 8:00 PM if those suit your routine. Tap back when finished; changes are normally saved automatically.
Check that the switch remains on. Return to Settings > Display & Brightness and make sure Automatic is enabled. The selected appearance may not change until its scheduled time.
Test it without waiting, if needed. Tap Dark or Light manually on the Display & Brightness screen. This immediately changes the appearance, but it does not turn off the Automatic schedule. With Automatic enabled, the device can switch again at the next scheduled time.

Once scheduled, Dark Mode changes the appearance of iOS or iPadOS and apps that support the system appearance. Some apps use their own appearance setting, so they may not follow the device schedule.

Common Mistakes

Choosing Light or Dark manually and assuming it is scheduled. Selecting an appearance changes it now. To make it switch later, turn on Automatic as well.
Expecting an immediate change after enabling the schedule. Automatic mode follows the next transition time. It may not change until sunset, sunrise, or the custom time you selected.
Looking for a separate schedule in Control Center. Control Center can switch appearance quickly, but the schedule and its options are in Settings under Display & Brightness.
Assuming every app follows the system. Apps can offer their own Light, Dark, or automatic appearance preference. A single app staying light does not necessarily mean the iPhone or iPad schedule is broken.
Setting the custom times in the wrong order. Check both the Light and Dark time pickers, including AM or PM, so the transitions happen when you expect.

Tips

Use Sunset to Sunrise for a changing daylight schedule. This option follows local sunrise and sunset rather than using the same clock times throughout the year. Location-related settings may affect how the device determines local times.
Use a custom schedule for predictable hours. Fixed times are useful if you want Dark Mode to begin before bedtime or want Light Mode at a particular time regardless of the season.
Try Dark Mode immediately before settling on a schedule. On the Display & Brightness screen, tap Dark to preview it. You can then enable Automatic and choose when it should apply.
Remember that appearance is not the same as brightness. Dark Mode changes supported interface colors. It does not, by itself, set a brightness level or guarantee that every screen element will be dark.
Use Control Center for a temporary manual change. If the brightness control is not expanded, press and hold it; on supported devices, the appearance control may be available there. Settings remains the clearest place to review the schedule.

Troubleshooting

Automatic is missing or the schedule options do not appear: Open Settings > Display & Brightness and look directly below the Light and Dark choices. Turn on Automatic, then tap Options if it is shown. If the labels or layout differ, check that the device software is up to date through Settings > General > Software Update; the exact screen layout can vary by software version.

The device does not switch at the time you expect: Recheck whether you selected Sunset to Sunrise or Custom Schedule. For a custom schedule, confirm both times and AM/PM. If using sunrise and sunset, verify that the device has the correct date, time, and region under Settings > General > Date & Time. If you travel, local time and location can change the expected transition.

It switched once but no longer follows the schedule: Return to Display & Brightness and check that Automatic is still on. A manual Light or Dark selection may change the current appearance, but the schedule should remain active if Automatic is enabled. If the switch appears on but behavior is stuck, restart the device and check the setting again.

Only one app ignores Dark Mode: Look in that app’s own settings for an appearance or theme option. If it is set to Light, change it to System, Automatic, or Dark if those choices are available. App controls vary, and some apps do not support system-wide Dark Mode.

The sunset schedule seems inaccurate: Make sure date and time are set correctly and that the device can determine its local area. You can instead choose Custom Schedule if you want fixed transition times that do not depend on sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Automatic Dark Mode work on both iPhone and iPad?
Yes. On supported software, the setting is in Settings > Display & Brightness on both devices.

Can I choose when Dark Mode starts?
Yes. Turn on Automatic, tap Options, choose Custom Schedule, and set the Light and Dark times.

Can I switch to Dark Mode manually while Automatic is enabled?
Yes. Tap Dark or Light in Display & Brightness. The scheduled transition can change it again at the next set time.

Does Sunset to Sunrise require me to enter times?
No. Choose Sunset to Sunrise under Options. The device uses local sunrise and sunset timing; use Custom Schedule if you prefer fixed hours.

Will every app change to Dark Mode automatically?
No. Apps that support the system appearance generally follow it, but some have a separate theme setting or do not support Dark Mode.

Does Dark Mode save battery?
It may reduce power use on some displays, but the effect depends on the device and screen. Automatic scheduling controls appearance, not battery use directly.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →