Apple watch sleep screen not dimming

Before watchOS upgrade we used to have that sleep screen which only shows time with simplified dimmed (only black background with green numbers) screen when accidentally waking apple watch. Now with WatchOS11, my watch does not behave like that anymore. When I wake my apple watch during sleep mode, it shows regular brightness (as other daytime mode) with regular watch face (not a plain black background) - it is very annoying as it is so bright in the dark as you trying to sleep. Does anyone know how to bring that simplified black sleep screen back? Thanks.

Apple Watch Series 7, watchOS 11

Posted on Jul 8, 2025 7:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 8, 2025 9:48 PM

On your iPhone, go to Settings/Focus/Sleep Focus -> Custom Screens -> Options -> Sleep Screen & Show Time -> Enabled.



I have no additional screens selected for the Sleep Mode.




If you are not wearing your watch during the night, make sure that in the WatchApp on your iPhone under General, -> Bedside Mode is enabled.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 8, 2025 9:48 PM in response to Henry496

On your iPhone, go to Settings/Focus/Sleep Focus -> Custom Screens -> Options -> Sleep Screen & Show Time -> Enabled.



I have no additional screens selected for the Sleep Mode.




If you are not wearing your watch during the night, make sure that in the WatchApp on your iPhone under General, -> Bedside Mode is enabled.



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Apple watch sleep screen not dimming

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