Sometimes, the screen on your Google Pixel can feel like a flashlight in the dark, especially when you’re trying to wind down at night. Even with the brightness turned all the way down, it might still be too bright for your liking. Thankfully, there’s a simple setting that can help: Extra Dim. It’s tucked away in the Accessibility settings, and it’s a lifesaver for those late-night scrolls or reading sessions.
I accidentally stumbled upon the setting a few months ago, and it has been one of my favorite useful features since then. To enable Extra Dim, open the Settings app on your phone and scroll down to the Accessibility section. Once there, look for the option labeled Extra dim and tap on it. You’ll see a toggle switch — turn it on, and immediately, your screen will get noticeably dimmer. It’s a quick and effective way to reduce brightness beyond the standard settings.
But that’s not all. Extra Dim also comes with a few handy customization options. Right below the toggle, you’ll find a slider that lets you adjust the dimness level to suit your eyes. It’s great if you need just a bit of extra dimming rather than the full effect.
If you find yourself using this feature often, you can make it even easier to access. Go back to the Extra Dim settings and enable the shortcut option. This will let you turn the feature on or off with a dedicated Accessibility shortcut. It’s super convenient, especially if you need to quickly toggle it during a late-night binge or when checking your phone in bed.
One more cool thing: Extra Dim can stay on even after you restart your phone. This is perfect if you always want a lower brightness setting without having to re-enable it every time your device reboots. Just toggle the “Keep Extra Dim on after restart” option, and you’re good to go.
This small but powerful feature makes a big difference for anyone sensitive to bright screens. It’s also a great way to reduce eye strain and avoid that harsh glare that can disturb your sleep. Give it a try the next time your screen feels like it’s lighting up the entire room — it’s a simple fix that you’ll wish you had discovered sooner!