Automatic dark mode not working on 13-inch M5 iPad

I have an 13” M5 iPad on iOS27 public release.


Setting the automatic dark mode does not work. I’m on the east coast and I have it set to change at 8pm. It does not automatically change.


I have turned the setting off (permanent light mode) and shut down and restarted my iPad. It reboots, I go back into settings turn on the automatic dark mode. I set the time to 2 minutes in the future.


I wait 2 minutes, and it does not automatically change.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 27

Posted on Sep 18, 2026 6:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 6:15 AM

Having updated my iPad Pro to iPadOS 27, I've not encountered issues with Dark mode or its automatic switching.


You have tried some of the following already...


If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be well advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer hands-on assistance with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 19, 2026 6:15 AM in response to PVtDonutDJ88

Having updated my iPad Pro to iPadOS 27, I've not encountered issues with Dark mode or its automatic switching.


You have tried some of the following already...


If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be well advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer hands-on assistance with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



Automatic dark mode not working on 13-inch M5 iPad

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