Modern iPhones equipped with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) include a subtle, hidden feature called “Attention Aware.” This feature uses the TrueDepth camera system in the notch or Dynamic Island to constantly scan your face while you are using the phone. If the phone detects that you are looking away from the screen, it will automatically dim the display to save battery life.
While this sounds helpful in theory, it can be extremely frustrating if you are reading a long article, glancing at a recipe while cooking, or following a tutorial. The screen will constantly dim just because you aren’t staring directly into the camera. Fortunately, you can turn this feature off.
How to Disable Attention Aware Features
Turning off Attention Aware Features is simple and only takes a few seconds:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your device passcode when prompted.
- Scroll down to the “Attention” section.
- Toggle the switch for Attention Aware Features to the Off position.
What Else Does This Setting Change?
It is important to understand that “Attention Aware Features” controls more than just the screen dimming behavior. By turning this toggle off, you are also changing two other subtle interactions:
1. Notification Volume: Normally, when your iPhone rings or an alarm goes off, the volume is loud. But as soon as you pick up the phone and look at it, Attention Aware instantly lowers the volume (because it knows you are now holding the device). If you turn Attention Aware off, alarms and ringtones will remain at maximum volume even when you are looking at the screen.
2. Expanding Notifications on the Lock Screen: By default, your Lock Screen hides the contents of your text messages until it recognizes your face. Turning off Attention Aware does not break this security feature (that is handled by the “Require Attention for Face ID” setting directly above it). Your notifications will still remain hidden until you unlock the device.
If you prefer a screen that stays bright until the exact moment your auto-lock timer kicks in, turning off Attention Aware Features is the perfect solution.