How to use True Tone on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for True Tone on Mac.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To use True Tone on your Mac, navigate to System Preferences, select Displays, and check the True Tone option. True Tone adjusts your display's color temperature based on the ambient light, providing a more natural viewing experience.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before enabling True Tone on your Mac, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •A Mac model that supports True Tone (MacBook Pro (2016 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), iMac (2017 and later), Mac mini (2020), and Mac Pro (2019)).
  • •macOS version 10.13 or later.
  • •Access to System Preferences.
  • •No external displays connected that do not support True Tone.

Method 1: Enabling True Tone via System Preferences

This is the primary method to enable True Tone on your Mac. Use this method when you want to quickly adjust your display settings.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'System Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: Click on 'Displays'.
  • •Step 4: In the Displays window, check the box next to 'True Tone'.
  • •Step 5: Observe the color temperature change; it should adjust based on the ambient light.
  • •Step 6: To verify it worked, look around your environment; the display should appear warmer in dim light and cooler in bright light.
  • •Step 7: If True Tone does not appear, ensure your macOS is updated and your display supports the feature.

For macOS Monterey and later

In macOS Monterey and later, the True Tone feature is integrated into the Display settings more seamlessly.
  • •Step 1: Open 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Displays'.
  • •Step 3: The True Tone option should be prominently displayed; simply toggle it on.

For macOS Big Sur and earlier

In earlier versions, the True Tone option may be less prominent.
  • •Step 1: Open 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Displays'.
  • •Step 3: Look for the 'True Tone' checkbox; if not visible, ensure your display supports it.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

This method is useful for quickly toggling True Tone if you have set up a shortcut.
  • •Step 1: Go to 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Keyboard'.
  • •Step 3: Select the 'Shortcuts' tab.
  • •Step 4: Click on 'Display' in the left sidebar.
  • •Step 5: Assign a keyboard shortcut to toggle True Tone on/off.
  • •Step 6: Use the assigned shortcut to quickly enable or disable True Tone.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If True Tone is not functioning as expected, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'True Tone is not available on this display' - Solution: Ensure you are using a compatible Mac model and that your macOS is updated.
  • •Issue: True Tone appears grayed out - Fix: Check if an external display is connected that does not support True Tone.
  • •Problem: True Tone is not adjusting colors - Workaround: Restart your Mac and try enabling True Tone again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your usage of True Tone with these tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + F1 - Toggles display settings quickly.
  • •Command line: 'defaults write com.apple.display 'TrueTone' -bool true' - Enables True Tone via Terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: Night Shift - Use alongside True Tone for optimal eye comfort in the evening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To maximize the benefits of True Tone, ensure your workspace has consistent lighting.