Grayscale turns the iPhone screen black and white. Some people use it to make the phone less distracting, and others for accessibility. The setting is under Color Filters in Accessibility and works the same on the iPhone 13 and newer models.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, Accessibility, Display and Text Size, Color Filters. Turn on Color Filters and choose Grayscale. Turn Color Filters off to go back to color.
How to Turn Grayscale On or Off on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility, then Display and Text Size.
- Tap Color Filters.
- Turn on Color Filters and tap Grayscale.
- To switch back, turn Color Filters off.
- For a quick toggle, set Settings, Accessibility, Accessibility Shortcut to Color Filters, then triple-click the side button.
Color Filter Options
| Filter | Use |
|---|---|
| Grayscale | Black and white screen |
| Red/Green | Protanopia |
| Green/Red | Deuteranopia |
| Blue/Yellow | Tritanopia |
| Color Tint | Custom tint and intensity |
Troubleshooting
- Screen stuck in grayscale: turn off Color Filters, and check that the Accessibility Shortcut was not triggered by accident.
- Screenshots still in color: grayscale only changes the display, not images you capture.
- Grayscale only at night: use a Focus or Shortcuts automation to turn it on and off.
- Other display tools: how to invert colors and the iPhone blue light filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grayscale save battery?
Not noticeably on most iPhones.
Can I add it to Control Center?
Yes. Add the Accessibility Shortcuts control, then tap it to toggle.
Why is my screen suddenly black and white?
Color Filters or the Accessibility Shortcut was turned on.
Does this work on iPad?
Yes, the path is the same.
Summary
- Accessibility, Display and Text Size.
- Color Filters on.
- Choose Grayscale.
- Turn off to restore color.
- Use the Accessibility Shortcut to toggle.
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.