Apple TV Too Dark? 10 Quick Fixes for Low Brightness Inside!

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After thorough testing on various devices and applications, including VLC, and attempting screen calibration, a user has found that the issue of low brightness persists exclusively with the Apple TV app.

Therefore, this article covers a wide range of devices including TVs, Apple TV boxes, iPhones, iPads, and more, all of which can download and use the Apple TV app.

1. Watch the Movie/Show on the Apple TV Website Instead of the App

As this brightness issue is specific to the Apple TV app, users have noticed that when streaming movies on the Apple TV website via a Chrome browser, the problem doesn’t occur.

To bypass the issue, simply visit tv.apple.com, log into your Apple account, and enjoy your movies there with their best brightness.

2. Turn Off HDR – Apply For TVs & Apple TV Box

Although High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances color range, it can also cause screens to appear darker. Therefore, if your Apple TV show seems too dim, try turning off the HDR feature.

Here is how to disable HDR on various devices.

3. Reduce the Screen Glare – Apply For All Devices

The impact of ambient light on the screen visibility is a noteworthy consideration.

Imagine using your phone outdoors under the glaring sun and then inside your home; even if the phone’s brightness setting remains unchanged, it will seem much darker outside than inside.

This effect occurs because the light emitted from the screen has to contend with other light sources in the environment before reaching our eyes, which results in a dimmer appearance. Therefore, the greater the ambient light, the darker images you’ll see on the screen.

This principle isn’t limited to phones or TVs; it’s particularly noticeable with projectors. That’s why movie theaters dim the lights during a film, enhancing the projected image’s visibility.

To improve your viewing experience, consider reducing the brightness in your surroundings by turning off some lights, and combine this with other strategies discussed in this article.

4. Disable the Device’s Light Sensor & Manually Adjust the Brightness – Apply For All Devices

Many devices, like iPhones, MacBooks, or some TVs, have a light sensor component, which allows the device to automatically adjust the brightness according to the ambient light.

Personally, I found this feature less desirable on my iPhone 14 Pro as it occasionally rendered my screen too dark. So I decided to turn it off and manually adjust the screen brightness to my desire.

Below is an image demonstrating how the light sensor works when in the dark & when in a harsh light condition, which I used an iPhone flashlight to replicate.

Here is how to turn off the light sensor feature, and manually adjust the brightness on several devices.

5. Turn off Reduce White Point – Apply For Apple TV Box

The Reduce White Point feature on the Apple TV box reduces the intensity of bright colors, resulting in darker images.

You can see the difference when turning the feature on and off in the image below.

Here is how to disable the feature.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app, and navigate to Accessability.

Step 2: Select Display.

Step 3: Click on Reduce White Point, and turn the feature Off.

6. Turn off Light Sensitivity – Apply For Apple TV Box

This feature will make your Apple TV screen look dimmer depending on your adjustments. Therefore, turning it off will contribute to making your screen brighter.

Here is how to turn Light Sensitivity off.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app, and navigate to Accessability.

Step 2: Select Display.

Step 3: Head to Light Sensitivity, and turn the feature Off.

7. Reinstall the Apple TV App – Apply For All Devices

Reinstalling the Apple TV app is a great way to smooth out any kinks and get things running smoothly again.

Don’t worry, it’s a simple process! Here’s a friendly guide on how to give your Apple TV app a fresh start on different devices.

8. Update the Apple TV App – Apply For All Devices

As stated above, many users encounter the issue with the Apple TV app only, not other streaming apps or browsers.

Therefore, Apple may notice the users’ reports and get the problem fixed already.

Therefore, updating the app might solve the problem. Here’s how to update the Apple TV app on various devices.

9. Update the Apple TV Box

Many users have reported that their Apple TV box worked fine until one day it became darker.

This could be due to version conflicts. Updating the device might resolve the issue.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app, and select System.

Step 2: Select Software Updates, and choose Update Software.

Step 3: Click Download and Install if there is any update available.

10. Contact the Apple Support Center

If you live in the U.S., you can call Apple customer support at 1-800-275-2273.  If you live outside the U.S., head to the official Apple support website to find the appropriate phone number for your region. 

You can also chat with the customer support team at getsupport.apple.com. In addition to your serial number, you’ll also need your Apple ID to sign in to the chat.

Alternatively, you can bring your device to a local Apple store. Head to apple.com/retail to locate an Apple store or an Apple-authorized outlet near you. You can search for a store by entering your city/town name or zip code.

Choose the store and schedule an appointment online, selecting the available date and time options.

You can also ping Apple on X (formerly Twitter) at AppleSupport. Apple is available for support on X from 5 am to 8 pm Pacific Time. Apple customer support is also available through the Apple Support app.

The app offers DIY guides and articles, in addition to directing you to the nearest repair and return locations and other ways to get in touch with Apple support.

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