How to Turn On Blue Light on a Mac (Night Shift)

Been using your Mac and getting eye strain or finding it hard to sleep after use? Well, studies have shown that blue light exposure can make it hard to sleep and give eye strain. Learning how to turn on the blue light on a Mac can help overcome these problems.

In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
From the Apple menu select System Settings
On the system settings select Displays
From the bottom left corner select Night Shift
Adjust the Night Shift settings and press Done

It is not always easy following along with a how-to with a simple list. So I have the how-to with pictures and, if you look below, even video instructions.

How to Turn On Blue Light on a Mac With Night Shift

The excellent thing about the Mac is that you can turn on the night shift. Then the Mac will do all the leg work.

Using geolocation and the Mac clock to work out when sunset happens. After this will turn your screen to a warm color taking out lots of blue light.

At sunrise, the Mac will then slowly return to its regular settings.

So let’s jump right into How to Enable Night Shift on macOS:

Step 1. In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()

Step 2. From the Apple menu select System Settings

Step 3. On the system settings select Displays

Step 4. From the bottom left corner select Night Shift

Step 5. Adjust the Night Shift settings and press Done

You have 3 different options to choose from:

Schedule – Within this section, you have Off, Custom, and Sunset to Sunrise
Turn on until sunrise / Turn on until tomorrow
Color temperature – Adjust the amount night shift you wish

System Settings > Displays > Night Shift... — System Settings > Displays > Night Shift…

Don’t See Night Shift?

If you are not seeing the night shift this is highly likely that your Mac is not updated to the latest macOS.

The first macOS that got the night shift feature was macOS Sierra 10.12.4. So, if you have an earlier version then this night shift will not be available.

If you want the latest macOS then I will show you How to Update your Mac and Keep it Updated.

How to Enable Night Shift on macOS

If you prefer video, I have you covered with this simple-to-follow video on How to Enable Night Shift on macOS.

Mac Night Shift FAQs

Does Night Shift on Mac reduce blue light?

Yes, the apple night shift feature uses your geolocation and the Mac clock to work out when sunset happens. Upon sundown, the Mac will turn on the night shift, reducing the amount of blue light emitted.

How do I turn on Bluelight on my Mac?

To turn on the night shift on your Mac computer head over to Apple Menu () > System Settings > Displays > Night Shift.

Does Night Shift on Mac help your eyes?

Yes, with the night shift turned on your Mac will turn the screen to the warmer end of the color chart. Offering eye relief and less exposure to blue light which makes it hard to sleep.

Should I keep Night Shift on all the time?

Yes, if you want the benefits of eye relief and getting less exposure to blue light. Your Mac screen will turn to the warmer end of the color chart offering these benefits.