Title:Why is the iPhone screen bright and dark at the same time? Explore the multiple factors affecting screen brightness
In the process of using iPhone, many users find that the screen sometimes appears to be bright and dark at one time. This problem of erratic screen brightness not only affects the user experience, but can also be confusing. In this article, we will explore the various factors that may cause the iPhone screen brightness to change, including automatic brightness adjustment, device heating, low battery, and other possible causes.
1. Automatic brightness adjustment function
iPhone comes with an "Auto Brightness Adjustment" feature designed to automatically adjust the brightness of the screen in response to changes in ambient light. The feature works via a built-in ambient light sensor, and when you go from a bright environment into a dark place, the screen brightness is automatically reduced to protect your eyes. Conversely, in dimly lit environments, the screen brightness is increased to ensure readability. However, the sensitivity of the automatic brightness adjustment may result in frequent fluctuations in screen brightness, especially when there are large variations in light.
If you feel that this automatic adjustment function affects the stability of the screen, you can try to turn off the automatic brightness adjustment function in the "Display and Brightness" option in "Settings" to see if the problem can be solved.
Use the brightness control in Control Center or open Display & Brightness in Settings.
Adjusting brightness in Control Center
- On iPhone X or later, or on an iPad with iOS 12 or iPadOS, swipe down from the top right corner of the display. On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge of the display.
- Drag the brightness bar up or down to adjust the brightness.
Adjusting brightness and color temperature in Settings
- In the Settings app, tap Display & Brightness.
- Drag the slider to the right or left to adjust the brightness.
From here, you can turn on Dark Mode, which is designed to reduce eye irritation from the screen display. Dark Mode uses a darker color scheme that applies to the entire system, including the app that comes with your device and many third-party apps.
"Original Color Display "* On by default, this feature uses advanced sensors to adjust the color and intensity of the display to adapt to ambient light for a more natural image display.
If "Original Color Display" is turned off, the color and intensity of the display will remain the same regardless of changes in ambient light.
You can also turn on Night View, a feature that turns the display to a warmer color to make it more comfortable for your eyes when looking at it. To turn the color temperature warmer or cooler, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Night View and use the color temperature slider to adjust it.
Some display-related accessibility settings, including Invert Colors, Grayscale, and Increase Contrast, may turn off the original color display. If you turn on Reference Mode on iPad, you cannot adjust the display brightness, and both Original Color Display and Night View are deactivated.
About Brightness Levels
iOS devices utilize an ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness level based on the surrounding light conditions. In dimly lit areas, the sensor dims the brightness of the screen, while in brighter areas, it dims the brightness of the screen. By default, automatic brightness adjustment is on.
After turning on the automatic brightness adjustment feature, you can see the brightness slider on your device moving according to different lighting conditions.
To turn the automatic brightness adjustment feature on or off, follow the steps below:
- In the Settings app, tap Accessibility.
- Tap "Display and Text Size".
- Scroll to "Automatic Brightness Adjustment" and tap to turn this feature on or off.
If you think the screen brightness has not been adjusted correctly, try turning off and then back on the automatic brightness adjustment feature.
All-weather display and automatic brightness adjustment on iPhone 14 Pro and newer models
The All-Weather Display feature is on by default on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max and above. In the new low battery mode, the iPhone display can operate at refresh rates as low as 1 Hz. These models feature improved technology that allows the display to dim when the device is locked or when the device is idle. To extend battery life, the display will dim completely in certain situations, such as when the phone is in a pocket or face down on a surface.
To turn the 24/7 display feature off or on, follow these steps:
- In the Settings app, tap Display & Brightness.
- Scroll down to "Always Display" and turn the 24/7 display feature off or on.
2. Equipment heating
Heat issues with the device may also affect the screen brightness. When the iPhone overheats, the system automatically reduces the screen brightness to prevent the overheating from damaging the hardware. Fluctuations in screen brightness in this case are usually directly related to the temperature of the device. If your iPhone becomes very hot during use, especially in high-performance apps or games, the screen brightness may be adjusted frequently to lower the device's temperature.
To minimize heating problems, make sure your iPhone is used in a well-ventilated environment and avoid overheating the device when charging or using high-performance apps for long periods of time. If the device heats up frequently, you may need to check for software issues or hardware malfunctions and deal with them accordingly.
3. Low Battery Impact
When the iPhone battery is low, the system automatically adjusts the screen brightness to save power. This energy-saving mode causes the screen brightness to decrease to extend battery life. If you notice frequent changes in screen brightness, especially when the battery level is below 20%, this may be a result of the system automatically adjusting the brightness to extend battery life.
If this happens to you, try charging it to see if the screen brightness returns to normal. In addition, iPhone will also automatically reduce the screen brightness when you turn on Low Battery Mode to maximize battery life.
4. Night mode and True Tone function
iPhone also features Night Mode and True Tone. Night Mode automatically adjusts the color temperature of the screen at night to make it warmer and less irritating to the eyes, while True Tone technology adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient light to provide a more natural visual experience. These features may affect screen brightness performance in different environments, making the screen appear bright and dark at times.
If you feel that these features cause unstable screen brightness, you can turn off Night Mode and True Tone in the "Display & Brightness" option in "Settings" to see if it stabilizes the screen brightness.
5. System updates and software issues
iOS system updates and software issues may also cause screen brightness to become unstable. System updates may sometimes introduce new brightness adjustment algorithms, while software malfunctions or incompatible apps may affect the normal adjustment of screen brightness. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, and check for available updates through "Software Update" in "Settings".
If the problem persists, try rebooting the device or performing a system restore to rule out software issues. You can also try uninstalling recently installed applications to see if that resolves the issue.
6. Screen hardware issues
Although uncommon, screen hardware problems can cause erratic brightness. If the screen or related components are malfunctioning, it may result in abnormal screen brightness. Check the screen for visible damage or display abnormalities. If a hardware problem is found, we recommend contacting Apple's official customer service or visiting an authorized repair center for inspection and repair.
7. Applications and background processes
Certain applications or background processes may have an effect on screen brightness. For example, some applications may adjust the screen brightness at runtime to suit specific display needs. This may cause the screen brightness to change when switching between applications.
If you find that the screen brightness problem mainly occurs in specific apps, you can try to close those apps or uninstall them to see if the problem is solved. You can also turn off unnecessary background processes in the Background App Refresh option in Settings to minimize the interference with screen brightness.
summarize
The iPhone screen appearing bright and dim at one time may be caused by a variety of factors, including automatic brightness adjustment, device heat, low battery, system updates and software issues, and screen hardware issues. Understanding these factors and taking appropriate measures can help you solve the problem of unstable screen brightness and improve the experience of using your device. If the problem persists, it is recommended to contact Apple Customer Service or visit an authorized repair center for further inspection.
