How to Enable Red Light Feature on Your iPhone: 1 Minute to Enhance Your iPhone Experience

The red light feature on an iPhone—often referred to as “red screen” or “night mode”—is a great tool for reducing eye strain and limiting blue light exposure, especially at night. While iPhones don’t have a default setting called “red light mode,” you can achieve this effect by modifying display accessibility settings. Here’s how you can enable a red tint for your iPhone screen:

1. Open Settings: Go to your iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Go to Accessibility: Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
3. Select Display & Text Size: Tap on Display & Text Size.
4. Choose Color Filters: Scroll down and select Color Filters. Toggle it on.
5. Select Color Tint: Under the filter options, choose Color Tint.
6. Adjust Intensity and Hue: Use the sliders to increase Intensity and adjust Hue to create a strong red effect.

For quick access, you can set a triple-click shortcut:

Go to Settings → Accessibility → scroll down to Accessibility Shortcut and set it to Color Filters. Now, triple-clicking the side (or home) button toggles red light mode on or off, letting you switch instantly for night reading or creative tasks.

As a designer, I often recommend controlling your visual environment, not just for comfort but to improve your focus and workflow. Good lighting—physical and digital—is crucial to how a space feels. Just as I would use warm, directional lighting solutions to soften an interior, adjusting your screen’s color filter can create a mood that supports relaxation or productivity. If you’re conceptualizing your workspace, explore digital tools that help envision both lighting and color design. For example, using a room planner allows you to experiment with color palettes and lighting effects virtually before you commit to changes in real life.

Tips 1:

Remember, the red light effect is ideal for nighttime. During the day, it might hinder accurate color perception, so use the shortcut to toggle it on and off when needed. This way, you preserve both eye health and visual clarity.

FAQ

Q: Is there a built-in “red light” or “night vision” mode on iPhone?

A: iPhone doesn’t have a dedicated red light or night vision mode, but you can easily enable a red tint using the Color Filters feature in Accessibility settings.

Q: Does red light mode reduce blue light exposure on my iPhone?

A: Yes! The red tint drastically cuts down on blue light, which has been shown to interfere with sleep and cause eye strain in low light conditions.

Q: Can I quickly turn red light mode on/off?

A: Absolutely. Set up the Accessibility Shortcut for Color Filters so you can triple-click your side or home button to toggle the red filter instantly.

Q: Will enabling red filter affect app performance or battery life?

A: No. The red filter only changes screen coloration and has no impact on app function or battery usage.

Q: Can this setting help with visual comfort while working late or reading in bed?

A: Definitely! Many users (including interior designers like me) find the red light effect less disruptive and more relaxing for evening use or in dark rooms.