There is a lot to like about the “Dark Mode”. What I like the most about it is the ability to offer a visually soothing experience, especially in low-light environments. Though this mode is highly efficient and works like a charm on iOS and iPadOS, at times, it stops functioning properly. In this detailed guide, I’m going to discuss the 11 best tips and tricks to fix the Dark Mode not working on iPhone and iPad – based on my personal experience. Read on…
Fix Dark Mode Not Working on iPhone and iPad
So, what has derailed the Dark Mode on your iPhone? Well, this issue mainly occurs due to factors like misconfiguration and software glitches. Thankfully, there are several reliable ways to get rid of it.
1. Make Sure Dark Mode is Enabled
Sometimes, your device might default back to Light mode due to a restart or iOS update. Manually re-enabling Dark Mode ensures it’s active.
- On your iPhone, head over to the Settings app > Display & Brightness and select the Dark option under Appearance.
2. Check If Dark Mode is Set to Automatic
If Dark Mode appears to “turn off” during the day, it’s likely scheduled to switch based on the time of day. Disabling or adjusting the schedule lets you control it manually.
- On your iOS device, navigate to the Settings app > Display & Brightness > Appearance (Options).
- No, check if Automatic is enabled. If so, Dark Mode may only activate at sunset or at a custom time.
3. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
Temporary system glitches can interfere with display features. Therefore, I’d recommend you reboot your iPhone as it refreshes background processes and resets appearance settings.
- Press and hold the power button (and volume up for Face ID models), then swipe to power off. Turn it back on after a few seconds.
4. Update to the Latest iOS or iPadOS
Apple regularly patches bugs, including those affecting UI elements like Dark Mode. Keeping your device up to date ensures optimal performance.
- Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
5. Turn Off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode limits background activity and system appearance changes to conserve battery, which can prevent Dark Mode from applying system-wide.
- Dive into the Settings app on your iPhone > Battery and toggle off Low Power Mode.
6. Disable Smart Invert or Classic Invert
These features alter color schemes and can conflict with Dark Mode, causing apps and the system UI to appear incorrectly.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, then make sure Smart Invert and Classic Invert are turned off.
7. Force Close Apps and Reopen Them
Some apps cache their appearance settings. Closing and reopening them forces the UI to reload with the correct theme.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the Home button) to open the app switcher, then swipe away apps to close them.
8. Enable Reduce White Point
While not directly controlling Dark Mode, this reduces the intensity of bright colors, helping mimic a darker appearance if Dark Mode isn’t fully applied.
- On your iPhone, go to the Settings app > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, then toggle on Reduce White Point and adjust the slider.
9. Check App-Level Dark Mode Settings
Not all apps follow the system-wide theme by default. You may need to manually set Dark Mode in app settings.
- Open specific apps like YouTube, Gmail, or Reddit and go to their settings to ensure Dark Mode is enabled.
10. Reset All Settings
If a hidden settings conflict is blocking Dark Mode, resetting all system preferences can restore normal functionality.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Note that this will reset preferences without deleting your data.
11. Turn Off Accessibility Color Filters
Color filters are designed to aid visibility, but they can override or distort how Dark Mode appears on screen.
- Launch Settings app > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters and make sure it’s turned off.
Wrapping up…
And that wraps up our 11 proven fixes for Dark Mode not working on iPhone and iPad. Whether it’s a simple setting or a deeper system issue, one of these tips should get your device back in the dark—literally!
