What to Know

If your iPhone Lock Screen clock is dim, try restarting your device and checking for updates.
The Sleep Focus can also dim the Lock Screen, so disable it if it is enabled.
If all else fails, you can try resetting all settings, but this should only be a last-resort option.

Back in iOS 16, Apple added the option to customize your iPhone Lock Screen, including the option to add widgets and change the appearance of your clock. However, in iOS 17, some users have experienced a bug that causes the iPhone Lock Screen clock to dim. So why is the time on your Lock Screen dim? Let’s find out below

Why Is the Time Faded on My iPhone Lock Screen?

Sometimes your iPhone Lock Screen clock can become dim without explanation. There isn’t a clear reason why this happens, other than it is simply a bug in the iOS software. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to resolve this issue. For more iPhone troubleshooting tips and tricks, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Restart Your iPhone & Check for Updates

The most common solution for fixing when the time on your iPhone is dim is to simply restart the device. This can fix most minor software bugs. Once you reboot, the issue should be resolved. However, to be safe, check for updates and ensure you are updated to the latest version of iOS.

Check Lock Screen Customization Settings

Your iPhone’s Lock Screen clock might be dim because of certain personalization options. Check your Lock Screen customization settings, especially the clock color. Ensure the color of the clock is not set to a lower saturation.

Adjust Focus Settings

Certain Focus settings can affect the appearance of your Lock Screen, and dim the clock. This mainly affects the Sleep Focus:

Open the Settings app, and tap Focus.
Tap Sleep.
Scroll down and tap Options, under Customize Screens.
Tap the toggle next to Sleep Screen to enable and disable the dimming effect.

Note: The dimming effect only applies when this Focus is active.

That should help with preventing your Lock Screen clock from dimming.

Reset All Settings

If all else fails, you can reset your settings. This should only be a last-resort option, as this will wipe your current settings and restore them to factory settings.

Warning: Resetting All Settings will erase all current settings, including your Home Screen arrangement, wallpapers, saved Wi-Fi passwords, customization options, etc.

Open the Settings app, and tap General.
Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset.
Tap Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and tap Done.

Once your settings have been reset, you can customize your Lock Screen again, and the dimming bug should be fixed.

If none of the above solutions worked for you, there might be a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. In that case, I would recommend contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for further assistance.

FAQ

How do you brighten iPhone screen? You can easily adjust your iPhone’s screen brightness from the Control Center. You can also change your brightness from your iPhone settings.

How do you change the color of the time on iPhone? Adjusting the color of the time on your iPhone can be done by pressing and holding on the Lock Screen wallpaper and then tapping Customize. From there, just tap the clock and select a color.