How do I stop my MacBook from dimming automatically?

How do I stop my MacBook from dimming automatically?
I have been experiencing an issue with my MacBook where the screen dims automatically, and it’s becoming quite frustrating. It usually happens when I’m in the middle of important tasks, and the sudden drop in brightness can be quite disruptive. I understand that the automatic adjustment is supposed to save energy and reduce eye strain, but I want to have full control over my screen’s brightness levels. I’ve tried to change the settings in the System Preferences, but the problem persists. This issue seems to affect my productivity, especially when working in well-lit environments. I’m looking for detailed guidance on how to stop my MacBook from dimming on its own.
4 Answers

I understand how annoying it can be when your MacBook screen dims unexpectedly. Here’s a more detailed approach you can try:
- Open System Preferences: You can find this in the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen.
- Select Displays: In the System Preferences window, click on ‘Displays.’
- Adjust Brightness Manually: Uncheck the ‘Automatically adjust brightness’ box. This setting is often the culprit.
- Energy Saver Settings: Sometimes, the dimming is related to energy-saving features. Go back to System Preferences and click on ‘Battery.’
- Under the ‘Battery’ tab, uncheck ‘Slightly dim the display on battery power.’
- Also, do the same under the ‘Power Adapter’ tab if needed.
By addressing both the Display and Energy Saver settings, you should be able to circumvent the automatic dimming feature effectively.

If you’re still having issues with your MacBook dimming, consider more advanced troubleshooting steps:
- Check Ambient Light Sensor: Ensure nothing is obstructing the sensor, which is typically near the front camera. Sometimes dirt or objects can trigger unwanted adjustments.
- Update macOS: Occasionally, software updates can resolve such issues. Go to System Preferences > Software Update and ensure your MacBook is up-to-date.
- Reset SMC (System Management Controller): This can solve issues related to power and hardware settings. Here’s how:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and turn on your MacBook.
These additional steps can help if the usual settings adjustment doesn’t seem to resolve the dimming issue on your MacBook.

To stop your MacBook from dimming automatically, you can disable the automatic brightness feature in your System Preferences. Follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on “Displays.”
- Uncheck the box next to “Automatically adjust brightness.”
By following these steps, you can manually control the brightness level of your MacBook’s screen as per your preference.

To stop your MacBook from dimming, here’s a creative workaround:
- Install Third-Party Apps: Applications like ‘f.lux’ or ‘Brightness Slider’ can override the system brightness settings and give you more control.
- Task Automation: Use the Automator app on macOS to create a script that sets your desired brightness level and runs it periodically.
- Activity Monitor Check: Sometimes background processes might cause issues. Open ‘Activity Monitor’ from Applications > Utilities, and look for any anomalies consuming system resources that might indirectly affect display settings.
By exploring these options, you can achieve a customized and consistent screen brightness that aligns with your needs.