How to enable dark mode (Night Mode) on Xbox

If you love and want to use this feature, read on to learn how Night Mode works on Xbox, and what you can customize.

How does Night Mode work?

Night Mode was added by Microsoft to the original Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One series platforms through a system update released in October 2021. As a result, the feature will not be available. displayed until you update your game console to the latest software version (check in Settings > General > Updates).

When Night Mode is activated, your Xbox has the ability to automatically dim the screen and filter out blue light. In addition, HDR can also be automatically turned off when Night Mode is active, because HDR often causes glare in dark environments.

Finally, you can also tweak the most distracting aspect of using your Xbox at night or in dark environments: the Xbox logo glows on both the controller and the console.

Turn on Night Mode on Xbox

You'll find Night Mode in the Settings menu of Xbox Series and Xbox One. Press the Xbox button on the controller, then navigate to the 'Profile & System' tab and access the Settings menu from there.

Next, navigate to General > TV & Display Options and tap on Night Mode. You then click the drop-down box and choose between the On, Off, or Scheduled options. If you choose to keep this setting on (On), Xbox will by default treat your usage environment as dark.

In case you choose Scheduled, you can also enable the option 'Switch at Sunrise and Sunset'. This option will use internet time data to decide when to switch between Night Mode and Standard mode.

To the left of this area, you can fine-tune some of your settings, including how dim the screen is and how much blue light to filter out (under the Display section). In addition, you can also choose whether to disable HDR, choose an interface theme, as well as a setting to dim the logo lights on consoles and controllers.

Note that when enabled, Night mode will not only affect the dashboard on Xbox, but will also apply to any games and apps you use. This means that if you choose to disable HDR or dim the screen, games will also be affected.

Marvin Fry

Update 01 January 2022