> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://techbytefix.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Turn On Dark Mode on iPad: Settings or Control Center - URL: https://techbytefix.com/dark-mode-ipad/ - Published: 2026-10-25T00:17:11.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-25T00:17:11.000Z - Author: Jake Whitman - Tags: Mobile Devices To turn on Dark Mode on your iPad, open Settings > Display & Brightness and select Dark. The screen changes immediately, and you can also switch Dark Mode from Control Center or schedule it for specific times or sunset to sunrise. These steps apply to iPad models running iPadOS 13 or later; menu labels can vary slightly by version. ## Before you start, check which iPadOS version you have Dark Mode is built into iPadOS 13 and later. You do not need to install an app or sign in to an account. Before you begin, check that: - Your iPad is running iPadOS 13 or later. - You know whether Dark Mode should stay on or switch automatically. - Your iPad has enough charge to open Settings and change its display options. To check the software version, open Settings, select General, then About, and look for the iPadOS version. On some versions, you can also select General, then Software Update, to check for an available update. Menu labels and the Control Center editing screen can vary slightly between iPadOS releases. If a control is in a different place, look for an edit or add-controls option in Control Center. ## Turn on Dark Mode from Settings Settings is the most reliable way to turn on Dark Mode and set its schedule. 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Select `Display & Brightness`. 3. Under Appearance, select `Dark`. The change takes effect immediately. Settings, system menus, notifications, and other parts of the iPad interface should use dark backgrounds with lighter text. Apps that support the iPad’s system appearance usually change as well. If you do not see the Appearance choices, your iPad may be running an older version of iOS or iPadOS. Check the software version here: ```text Settings > General > About ``` Settings path Install an available software update if your iPad supports one. ![A hand taps the Dark appearance option in the iPad settings.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=hand%20tapping%20iPad%20Dark%20appearance%20setting&w=624&h=352&c=7) ## Turn it on faster from Control Center Control Center lets you switch between Light Mode and Dark Mode without opening the full Settings app. 1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen. 2. Press and hold the brightness slider. 3. Tap `Dark Mode` to turn it on. The button or label should indicate that Dark Mode is active, and the interface should change immediately. Tap it again to return to Light Mode. If `Dark Mode` is not shown after you press and hold the brightness control, add it to Control Center: 1. Open Control Center. 2. Tap the add button or choose the option to edit controls. On some iPadOS versions, open Settings, select Control Center, and add controls there. 3. Find `Dark Mode` in the available controls. 4. Add it to Control Center, then close the editing view. 5. Open Control Center again, press and hold the brightness control, and select `Dark Mode`. The arrangement can vary by iPadOS version. Use the edit-controls screen available on your iPad if the labels differ slightly. ## Make Dark Mode switch on automatically You can have the iPad switch appearance at a set time or follow local sunset and sunrise. This keeps Light Mode on during the day without requiring a manual switch. 1. Open Settings. 2. Select `Display & Brightness`. 3. Under Appearance, select `Automatic`. 4. Tap `Options`. 5. Choose `From Sunset to Sunrise` or `Custom Schedule`. `From Sunset to Sunrise` uses your iPad’s location and local time to switch to Dark Mode around sunset and back to Light Mode around sunrise. Location Services may need to be enabled so the iPad can determine local sunset and sunrise times. To choose exact times, select `Custom Schedule`, then set the time for Light Appearance and the time for Dark Appearance. For example, schedule Light Mode for the morning and Dark Mode for the evening. The iPad follows that schedule until you change it or select a different appearance option. To confirm that automatic switching is enabled, return to these settings: ```text Settings > Display & Brightness ``` Settings path Check that `Automatic` is selected. You can also wait for the scheduled change or open Control Center and check the Dark Mode control. ![An iPad displays Dark Mode scheduling options in its settings.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=iPad%20dark%20mode%20schedule%20settings&w=624&h=352&c=7) ## If an app still looks bright Dark Mode changes the iPad’s system appearance and affects apps that support that setting. An app that uses its own appearance controls can remain light while the rest of the iPad is dark. Open that app’s settings and look for `Appearance`, `Theme`, or `Dark Mode`. Dark Mode is different from the accessibility feature `Smart Invert`: | Feature | What it changes | Best used for | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | Dark Mode | The system interface and supported apps | A darker overall appearance | | Smart Invert | Inverts many screen colors while trying to leave images and media unchanged | Accessibility needs or apps that do not offer a dark theme | To find Smart Invert, open: ```text Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size ``` Settings path Then select `Smart Invert`. Smart Invert is not a replacement for Dark Mode. It can make some colors or app layouts look unusual, so use it when you specifically need color inversion rather than simply because one app does not support Dark Mode. To turn Dark Mode off, open Settings and select `Light` under Display & Brightness. You can also open Control Center, press and hold the brightness slider, and tap `Dark Mode` again. The selected appearance and the screen colors confirm whether the setting changed. ## Conclusion For a permanently dark interface, choose Dark under Settings > Display & Brightness. For occasional nighttime use, switch Dark Mode from Control Center; add the control if it is missing. To automate the change, select Automatic and choose sunset to sunrise or a custom schedule. If one app remains light, check that app’s appearance settings. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Dark Mode reduce the brightness of the iPad screen? Dark Mode changes the interface colors but does not replace the brightness control. If the screen is still too bright, adjust the brightness slider separately. ### Why does one app stay in Light Mode? The app may not support the iPad’s system appearance or may use its own theme setting. Check the app’s settings for \`Appearance\`, \`Theme\`, or \`Dark Mode\`. ### Can I use Dark Mode only at night? Yes. Open Settings > Display & Brightness, select \`Automatic\`, then choose \`From Sunset to Sunrise\` or set custom times.