How to turn on Dark Mode on an iPhone

2 min read · 3 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Display & Brightness and choose Dark. Switch on Automatic to have the phone change to dark at sunset and back to light at sunrise.

Dark Mode shows light text on a dark background across the system and in most apps. It is easier on the eyes at night, and on iPhones with OLED screens it saves a little battery.

Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsGeneral›Accessibility›Camera›Display & Brightness›

    Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness

    It is in the main Settings list.

  2. Display & BrightnessLight Dark›Automatic›Text Size›Bold Text›

    Choose Dark

    The two pictures at the top are Light and Dark. Tap Dark.

  3. Display & BrightnessLight Dark›AutomaticText Size›Bold Text›

    Switch on Automatic

    Tap Options to choose Sunset to Sunrise or a custom schedule.

Good to know

The quick way: open Control Centre, touch and hold the brightness slider and tap Dark Mode.

Some apps have their own appearance setting and ignore the system one.

For a warmer screen at night as well, switch on Night Shift on the same page.

In short: Settings, Display & Brightness, Dark. Automatic follows sunset.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Use Dark Mode on your iPhone

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.