In this short guide, we explain why app icons on your iPhone or iPad Home Screen, App Library, Share Sheet, and other places turn black, and how to prevent this.
Why this happens
When you enable Dark Mode on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, most Apple and third-party app icons get a black background to make them easier on the eyes in low-light settings.
These darkened icons appear almost everywhere, including the Home Screen, App Library, Spotlight Search, iOS Share Sheet, Siri Suggestions widget, notifications, and the Settings app.
If you prefer the original look of app icons even while using Dark Mode, Apple offers a quick way to switch back.
Show normal app icons even when your iPhone or iPad is in Dark Mode
1) Touch and hold anywhere on the iOS Home Screen until all your apps start jiggling.
2) Tap Edit in the top left corner and select Customize.
3) Select Light instead of Dark, Automatic, or Tinted. Do this for both the Small and Large tabs.
Here’s more about the four icon customization options:
- Light: Dark Mode won’t change the appearance of app icons under any situation.
- Dark: App icons always have a dark appearance, including when your iPhone is in Light Mode.
- Automatic: App icons have a darker appearance when in Dark Mode and look normal when in Light Mode.
- Tinted: Use it to add a custom-colored tint to all your app icons.
Bonus tip: After taking care of the Dark Mode icons, tap the sun icon on the left side to dim the wallpaper.
If your iPhone or iPad doesn’t switch to light icons, restart your iOS device, and this should take care of the problem.
More Home Screen tips: