iPhone Dark Mode On is a game-changer, especially if you have an OLED screen. It not only looks great, but it also helps save battery life. However, iOS doesn’t fully embrace dark mode—some elements remain bright, which can be a bit annoying. Luckily, there are some hidden settings that can help…
What’s wrong with iPhone Dark Mode On iOS 18?
iPhone Dark Mode has been on the iPhone for a while now, and many users prefer to keep it on at all times. It dims the user interface and reduces screen brightness, making it easier on the eyes. But here’s the thing—dark mode doesn’t automatically apply to everything.
While system apps follow a dark theme, your home screen wallpaper and app icons can still be too bright. If you’re looking for a more consistent dark mode experience, there are two hidden settings in iOS 18 that can help by dimming the wallpaper and adjusting the color of app icons.
How to Darken Your Home Screen Wallpaper
If your wallpaper still looks too bright even with Dark Mode enabled, you can easily tone it down:
- Press and hold on an empty space on your Home screen until the icon starts to jiggle.
- Tap the Edit button in the top-left corner.
- In the menu that appears, tap the little sun icon – this will dim your wallpaper.
While this won’t completely turn your wallpaper black, it helps tie everything together for a smoother iPhone Dark Mode experience.
Match your app icons to Dark Mode
Want to take things a step further? iOS 18 lets you change the color scheme of your app icons, swapping out the bright white elements for dark colors:
- Press and hold on an empty space on your Home screen.
- Tap Edit in the top-right corner and select Customize.
- Select the Dark option.
This tweak works on system apps like Music, Phone, Messages, Safari, and Notes, and also darkens some third-party apps like Chrome, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This new look goes beyond the home screen, even applying to places like the AirDrop menu.
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However, not every app supports this feature. Apps like Google Keyboard and PayPal may still look different, so if it’s bothering you, consider moving them to the App Library.
Refresh Your Wallpaper for a Whole New Look
A new wallpaper can completely change the vibe of your iPhone. Try these tips:
- Set different wallpapers for your Lock and Home screens.
- Use blur effects for a subtle transition when unlocking.
- Long-press your Lock screen, authenticate, and choose from the wallpaper gallery.
Feeling indecisive? Use the wallpaper shuffle feature to cycle through images—NASA’s space-themed options look especially stunning in Dark Mode.
More Ways to Customize iOS 18
Beyond Dark Mode tweaks, iOS 18 offers even more personalization options:
- Tailor your Control Center with the shortcuts you actually use.
- Replace Lock Screen shortcuts with your most-used apps.
- Add widgets to your Home screen for quick access to key features.
These additions help create a more seamless and personalized iPhone experience.
Conclusion
With these changes, you can create a visually cohesive and truly personalized iPhone experience. Whether you’re dimming your wallpaper, adjusting app icons, or cycling through stunning Dark Mode-friendly wallpapers, iOS 18 gives you more control over how your iPhone looks and feels. Try these settings and let others know how you use Dark Mode.
FAQ
1. Does iPhone Dark Mode save battery life on iPhone?
Yes! Dark Mode reduces power consumption by turning off individual pixels in dark areas, especially on OLED screens.
2. Why doesn’t iPhone Dark Mode apply to all elements on my iPhone?
iOS applies Dark Mode to system apps and menus, but some areas, like the Home screen wallpaper and app icons, require manual adjustments.
3. How do I completely darken my Home screen?
Use the Wallpaper Dimming option and switch app icons to Dark Mode in the Customize menu for a more consistent look.
4. Do all apps support Dark Mode icons?
No, many system and third-party apps support dark icons, but some don’t. If an app’s icon remains bright, you can move it to the App Library.
5. Can I schedule Dark Mode to turn on automatically?
Yes! Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and set Dark Mode to activate at sunset or at a custom time.
6. Can I further customize the look of Dark Mode?
Yes, you can personalize the wallpaper, widgets, Control Center, and even Lock screen shortcuts to match your aesthetic preferences.
