Use the Settings menu to change Apple TV brightness

The brightness control on Apple TV lives in the Settings app, not in a quick menu. Open Settings from the home screen, go to AirPlay and HomeKit, then select Apple TV. From there, you'll find the brightness slider under Video.

This setting controls the picture output of your Apple TV device itself — it does not override your television's brightness. If the picture still looks dim after you adjust this setting, your TV's own brightness dial may need turning up instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV brightness is found in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Apple TV > Video, not in a quick-access menu.
  • The Apple TV brightness control adjusts the device's video output, separate from your television's brightness setting.
  • If adjusting Apple TV brightness does not change the picture, check your TV's brightness controls instead.
  • Some apps like Netflix and Apple TV+ have their own brightness settings that override the system setting for that app only.
  • If the brightness slider does not appear, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Where to find the brightness slider step by step

Start from your Apple TV home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote to open the control center, or swipe up from the bottom of the Siri Remote if you have a newer model. Look for the Settings icon — it looks like a gear.

Once Settings opens, scroll down and select AirPlay and HomeKit. Then select Apple TV. Scroll to Video and you will see the brightness slider. Move it left to dim or right to brighten. The change takes effect when ready as you move the slider.

When brightness control is missing or not working

If you do not see a brightness option in the Video menu, restart your Apple TV. Unplug the device from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot — you will see the Apple logo appear — then try the Settings menu again.

If brightness still does not appear after a restart, the setting may be unavailable on your specific Apple TV model or software version. In that case, use your television's remote to adjust the TV's own brightness instead. Most televisions have a brightness button or menu option that will give you the same result.

Brightness settings inside individual apps

Netflix, Apple TV+, and some other streaming apps have their own brightness controls separate from the system setting. If you are watching through one of these apps, look in the app's settings or playback menu — usually accessible by pressing the Menu button during playback — for a brightness or picture option.

App-level brightness settings override the system brightness only while you are using that app. When you switch to a different app or return to the home screen, the system brightness setting takes over again.

Brightness versus contrast and other picture settings

Apple TV's Video settings menu includes brightness, but also contrast, saturation, and other picture controls. Brightness makes the whole picture lighter or darker. Contrast controls the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. If your picture looks washed out or too dark in the shadows, adjusting contrast may help more than brightness alone.

Start with brightness if the entire picture is too dim or too bright. Use contrast if the problem is that details are hard to see in dark scenes or bright scenes. You can adjust both — there is no limit to how many times you can change these settings.

Check your TV's picture settings too

Your television has its own brightness, contrast, and picture mode settings. These work independently of Apple TV's settings. If you have adjusted Apple TV brightness and the picture is still not right, your TV may be set to a dim picture mode or have its brightness turned down.

Look for a Picture, Display, or Image menu on your TV remote. Most televisions have a brightness button or a menu option labeled Brightness or Backlight. Increase it and see if the picture improves. You may need to consult your TV's manual or look up the model number online to find where these controls are located.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple TV brightness affect all apps the same way?

The system brightness setting applies to all apps, but individual apps like Netflix can override it with their own brightness controls. If you notice one app looks dimmer than others, check that app's settings first before adjusting the system brightness again.

Will adjusting Apple TV brightness change the brightness on my TV?

No. Apple TV brightness controls only the device's video output. Your television's brightness is separate. If the picture does not get brighter when you adjust Apple TV brightness, your TV's brightness setting may be too low.

What if my Apple TV remote does not have a Menu button?

Newer Siri Remotes do not have a dedicated Menu button. Instead, swipe up from the bottom of the remote to open the control center, then select Settings from there. The process is the same once you reach the Settings app.

Can I set brightness to turn on automatically at certain times?

Apple TV does not have a scheduled brightness feature built in. You must adjust brightness manually each time. If you want automatic brightness changes, your television may have this feature — check your TV's settings menu.