Series 5 Apple Watch is too dim when activated

I am sending my Series 5 Watch back. I decided to upgrade from my 4 for the always on display and the compass.

The always on display is so dim as to basically be unusable (yes I have brightness maxed out on the Watch app on my iPhone). Even worse, when the screen is activated, it is way dimmer than on the Series 4.

My understanding is that there is a light sensor in the 5 that tamps down the brightness whenever possible all in the name of saving battery life.

Well it is overly aggressive, in a semi-dark room, watching TV, the screen is underwhelming.

I am really surprised the always on display is getting good reviews.

It is TOO DIM!

Apple Watch

Posted on Sep 22, 2019 4:42 AM

Top-ranking reply

Nike Love

Level 1

9 points

Posted on Nov 3, 2019 5:29 AM

I had the same issue though mine was a Series 3. Even at full brightness I could barely see what was on the display. I searched online and the only solution was to shine a light on it for a few seconds and it will get brighter. Which is true it does, problem is, it does not last long. And that's not good enough for a watch at that price.

I took it to the apple store and they did a diagnostic on it and all was fine. Now to add, for me during the day it was illuminated perfectly but any dark setting was barely visible. Additionally this was with the latest ios6.

In the end I took it back to get a replacement. I was not having this on a apple product..and surprise surprise I noticed even on some of the display watches it was the same thing. This barely there display syndrome. The rep even said he noticed this same issue and has no clue what causes this. He pointed to a possible software issue. Bottom line, I got a replacement and at half brightness it's waaaay brighter than the first was at full brightness.

If you can, (save the headache and searching) get a replacement.

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100 replies

Nov 4, 2019 2:12 PM in response to AppleWatch5DIM

This obvious problem with the Apple Watch 5 makes me concerned about what would've been my next purchase, the new Mac Pro. C'mon Apple, this watch thing needs to be acknowledged and fixed.

Nov 21, 2019 2:49 PM in response to Heartrem

Simple request to Apple. Permit Watch 5 USER to set power-on face brighter. Everyone understands brighter face equals faster battery drain. I will gladly ditch dim face!

Nov 30, 2019 8:31 PM in response to BuckeyeFanz

I agree with you , they need to fix this ASAP

Dec 3, 2019 10:19 AM in response to Zedren

Good call to return. In meantime I limp along with dim 5 hoping Apple will get msg and fix.

Dec 13, 2019 12:42 PM in response to paul Cormier

Disappointed that Apple passed on addressing Apple Watch brightness in watch OS update just released this week/6.1.1. Is Apple listening?!

Dec 13, 2019 1:56 PM in response to AppleWatch5DIM

No, Apple only moderates these forums. They don't read them for feedback of any kind.

Dec 19, 2019 7:58 AM in response to AppleWatch5DIM

100% Agree!!

thaleb

Level 1

4 points

Dec 21, 2019 10:26 AM in response to Fishius

Please tell me you're a girl, right?!

There is nothing wrong with the way ChrisSAU wrote his comment. Life's too short for your type of sensitivity. I suggest you take a pill and chill.

Sclark49

Level 1

10 points

Dec 28, 2019 9:06 AM in response to eduard198

This works! My display is back to full brightness!

thanks.

Jan 8, 2020 9:37 AM in response to CuriousAntelope

Good move to reject Apple 5 (unlike me who didn’t discover dimness issue immed). Apple slow learner on this complaint. Hopefully fix will come.

Jan 27, 2020 12:09 PM in response to AppleWatch5DIM

Dimness issue — the most important issue of Series 5 — is too big to sweep under the rug. Apple must act and quickly.

Jan 31, 2020 8:45 AM in response to BiddySue

These responses are accurate. The Series 5 has a serious dimness problem that Apple doesn’t even admit exists.

Jan 31, 2020 10:23 AM in response to Apple64Bits

Nailed. Apple denying and/or ignoring.

BiddySue

Level 1

8 points

Feb 4, 2020 3:46 AM in response to MarqueIV

After 2 months, how can u send your watch back. I’m in Canada and I doubt that we can do that.

Feb 4, 2020 7:58 AM in response to MarqueIV

Good call on 4 vs 5 which unfortunately I didn’t make in eagerness for “latest and greatest.” Still can’t believe Apple isn’t acknowledging 5 flaw and trying to fix with update?!

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Series 5 Apple Watch is too dim when activated