# Settings screen

> A settings screen is a grouped list of preferences, with a switch for each yes or no choice. Apple asks for good defaults and as few settings as possible.

Page: https://www.appetiteui.com/glossary/settings-screen. Settings screen design: grouped rows and switches. Also called Preferences, Account settings.

## Why it matters

Every setting is a decision handed to a person. Defaults that suit most people and a short list keep the screen approachable and make a single setting findable.

The system already holds some settings, so repeating them in the app only creates a second place to look.

## iOS and Android

|  | iOS | Android (Material 3) | Appetite UI |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Name | Settings | Settings pattern, list with switches | Settings screens |
| Menu in the file | Nine rows in three groups | Same screens | See below |
| Preferences list in the file | Four switches and two help links | Same screens | See below |

## In Appetite UI

The Settings screens are a Menu of nine rows in three groups, an Account setup form with a photo, three fields and a Change password button, and a Selection list with values, four switches and two links to help. They are built from Top Bar, List, Avatar, Text Input, Button and Toggle.

## Example

A menu groups rows under Profile, App and Integrations. The preferences list shows a switch per yes or no choice, and a value with a chevron where a choice has more than two answers.

## Common mistakes

- Asking in settings for what the system can tell you, such as Dark Mode.
- Too many settings, so the one wanted is lost.
- Using a switch for a choice that needs Save.
- Repeating system settings such as accessibility options.

## Questions

### How many settings should an app have?

As few as possible. Apple advises choosing defaults that give the best experience to the most people, and minimizing the number of settings.

### Should a setting be a switch or a row?

A yes or no choice is a switch. A choice among more answers is a row that opens a list.

## Sources

1. [Apple Human Interface Guidelines: Settings](https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/settings)

## Related

- Docs: [Settings app screens](https://www.appetiteui.com/docs/screens-settings)
- Docs: [Toggle](https://www.appetiteui.com/docs/toggle)
- Article: [Settings screen design for iOS and Android](https://www.appetiteui.com/blog/settings-screen-design-ios-android)
- Glossary: [Toggle and switch](https://www.appetiteui.com/glossary/toggle-switch)
- Glossary: [List row](https://www.appetiteui.com/glossary#list-row)
- Glossary: [Dark mode](https://www.appetiteui.com/glossary/dark-mode)