Short answer
Turn brightness up and check dimming features are off: Reduce White Point on iPhone, Extra dim on Android. Let auto-brightness relearn your preferences. If it's still too dark, a two-way filter is brighter than four-way, or go back to clear glass.
Settings to check
| Phone | Setting |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Reduce White Point off |
| iPhone | Adjust brightness manually in a few places so auto-brightness learns your preference |
| Samsung | Settings → Accessibility → Visibility enhancements → Extra dim off |
| Pixel | Settings → Accessibility → Extra dim off |
Two-way vs four-way
Four-way filters block views from above and below as well as the sides, and they look noticeably darker straight-on. If you bought four-way and only use your phone upright, two-way is a meaningful improvement.
When privacy isn't worth it
- You constantly max out brightness and battery life has suffered.
- You read outdoors most of the time.
- You own a Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has a built-in Privacy Display you can switch on only when needed. See the S26 Ultra guide.
Questions people ask
Why is my phone so dim with a privacy screen protector?
The privacy filter blocks some light in every direction, including straight on. Four-way filters are darker than two-way.
Does a privacy protector drain battery?
Indirectly, if you raise brightness to compensate.