A method and system are set forth for automatically adjusting keypad luminance based on display content. In one embodiment, the method comprises calculating a lighting level based on ambient light; calculating a luminance level of an image on the display; setting a maximum lighting level to the luminance level of the image on the display; and in the event the calculated lighting level exceeds the maximum lighting level then selecting the maximum lighting level, and in the event the calculated lighting level does not exceed the maximum lighting level then selecting the calculated lighting level.