You can change how apps look on your iPhone through system-wide settings and individual app controls

iOS gives you two main ways to change app colors: you can switch your entire phone to Dark Mode or Light Mode, which changes how most apps display, or you can adjust colors within individual apps themselves. Not every app responds to system settings the same way — some apps have their own color and theme controls that override what your phone is set to. The steps depend on which apps you want to change and whether you want the change to affect your whole phone or just one app.

This matters for security because some people use visual changes to help them notice when they're looking at a fake or unfamiliar version of an app. If your apps suddenly look different than usual, that can be a sign something is wrong. Knowing how to control your app appearance also means you'll recognize when a change is intentional versus when something unexpected has happened.

Key Takeaways

  • Dark Mode and Light Mode change how most apps display across your entire phone, and you can set them to switch automatically at certain times.
  • Individual apps often have their own color and theme settings inside the app itself, usually found in Settings or Preferences.
  • Some apps let you customize accent colors, background colors, or text colors separately from the system-wide Dark Mode setting.
  • If an app's colors change unexpectedly without you making changes, check the app's settings first before assuming something is wrong.

Switching your entire phone between Dark Mode and Light Mode

The fastest way to change app colors across your phone is through Dark Mode, which makes most apps display with dark backgrounds and light text. To turn this on, open Settings, tap Display & Brightness, then tap Dark. Your phone will when ready switch, and most apps will follow. If you want Light Mode instead, tap Light in that same menu.

You can also set your phone to switch automatically. In Settings > Display & Brightness, tap Automatic, then choose a schedule. Your phone can switch at sunset and sunrise, or at a time you set yourself. This means your apps will look different at different times of day without you having to change anything manually.

Not every app responds to Dark Mode the same way. Some apps are designed to follow your system setting exactly, while others have their own color controls that override it. If an app doesn't look like it changed when you switched to Dark Mode, that app probably has its own theme settings you need to adjust separately.

Changing colors inside individual apps

Many apps let you pick colors, themes, or accent colors from inside the app itself. Open the app you want to change, then look for Settings, Preferences, or a gear icon — this is usually at the bottom of the screen or in the top corner. Tap it and look for options labeled Theme, Colors, Appearance, or Display.

Common color options you might find include choosing between Dark and Light themes (separate from your phone's system setting), picking an accent color that highlights buttons or text, or adjusting the background color. Some apps like Mail let you choose a tinted background, while others like Notes let you pick the color of individual notes. The exact options depend on what the app's developer included.

If you change an app's color settings and then later switch your phone's Dark Mode on or off, the app might override your phone's setting and stick with what you chose inside the app. This is normal — the app's own settings take priority. If you want the app to follow your phone's Dark Mode setting again, look for an option that says "Use System Settings" or "Follow Device Settings" and turn it on.

Using accessibility color options for better visibility

If you have trouble seeing certain colors or contrasts, iOS has accessibility settings that can change how all apps display. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then tap Display & Text Size. You'll find options like Increase Contrast, which makes text and buttons stand out more, and Color Filters, which can adjust how colors appear across your entire phone.

Color Filters let you explore a tint to everything on your screen — you can choose from Grayscale, Red/Green Filter, Blue/Yellow Filter, or other options depending on your needs. These filters affect every app at once, so if you turn on a color filter, you'll see it in Mail, Safari, Photos, and everywhere else. You can turn filters on and off from Control Center by adding the Accessibility Shortcuts button, which makes it quick to switch if you only need the filter sometimes.

What to do if app colors change unexpectedly

If an app suddenly looks completely different — different colors, different layout, or colors you didn't choose — start by checking whether you accidentally changed something. Open the app's Settings or Preferences and look for Theme, Appearance, or Display options. You might have tapped something without meaning to, or the app might have updated and changed its default colors.

Next, check your phone's Dark Mode setting. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and see whether Dark or Light is selected. If you recently changed this, that might explain why apps look different. If Dark Mode is on and you don't want it, tap Light.

If the app's colors are still wrong and you didn't change anything, try closing the app completely and opening it again. Sometimes an app displays incorrectly until you restart it. If that doesn't work, check whether the app has a recent update in the App Store — updates sometimes change how an app looks, and installing the latest version might fix unexpected color changes.

Customizing app icons and home screen colors

Changing app icon colors is different from changing how the app itself looks. You can create custom app icons using the Shortcuts app, which lets you design icons in different colors and link them to your apps. Open Shortcuts, tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, then tap Add Action and search for "Open App." Select the app you want, then tap the three dots, tap the icon at the top, and choose a color or image.

You can also change your home screen's overall appearance by using a wallpaper that matches a color scheme you like. Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper and choose a photo or built-in wallpaper. The colors in your wallpaper will show behind your app icons, which can make your home screen feel more coordinated. Some people use this to create a visual theme that matches how they've set their apps' colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dark Mode make my battery last longer?

On iPhones with OLED screens (iPhone 12 and newer), Dark Mode uses slightly less battery because black pixels use less power than white ones. On older iPhones with LCD screens, Dark Mode makes almost no difference to battery life. The main reason to use Dark Mode is comfort — it's easier on your eyes in low light.

Can I set different colors for different apps?

Yes. Each app has its own settings, so you can have Mail in Dark Mode while Notes is in Light Mode. Open each app's settings separately and choose the colors you want. Your phone's system Dark Mode setting won't override individual app choices if the app has its own theme control turned on.

What if an app doesn't have a Dark Mode option?

If an app doesn't have its own Dark Mode setting, it will follow your phone's system Dark Mode automatically. If you want that app to stay in Light Mode while your phone is in Dark Mode, you may not have an option — it depends on how the app was built. Check the app's settings first to see if there's a "Use System Settings" toggle you can turn off.

Will changing app colors affect my passwords or security settings?

No. Changing colors, themes, or Dark Mode has no effect on your passwords, security settings, or how your data is protected. These are purely visual changes and don't touch anything related to how your phone keeps your information safe.