To make the iPhone 13 screen brighter, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and drag the brightness slider (the sun icon) up. You can also go to Settings > Display & Brightness and drag the slider to the right. If the screen keeps dimming on its own, check Auto-Brightness, Reduce White Point, and Low Power Mode.
Below are all the ways to brighten the display, plus the settings that make it look dim even when brightness is turned up.
Method 1: Control Center
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
- Drag the brightness slider (with the sun icon) up.
Method 2: Settings
- Open Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Drag the Brightness slider to the right.
Why does my iPhone screen look dim?
| Setting or cause | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Auto-Brightness lowers brightness in dim rooms | Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness |
| Reduce White Point dims bright colors | Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce White Point (turn off) |
| Low Power Mode reduces brightness | Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode |
| Night Shift or True Tone warms colors | Settings > Display & Brightness |
| Dark Mode makes screens darker overall | Settings > Display & Brightness > Light |
| Overheating makes iPhone dim the screen to cool down | Let it cool, remove the case, and get out of direct sun |
Should you turn off Auto-Brightness?
Auto-Brightness adjusts for the light around you and saves battery. Turning it off keeps brightness where you set it, but the screen may use more power in dark rooms. Many people leave it on and nudge the slider when needed. iPhone learns your adjustments over time.
Tips for outdoor visibility
- Turn brightness all the way up. The iPhone 13 can get brighter outdoors in direct sunlight when Auto-Brightness is on.
- Clean the screen and remove scratched or matte screen protectors that scatter light.
- Use Increase Contrast or Bold Text in Display & Text Size for easier reading.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my brightness keep changing?
Auto-Brightness is on. Turn it off in Accessibility > Display & Text Size if you want a fixed level.
Is maximum brightness bad for the battery?
It uses more battery, but it won’t damage the screen.
Can Siri change the brightness?
Yes. Say “Turn up the brightness” or “Set brightness to 100 percent.”
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.