Theater Mode is an important feature that’s available on all of the latest Apple Watch models. Theater Mode dims your Apple Watch’s screen, making it less distracting to others. But how exactly do you activate Theater Mode?
To activate Theater Mode, turn on your Apple Watch and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the control center. Look for an icon displaying two masks — one happy and one sad. Tap this icon to switch Theater Mode on or off.
So, next time you head to the theater, you’ll likely want to turn on both Theater Mode and Do Not Disturb — a similar feature that addresses sounds on your device. Let’s take a closer look at what Theater Mode does, how to activate it, and the difference between Theater Mode and Do Not Disturb.
How to Turn Theater Mode On/Off on Apple Watch
Theater mode is a very handy feature introduced with the Apple Watch Series 2. Theater Mode is a feature that was built for use while you’re sitting in a theater (or any similar environment).
This feature dims your screen so that your Apple Watch isn’t distracting for others in the space.
To turn on the Apple Watch’s Theater Mode, first turn on the screen either by lifting your wrist or by tapping the crown. Once the screen is on, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up your Apple Watch’s control center.
In the control center, scroll down until you see a mask icon. This icon should feature two masks, one happy and one sad. This is your theater mode icon, and you can simply tap it to toggle the mode on or off.
How to Use Theater Mode on Apple Watch
As the name implies, the Apple Watch’s Theater Mode is meant to be used when you’re sitting in a theater. After all, no one likes to see a bright screen or hear a ping in the middle of a movie or performance.
Luckily, Theater Mode darkens your Apple Watch’s screen to the point where you can use it in a pitch black room and not disturb others.
The proper etiquette for using Theater Mode is to turn on the feature once the room dims for the movie. Then, once the movie has ended, you can turn off Theater Mode and resume normal use of the device.
Even though the feature is called Theater Mode, there are other places and circumstances that may be appropriate for this feature. It’s useful in pretty much any scenario when you’re in a dark room.
For example, if you’re trying to use your Apple Watch in bed at night, Theater Mode can protect your eyes.
Theater Mode vs. Do Not Disturb: What’s the Difference?
Theater Mode and Do Not Disturb are two different features that will make your Apple Watch less distracting for others. But while Theater Mode is focused on your screen brightness, Do Not Disturb address the device’s sounds.
Do Not Disturb mutes all notifications you receive while the feature is on. You can activate Do Not Disturb in the control center — the icon looks like a crescent moon. Simply tap it to toggle the mode on or off.
This mode can be useful in a theater where any outside noise will distract people from the movie. It can also be turned on during other occasions where you’re in a silent room, such as during an exam, during a job interview, or even while you’re sleeping.
In many cases, both Do Not Disturb and Theater Mode are appropriate. When in doubt, we recommend turning them both on!