Inspired by Rick Rubin and Andrew Huberman, I wanted to try turning my iPhone screen red.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for enabling the red light feature, creating shortcuts for quick access, and automating its activation.

Additionally, it explains the benefits of using a red screen and addresses common questions about its use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Your iPhone Screen Red

Method 1: Using Accessibility Settings

1. Open Settings:
   • Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
2. Enable Color Filters:
   • Scroll down and tap Color Filters.
   • Toggle the switch to turn on Color Filters.
3. Select Color Tint:
   • Choose Color Tint from the options.
   • Adjust the sliders for Intensity and Hue all the way to the right to achieve a full red-screen effect.
4. Save Your Settings:
   • Once configured, your screen will display a red tint.

Method 2: Creating a Shortcut

1. Set Up Accessibility Shortcut:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut.
   • Select Color Filters.
2. Activate with Triple Click:
   • You can now triple-click the side button (or home button on older devices) to toggle the red screen on or off instantly.

Method 3: Automating Red Light Activation

1. Open Shortcuts App:
   • Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Create Personal Automation:
   • Tap on the Automation tab and select Create Personal Automation.
3. Choose Trigger:
   • Set triggers like Time of Day (e.g., sunset) or Sleep Mode for automatic activation.
4. Add Action:
   • Search for "Set Color Filter" and select it.
   • Ensure it’s set to "On."
5. Finalize Automation:
   • Disable "Ask Before Running" and tap "Done" to complete setup.

Why Enable Red Light on Your iPhone?

Using a red light display on your iPhone offers several advantages:

• Reduced eye strain: Red light minimizes visual fatigue by avoiding the harmful effects of short-wave blue light. Blue light's short wavelength causes its focus to fall in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to prolonged exposure that worsens visual fatigue and nearsightedness.
• Improved sleep quality: Red light reduces blue light exposure, which disrupts melatonin production and negatively impacts sleep.
• Preservation of night vision: Red light helps your eyes adapt better in dark environments, making it ideal for nighttime activities.
• Decreased headaches: Switching to red light can alleviate headaches caused by bright screens.

How to Turn Off Red Tint

If you wish to disable the red tint:

1. Return to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
2. Toggle off Color Filters, or adjust the sliders back to default settings. Alternatively, triple-click the side button if you've set up an Accessibility Shortcut.

Common Questions

Is red light on iPhone good?

Yes, it is beneficial for reducing eye strain, improving sleep quality, and preserving night vision in dark environments.

How do I turn off red tint quickly?

Use the Accessibility Shortcut (triple-click the side button) or disable Color Filters in Accessibility settings.

Can I automate red light activation?

Absolutely! Use the Shortcuts app to create automations based on time or sleep mode triggers for seamless activation.

That's it.

By following this guide, you can easily enable and customize the red light feature on your iPhone, ensuring better eye health and improved nighttime usability while mitigating the harmful effects of blue light exposure.