How to Enable Color Filters on iPhone or iPad

(Complete 2026 Accessibility Guide for Better Eye Comfort & Color Vision)

Hi, I’m Jessica, and if you’re like me—juggling work, family time, and way too much screen exposure—your eyes probably feel the strain by the end of the day. Whether you’re dealing with color blindness, light sensitivity, migraines, or just want a more comfortable screen experience, Color Filters on iPhone and iPad are one of the most underrated accessibility features Apple offers.

If you spend a large part of your day on your iPhone or iPad—working, reading, scrolling, or managing family life—you’ve probably experienced eye strain, headaches, or simple visual fatigue. I know I have. As someone who balances a fast-paced work schedule with kids, screen time adds up quickly, and comfort becomes just as important as functionality. That’s where Color Filters on iPhone and iPad quietly make a big difference.

Apple originally designed color filters as an accessibility feature, primarily to support users with color vision deficiencies. But over the years, this feature has evolved into something much more practical for everyday users. Today, color filters are widely used by people who don’t have diagnosed visual conditions but want better screen comfort, reduced eye strain, or improved focus during long device usage.

Color filters work by subtly adjusting how colors appear across your entire screen—apps, text, images, and videos—without changing the actual content. Whether it’s reducing harsh contrasts, softening bright tones, or removing unnecessary colors altogether, these filters can make your screen easier on the eyes, especially during extended use or late at night.

What makes this feature especially valuable is its flexibility. You can turn it on permanently, use it only at night, or activate it instantly with a shortcut when your eyes need a break. It’s not about changing how your device looks for others—it’s about customizing how it works for you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to enable and use color filters on your iPhone or iPad, explain which filters are best for different needs, and show you how to make this setting part of a more comfortable, eye-friendly digital routine. Once you understand it, this small setting can genuinely change how your screen feels day to day.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know—step by step—so you can enable, customize, and use color filters like a pro in 2026.

What Are Color Filters on iPhone & iPad?

Color Filters are part of Apple’s Accessibility features designed to help users who:

• Have color vision deficiency (color blindness)

• Experience eye strain or headaches

• Are sensitive to bright or harsh colors

• Want improved contrast or readability

Instead of changing the physical display, iOS overlays a filter that adjusts how colors appear on your screen—system-wide.

The best part?
Once enabled, color filters work across apps, photos, videos, Safari, and even the lock screen.

Supported Devices & iOS Versions (2026)

Color Filters are available on:

• All modern iPhones

• All iPads

• Devices running iOS / iPadOS 13 and later (including iOS 18+)

If your device has Accessibility settings, you’re good to go.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable Color Filters on iPhone or iPad

Let’s start with the basics.

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap Accessibility

Scroll down and tap Accessibility.

Step 3: Open Display & Text Size

Under the “Vision” section, tap Display & Text Size.

Step 4: Select Color Filters

Scroll down and tap Color Filters.

Step 5: Turn On Color Filters

Toggle Color Filters ON at the top.

Once enabled, you’ll instantly notice changes depending on the filter you select.

Understanding Each Color Filter (And Who Should Use Them)

Apple offers five main color filter options. Choosing the right one depends on your needs.

1. Grayscale

Removes all color and shows your screen in black and white.

Best for:

• Reducing screen addiction

• Minimizing eye fatigue

• Improving focus

• Digital wellbeing

Surprisingly calming—many users keep this on during work hours.

2. Red/Green Filter (Protanopia)

Designed for users who struggle to distinguish red and green shades.

Best for:

• Protanopia (red-blindness)

• Certain contrast issues in apps

• Charts and graphs clarity

3. Green/Red Filter (Deuteranopia)

Helps differentiate green and red tones differently than Protanopia.

Best for:

• Deuteranopia (green-blindness)

• Text-heavy interfaces

• Navigation apps

4. Blue/Yellow Filter (Tritanopia)

Adjusts blue and yellow tones.

Best for:

• Tritanopia

• Users sensitive to cool light

• Night-time reading

This pairs nicely with Night Shift or True Tone.

5. Color Tint (Custom Filter)

Lets you apply a custom overlay color and intensity.

Best for:

• Migraine sufferers

• Light sensitivity

• Custom comfort setups

You can adjust:

• Intensity

• Hue

This is the most flexible option and my personal favorite.

Fine-Tuning Color Filters for Maximum Comfort

Once a filter is selected, don’t stop there.

Adjust Intensity

Use the Intensity slider to control how strong the filter appears.

Adjust Hue (Color Tint only)

Fine-tune the color overlay to something that feels natural—not overpowering.

Pro tip: Start light, then increase gradually over a day.

Enable Color Filters Instantly Using Accessibility Shortcut

You don’t have to dig into settings every time.

Set Up Triple-Click Shortcut

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility

2. Scroll to Accessibility Shortcut

3. Select Color Filters

Now, triple-click the Side button (or Home button on older devices) to toggle color filters instantly.

This is perfect for:

• Switching filters at night

• Turning filters on during long reading sessions

• Sharing your phone temporarily

Color Filters vs Night Shift vs True Tone

Many users confuse these features, but they work differently.

💡 Best experience: Use Color Filters with Night Shift for reduced eye strain.

Do Color Filters Affect Apps, Photos, or Screenshots?

Yes—and no.

Apps & Videos

Filters apply system-wide, including apps and videos.

Screenshots

Screenshots do not capture color filters.
They save the original colors—great for sharing content without distortion.

Battery Impact: Should You Worry?

Good news—Color Filters have negligible impact on battery life.

They’re software-based overlays optimized by iOS, not hardware-intensive changes.

Common Problems & Fixes

Colors Look “Wrong”

Try lowering intensity or switching filters.

Some Apps Look Strange

Design-heavy apps may not adapt perfectly—use the shortcut to toggle off temporarily.

Can’t Find Color Filters

Make sure:

• iOS/iPadOS is updated

• You’re in Accessibility → Display & Text Size

Who Should Use Color Filters in 2026?

Honestly? Almost everyone.

• Students & professionals on screens all day

• Parents managing kids’ screen time

• Designers & developers testing accessibility

• Users with migraines or eye strain

• Anyone with color vision differences

Accessibility isn’t just about disability—it’s about comfort and control.

Final Thoughts from Jessica

Color Filters on iPhone and iPad are one of those features you don’t realize you need—until you turn them on.

Whether you want better focus, less eye strain, or improved color clarity, this single setting can dramatically improve your daily screen experience.

My recommendation?
Enable it, experiment for a day, and adjust slowly. Your eyes will thank you.