How to Use Night Mode on iPhone?

As our mobile devices become an integral part of our daily lives, like Night Mode features have gained popularity for enhancing usability, reducing eye strain, and saving battery life. If you're an iPhone user looking to explore the benefits, you're in the right place.

Johan Müller

Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer

Like any other writer, his path crossed with the SaaS industry. For over three years, he has been combining his SEO and writing skills to create informative listicles, comparisons, and tutorial posts.

Using Night Mode on Your iPhone Camera

Night Mode in the Camera app is a game-changer for low-light photography. Available on all iPhones starting with the iPhone 11 (with Night mode selfies on iPhone 12 and later, and Night mode portraits exclusive to Pro models), it allows you to capture details in dark scenes with clarity.

When to Use It

Night Mode works best in environments such as:

• Cityscapes at Night: Capture streetlights, illuminated buildings, and reflections.
• Indoor Photography: Improve photos in dimly lit rooms or events.
• Starry Skies & Candlelit Scenes: Bring out details and create dramatic effects with long exposures.

How to Use It

1. Open the Camera App:
   Launch the Camera app and ensure you’re in Photo mode (or Portrait mode if your model supports Night mode portraits).
   • If the lens detects low-light conditions, the Night mode icon (a crescent moon) will turn yellow.
   • If the icon isn’t yellow, it means Night mode is inactive; if it’s crossed out, tap it to enable the feature.
     
     
2. Capture and Hold Still:
   Tap the shutter button and hold your phone steady until the capture completes. Since the camera uses a slower shutter speed to let in more light, any movement may result in blurring. For best results, use a tripod or steady your elbows against your body.
   
   
3. Adjust the Exposure:
   If the image appears too dark, swipe up on the image preview or tap the arrow (just below the notch) to access additional options.
   • Tap the moon icon to reveal the slider, then adjust the exposure time (ranging from 1 to 30 seconds depending on ambient light) to let in more light.
   • The longer the exposure, the brighter and more detailed your image will be.

 (Image source: Apple)

Tips for the Best Night Mode Shots

• Keep the Phone Steady:
  Stability is key. Setting the phone on a stable surface to minimize movement or using a tripod will be other better choice.

• Use the Camera Timer:
  When you want to be in the shot or simply avoid shake, use the self timer to delay the shutter release.

• Choose Your Subjects Wisely:
  Since slower shutter speeds blur movement, focus on still subjects. If photographing moving objects, try to minimize their motion.

• Control the Exposure:
  Adjust the exposure manually by tapping the viewfinder and swiping up or down, or by using the additional settings available in the Camera options.

• Mind the Ambient Light:
  Incorporate ambient sources like street lights or candles to add depth and contrast. Avoid zooming in, as it may reduce image quality.

• Disable When Unnecessary:
  Avoid over-exposuring in brighter conditions, tap the moon icon again to deactivate Night mode when it isn’t needed.

"Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by screens, which can cause eye strain and discomfort, especially during prolonged use. "

Johan Müller

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

Activating Night Mode on iPhone

In low-light environments, you can try to set up night mode for better viewing. These following steps will help you set Dark Mode. 

Step 1: Update to the Latest iOS Version

You have to ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version firstly. If not, please head to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" to check for and install any available updates.

Step 2: Access Control Center

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center. You may need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen on older iPhone models.

Step 3: Locate the Brightness Slider

In the Control Center, you'll find the brightness slider represented by a sun icon. Press and hold on the brightness slider to reveal additional options.

Step 4: Activate Night Mode

Look for the "Dark Mode" or "Night Mode" switch. It typically appears as a crescent moon icon. Tap on the icon to activate Night Mode. Your iPhone's interface will now switch to darker colors, providing a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light situations.

 
You can also read about  saving a Google Doc as PDF.

How to Change PDF Themes Windows

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Step 1: Click "Page Display".

Step 2: Head to "Themes" under the "Page Display" menu.

Step 3: Change your theme to "Sepia", "Dark", and other colors.

You can also read about converting a picture to PDF on iPhone.

How to Change PDF Themes on Mac

Mac users also need to change the visual elements of their PDFs, which is what this guide will do.

Step 1: Click on "Page Display".

Step 2: Navigate to "Themes" under the "Page Display" menu.

Step 3: Select your desired theme, such as "Sepia", "Dark", and others.

FAQs: Using Night/Dark Mode on iPhone

Night or dark mode on iPhones offers users a visually comfortable experience, especially in low-light conditions. Here are some frequently asked questions about using night/dark mode on iPhone:

"Using dark mode in settings such as theaters, bedrooms, or other low-light environments reduces screen glare and minimizes disruptions to others."

Theodore Cipolla

B2B SaaS Content Marketer

Source: LinkedIn

Can I customize the appearance of night/dark mode on my iPhone?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of night/dark mode on your iPhone by adjusting settings such as brightness and contrast. You can also choose whether to enable dark mode for specific apps or system-wide.

Does night/dark mode affect the functionality of my iPhone?

Night/dark mode does not affect the functionality of your iPhone. It simply changes the appearance of the user interface and certain apps to use darker colors, making it easier on the eyes in low-light conditions.

Will using night/dark mode on my iPhone affect my sleep patterns?

While there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that night/dark mode can improve sleep patterns, many users find it more comfortable to use their devices in low-light conditions before bedtime. It's important to limit screen time and establish healthy sleep habits regardless of the display mode.

Can I use night/dark mode on specific apps only?

Yes, you can enable night/dark mode on specific apps by adjusting their individual settings. Many apps offer built-in dark mode options that you can activate independently of your device's system-wide settings.

Does night/dark mode work on all iPhone models?

Night/dark mode is available on iPhone models running iOS 13 and later. However, the appearance and functionality may vary slightly depending on the device's display technology and software version.

Can I revert to the light mode after enabling night/dark mode on my iPhone?

Yes, you can revert to the light mode on your iPhone at any time by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting Light. You can also schedule light mode to turn on automatically during the day or from sunrise to sunset.

Now that you're familiar with all the features of night mode, you can try it out for yourself. This is an excellent way of viewing images and files in low-lit environments. Whether for reducing eye strain, conserving battery life, or simply personal preference, dark mode has become a popular feature that enhances usability and accessibility for users worldwide.