Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling switching regulators to automatically switch from a traditional pulse-width modulation (PWM) mode, when the load current is higher than a predetermined value, to a pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) mode, when the load current drops to a point lower than the predetermine value. Switching modes increases the efficiency of the regulator when the load current is low without provoking a large output voltage transient. In some embodiments, a single switching cycle regulates the output in the PFM mode, which reduces the switching losses and enhances the efficiency of the regulator.