Some Pixel users are reporting an issue with their wallpapers as it seems they remain dim even when the phone switches to light mode. Normally, your wallpaper should brighten up in light mode and tone down in dark mode to match the theme. But now, it’s stuck in a perpetual state of dimness, and it’s driving some folks crazy.
The problem seems to have cropped up after users installed the March 2025 update. One user, AJ12441, took to a help forum to vent, saying, “I have found that, after updating to the March 2025 Pixel update on my Pixel 8 Pro, the wallpaper is always dimmed on both light mode and dark mode. How could I fix this?” They’re not alone. Mike Reagan added, “I am having the same problem after updating last night and I’ve tried all the hacks to fix it and nothing works.”
So, what’s causing this? It looks like the update might have messed with bedtime mode, a feature that dims your screen and quiets notifications to help you relax at night. Some users suspect bedtime mode got stuck or corrupted during the update, keeping the wallpaper dim even when it shouldn’t be.
If your wallpaper’s stuck in this dim state, here are a few fixes to try. First, head to your phone’s settings and toggle bedtime mode on and off. This might shake things loose. If that doesn’t do the trick, reboot your phone. Sometimes a simple restart clears up these quirks.
For those comfortable with a bit of tech, there’s a more hands-on solution using ADB. One user shared their success: “I have successfully fixed this after March feature drop dimmed my wallpaper. Fix needs debug mode on, and ADB on your computer.” They suggested running adb shell dumpsys wallpaper to spot the culprit UID (User ID) causing the dimming, then using adb shell cmd wallpaper dim-with-uid [UID] 0.0 to remove it. It’s a bit technical, but it worked for them and others.
Not keen on diving into ADB? There’s good news. Alex_V., a platinum product expert, confirmed that Google knows about the issue and is working on a fix for a future update.
So, try the quick fixes, or hang tight — your wallpaper should be back to its bright self soon.
Dwayne Cubbins
795 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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