How to Use Night Mode on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max

BY Rajesh Pandey

Published 8 Oct 2019

iPhone 11 Pro Night Mode

One of the key new features of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro series is the improved camera. Apart from new and improved sensors and image processing, Apple has also added a Night mode to the Camera app of these phones thereby allowing them to take better photos in low-light scenarios. Wondering how to use the Night mode on your iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro? Follow this guide.

In typical Apple style, the new Night mode on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro has been implemented in a very easy to use manner. While Night mode does work wonders in low-light, it has its own set of limitations as well.

Limitations of Night Mode on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro

  • Night mode on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro does not work with the ultra-wide angle camera. It is limited to the primary 12MP and telephoto cameras.
  • It cannot be triggered manually. The camera app automatically switches to Night mode when the available light is less than 10 lux.
  • Night mode is not available for the front TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
  • It is recommended that you do not try to capture moving objects using Night mode.
  • When on a tripod, the Night mode can take as long as 30 seconds to capture a noticeably better photo.

How to Use Night Mode in iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro’s Camera

Step 1: Open the Camera app

If you are in a dimly lit room or in a dark place, you should see a moon icon on the top-left corner of the Camera app. If the moon icon is yellow, it means Night mode is automatically enabled. It should also show the exposure time which can be anywhere between 1s to 10s. In case the moon icon is grayed out, it means Night mode is available but not enabled.

iPhone 11 Pro Night mode

Step 2: Press the Shutter Button

In most situations, all you need to do is press the shutter button and wait for your iPhone to take a photo. Since the exposure time can be anywhere between 1s to 10s, the shot time of Night mode photos will be longer than a regular photo. A countdown will be shown above the shutter button while taking a photo in Night mode. Make sure to hold your phone stable during this process.

Step 3: Tweak Night Mode Settings

You can also manually increase (or decrease) the Night mode exposure time if you wish to. Just tap the moon icon and drag the timer above the shutter button to your desired length. The maximum available exposure time will vary depending on the lighting situation. You are going to get the maximum exposure time of 30s when you place your phone on a tripod. There are Auto and Max options available in the slider if you are confused as to what exposure time you should select.

iPhone 11 Night Mode Settings


How impressed are you with the Night mode in the Camera app of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro? Do you think Apple should expand this mode to the front camera as well? Drop a comment and let us know!