Isn't it annoying when certain apps take over your phone's brightness settings and change the brightness level on their own? Many users have complained that apps like Netflix, Paramount Plus, and Kindle sometimes raise the brightness level on their Android devices. This isn't pleasant at all, especially When you watch it with the lights offFollow this guide to prevent apps from controlling brightness on Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy phones.
The most frustrating part is that sometimes you can't adjust the brightness in Quick PaintingYou will see an error message. “The brightness cannot be changed because another app is controlling it.”.Surely, such unexpected app behavior seems really invasive.
Why does the brightness level change by itself on Android?
To override Android's brightness settings, apps need permission to modify existing system settings. They typically do this via a special API you accept when you install the app.
For example, the API often maximizes the screen brightness level to facilitate reading barcodes and QR codes. Similarly, content or reading apps sometimes override the system brightness to display HDR content. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to prevent such apps from controlling brightness.
But there are other ways to prevent apps or your phone from controlling brightness on Android, as explained in the post.
Note: Before starting the troubleshooting process, restart your Android phone.
1. Turn off adaptive brightness
If automatic brightness or adaptive brightness (Samsung) is enabled, your screen will automatically dim or brighten based on ambient lighting conditions. However, Adaptive Brightness may not be compatible with some apps. This can cause various brightness-related errors. Therefore, you should try disabling Adaptive Brightness on your Android phone.
To do this, go to Settings, ثم "the offer", Turn off the switch Adaptive brightness.
Tip: Learn how to Fix Adaptive Brightness Not Working on Android.
2. Disable Video Enhancer (Samsung)
The Video Enhancer feature on Samsung Galaxy phones increases screen brightness to improve the viewing experience when watching YouTube videos or streaming Netflix. If you own a Samsung device, turn off Video Enhancer and see if this resolves the brightness issue.
Go to Settings, ثم Advanced Features, then press Video brightness.Select Normal And see if things improve. Or click on Bright Enable or disable the switch for supported apps based on what prevents apps from changing brightness.
3. Use the app's built-in brightness tool.
If you can't adjust the brightness level using your phone's settings, use the app's built-in brightness tool. For example, Netflix has its own brightness tool. To use it, simply tap your screen and drag the sun icon slider on the left side to adjust the brightness level.
4. Close all applications.
If you see the error message “The brightness cannot be changed because another app is controlling it.”To close all apps running in the background, open the Recent Apps screen and swipe apps one by one to close them.
5. Use the Help or Accessibility menu to control brightness.
When an app controls the brightness on your Android phone, and you want to bypass this limitation, use the Accessibility menu (Help or Assistant) to control the brightness. The Help menu is an accessibility feature that provides access to many custom functions within a floating button on your screen.
Use these steps to enable the Accessibility menu and use it to override screen brightness on your Android phone:
Step 1: in Settings Android phone, go to Accessibility, followed by the accessibility menu.
Step 2: Enable the toggle next to Shortcut. Accessibility menu.
Step 3: You will notice that there is floating icon On your screen. Tap this icon and use the brightness button to change your phone's brightness when an app is controlling it.
Tip: On Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings, then Accessibility. Tap Interaction & dexterity and enable the toggle next to Assistant menu. Tap the Assistant menu text and tap Select Assistant menu items. Make sure Brightness is added.
6. Disable Keep Screen On While Displaying Motion Control (Samsung)
There is a feature in Samsung Galaxy phones called “Keep the screen on while watching”, formerly known as Smart Stay, prevents the screen from dimming or turning off as long as the front camera detects that you're looking at the screen. Smart Stay can sometimes mistakenly detect eye movement and change the brightness level.
To disable this feature, go to Settings, then Advanced features. Tap Motions and gestures and turn off the toggle next to “Keep the screen on while watching”On older Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Display > Smart Stay Disable this feature. Check if the brightness level still changes on its own.
7. Turn off power saving mode
Power saving mode on Android phones will automatically lower the brightness level when the battery reaches a certain percentage. You should check to make sure it's turned off and that your phone has enough charge.
To disable power saving mode, go to Settings, ثم battery, ثم Battery savingTurn it off and disable any specific schedule to save battery.
Tip: On Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings, then Battery & device care, then tap Battery. Turn off Power saving.
8. Turn off the night light or eye comfort shield.
Android phones have special features like Eye Comfort Shield or Night Light to keep your eyes comfortable, especially at night. This may also be why you think the app is changing brightness.
To turn it off, go to Settings, ثم the offer, and turn off Turn on Night LightOn Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Display and doDisable Eye Comfort Shield.
9. Clear app cache
Junk files and system cache can cause many types of errors, including brightness-related issues. If an app is unexpectedly changing your phone's brightness, try clearing its cache.
Go to Settings, followed by Applications, Click on the app that has the problem. Press Storage and press the . button Clear cache To remove junk files and clear the system cache, restart your phone and check if the app still controls your brightness settings.
10. Download the episode
An interesting solution suggested by users is that downloading the episode offline instead of streaming it prevents the app from changing your phone's brightness. The video plays brightly and naturally when downloaded.
11. Update the app
You should also try Update the appThere's a possibility that there's a bug in the app, which is preventing you from changing the brightness on your Android phone. Go to the Play Store and search for the app. Tap the update button in the app.
12. Phone program
Finally, you should Update your phone softwareThere may be a bug in your phone's software itself. Updating your phone's software will fix this and prevent apps from changing brightness. Go to Settings, then System, and tap Software Update to check for an available update.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. How do I lock the brightness on my Android phone?
The answer: To lock brightness on your Android phone, first turn off Adaptive Brightness. Then manually adjust the brightness to your desired point. This will lock the brightness unless you use the slider to change it.
Q2. How can I turn off dark mode for specific apps on Android?
The answer: In the app settings, find the Theme or Dark mode option. Then change it to Light from System or Dark mode.
The Dark World
Hopefully, you can now control the brightness on your Android phone. Before you go, learn how to Fix dark mode not working on Chrome.
