How to Activate Adaptive Headlights: What to press, where to find it, and when they actually turn on

In most cars, adaptive headlights are activated by setting the headlight switch to Auto and enabling the feature in the vehicle’s Lights settings; once on, they work automatically when it’s dark and the car is moving. Depending on your model, you may also need to turn on Auto High Beams or a brand-specific feature like AFS, Dynamic Bending Light, IntelliBeam, or Matrix/Adaptive Driving Beam. Below is a detailed guide to make sure yours are correctly enabled and working as designed.

What “adaptive headlights” means—and the types you might have

Adaptive headlights is a catch‑all term. Some systems swivel the low beams into curves (bending/steering‑responsive lights), others automatically level under load, and many add automatic high beams. Newer “matrix” or Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) systems keep high beams on and selectively shade portions of the beam to avoid glaring other road users. Your vehicle may have one or several of these, and the activation steps are similar but not identical.

Quick-start: The universal steps that work on most modern cars

The following step-by-step list covers the most common setup path. Expect minor differences in names and menu locations by brand and model year.

1. Set the exterior light switch to Auto (look for a headlamp icon with the letter “A”).
2. Open the vehicle’s settings menu, then Lights/Exterior Lighting, and toggle on features labeled Adaptive Headlights, AFS/AFL, Dynamic Bending Light, Steering‑Responsive Headlights, or similar.
3. If your car supports automatic high beam or matrix/ADB, enable Auto High Beam in the same Lights menu. On many cars you also need to push the turn‑signal stalk forward once (blue high‑beam icon) to arm it, after which a green/white headlamp icon with an “A” confirms Auto High Beam is active.
4. Make sure prerequisite conditions are met: it must be dark enough, your speed is typically above 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h) for curve‑adaptive movement, and above ~25–35 mph for Auto High Beam/ADB to engage. Speeds vary by model.
5. Clean the windshield area in front of the forward camera and the headlamp lenses; dirt or ice will prevent the system from operating.
6. Check for any dedicated physical buttons: some cars have an “AFS OFF” or “Auto High Beam” button on the dash—ensure they’re set to ON (or that “AFS OFF” is not illuminated).
7. Drive on an unlit road to confirm operation. You should see the beam pivot into curves or the high beam automatically raise/lower or “carve around” other traffic (matrix/ADB). A cluster icon typically confirms status.

If you complete these steps and don’t see the expected behavior, consult the troubleshooting section below—most issues trace back to light-switch position, menu toggles, speed/ambient light thresholds, or a blocked camera.

Where to find the setting by brand (common labels and locations)

While menus change between model years and trims, these brand cues help you find the right toggle quickly in most late‑model vehicles.

• BMW/Mini: Car > Settings > Lights > Exterior lighting > Adaptive headlights; High-beam Assistant in the same menu. Some models require pushing the stalk forward to arm HBA. “Anti‑dazzle” matrix capability may appear as “Automatic high beam” or “Glare‑free high beam” in certain markets.
• Audi/VW: Vehicle > Exterior lighting > Adaptive light or “Dynamic cornering light;” Auto high beam as “High beam assist” or “Dynamic Light Assist” (matrix). Light switch must be in Auto.
• Mercedes-Benz: Vehicle > Lights > Adaptive (or “Active”) headlamps; Adaptive Highbeam Assist. Some models label matrix as “Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus” or “Digital Light.”
• Toyota/Lexus: Vehicle Settings > Lights > Auto High Beam (AHB) or Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS); curve lighting as “AFS/Steering‑responsive.” Many models also have a physical AHB button; stalk forward to arm.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Settings > Lights > High Beam Assist and “Static/Smart/LED Cornering” or “Dynamic Bending Light.” Light switch in Auto; HBA shows a green “A” icon when active.
• Subaru: Settings > Lights > Steering Responsive Headlights; Auto High Beam/HBA in the same area. Some trims have a physical SRH button.
• Mazda: Settings > Lights > Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and High Beam Control (HBC). Ensure any “AFS OFF” dash button is not lit.
• GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick): IntelliBeam is the auto high-beam feature—often toggled by a button on the turn-signal stalk and/or in Vehicle > Lighting. Set switch to Auto.
• Ford/Lincoln: Settings > Vehicle > Lighting > Auto High Beam; curve lighting sometimes listed as “Adaptive headlamps.” Stalk forward may be required to arm HBA.
• Tesla: Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights (if equipped) and Auto High Beam. Use Auto for headlights; behavior varies by model year and region via software updates.
• Volvo/Polestar: Settings > Lights > Active Bending Lights and Auto High Beam; matrix is often termed “Active High Beam” or “Pixel” lights in some markets.

If your vehicle or trim isn’t listed, look for similarly named options in the Lights/Exterior Lighting menu, and verify your owner’s manual for your exact model year and region.

How you know they’re working

Expect the following normal indicators and behavior during night driving on unlit roads:

• The headlamp icon with an “A” illuminates (green/white) when Auto High Beam is armed; a blue high‑beam icon shows when high beams are actively on.
• On bends, the light pattern sweeps toward the direction of steering input; you may notice the cutoff move.
• With matrix/ADB, you’ll see the beam remain broadly bright while a dark “mask” moves around other vehicles to prevent glare.

If none of these occur, recheck the switch position, menu toggles, ambient darkness, and speed, then proceed to troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting: Why adaptive headlights might not activate

These are the most common causes—and fixes—when the system doesn’t engage as expected.

• Light switch not in Auto: Set to Auto; manual On often won’t arm AHB/ADB.
• Feature toggled off in menus: Re‑enable Adaptive/AFS/High Beam Assist in the Lights settings.
• It’s not dark enough or you’re below the speed threshold: Try an unlit road at 25–40 mph (40–65 km/h); thresholds vary.
• Blocked/dirty sensors: Clean the windshield area in front of the camera, the grille radar (if applicable), and headlamp lenses.
• Weather and glare: Heavy rain, fog, snow, low sun, or oncoming glare can temporarily suspend the feature.
• Dashboard warnings: Any camera/lighting fault, or “Headlight leveling malfunction,” will disable adaptive functions—scan for codes or schedule service.
• Drive mode or trailer status: Some cars restrict features in certain modes or when towing; disable Tow/Trailer mode to test.
• Region/software limitations: Matrix/ADB availability depends on market and software level; check for updates or dealer configuration.
• After windshield or headlamp service: Camera recalibration or headlamp leveling calibration may be required.

Addressing these items resolves most issues. If problems persist, consult the owner’s manual and have the vehicle checked for software updates or sensor calibration.

Legal and safety notes

Availability and behavior of adaptive systems, especially matrix/ADB, depend on regional regulations and your vehicle’s certification. In the U.S., federal rules now permit ADB, but not every model or trim supports it yet, and some vehicles require a software update. Always monitor the road, be ready to take manual control of high beams, and never rely solely on automation in adverse conditions.

Care tips to keep performance sharp

Clear optics and accurate sensors are essential for adaptive headlights to function correctly. Simple upkeep goes a long way.

• Clean headlamp lenses and the windshield camera area regularly; remove ice/snow fully.
• Avoid opaque films/tints over headlamps or camera zones.
• After windshield replacement or front‑end repairs, ask for camera and headlamp calibration.
• Install software updates that mention lighting or driver-assist improvements.

Routine cleaning and timely calibration help ensure your adaptive lights work as designed whenever you need them.

Summary

To activate adaptive headlights, put the light switch in Auto, enable the relevant toggles in the Lights/Exterior Lighting menu (Adaptive/AFS and Auto High Beam/Matrix), and meet the conditions for operation—darkness, appropriate speed, and clear sensors. Watch for the dashboard icons that confirm activation, and consult your brand’s menu labels if you can’t find the setting. Keep lenses and the windshield camera clean, and update software or calibrate sensors after service to ensure optimal performance.

How do you activate adaptive lighting?

Turn on Adaptive Lighting

1. Go to the Home app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the light’s tile to show the controls. You can also touch and hold the tile, and then choose Accessory Settings.
3. Tap. , then turn on Adaptive Lighting.

How to turn on adaptive headlights?

And what this is also going to do is it’s going to adjust the headlights for curves. So when you’re going around a curve. It can adjust those headlights around the curve.

Why are my adaptive headlights not working?

An adaptive headlight malfunction can be caused by simple issues like a blown fuse, dirty or damaged sensors, or even moisture in the headlight housing, but it can also be a more serious problem with the control module or motor, requiring a professional diagnosis and potentially costly repairs or replacement of parts. To start troubleshooting, check fuses, clean sensors, inspect for physical damage, and look for diagnostic trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner.
 
This video shows how to check the sensors and find the problem with BMW adaptive headlights: 56sSimpleCarGuyYouTube · May 13, 2023
Common Causes of Malfunction

• Fuses and Wiring: Blown fuses or loose, damaged wiring to the headlight system can prevent it from working. 
• Sensors: Steering angle sensors and vehicle speed sensors provide data to the adaptive system. If they are dirty, damaged, or disconnected, the system can fail. 
• Moisture: Water or moisture inside the headlight housing can cause damage to the internal wiring, components, or control modules. 
• Bulbs and Ballasts: Burned-out bulbs or damaged ballasts are a common cause of a headlight not lighting up. 
• Mechanical Issues: The adaptive motors that turn the headlights can become damaged or detached from their control arms, leading to a loss of the adaptive function. 
• Control Module: The control module, or the module inside the headlight housing, can fail and require replacement. 

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Fuses: Locate and inspect the fuses related to the adaptive headlight system in both the main and trunk fuse boxes. 
2. Scan for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to read for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the system, as this will provide a more specific clue to the problem. 
3. Inspect Sensors: Visually inspect the steering angle and vehicle speed sensors for dirt, damage, or loose connections. 
4. Look for Moisture: Open the headlight assembly to check for moisture or signs of corrosion. 
5. Test Headlight Movement: With the engine on, turn the steering wheel to see if the headlights move to follow the steering angle. 
6. Test Manual Operation: Attempt to manually test the adaptive motor to check for functionality. 

This video demonstrates how to clear BMW adaptive headlight error codes using a mobile app: 59sIzzyE9XYouTube · Jun 10, 2023
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve checked the basic components and the issue persists, or if you’re not comfortable with the more complex diagnostic steps, it is best to consult a professional. A mechanic can properly diagnose the issue and, if necessary, replace components like the control module or stepper motor, which can be expensive.

What controls adaptive headlights?

Based on a variety of inputs such as steering wheel angle, cameras, speed sensors, and so on, adaptive headlights can take into account factors like the curvature of the road, the vehicle’s position in relation to nearby vehicles, and the vehicle’s load.