How to Enable and Use Skype Dark Mode on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

SkypeDark ModeWindowsMacLinuxApplicationsSoftwareThemesPersonalizationUser InterfaceSettings

In the digital age, apps and software are constantly evolving to provide advanced features for a better user experience. One such feature that has gained prominence in recent years is the 'dark mode'. By providing a darker color scheme for an app's interface, dark mode helps reduce eye strain and save device battery life, especially in low-light environments. Skype, one of the most widely used communication platforms worldwide, also offers a dark mode feature. This guide will explain in detail how users can enable and use Skype dark mode on different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Understanding dark mode

Before getting into the steps to enable dark mode in Skype, it is important to understand what dark mode entails. Dark mode is essentially a colour scheme that uses light-coloured text and icons on a dark background, as opposed to the regular light mode where dark text appears on a light-coloured background. The feature is loved for its eye-relaxing benefits, especially during night-time usage.

The benefits of using dark mode include reduced screen brightness, which facilitates longer viewing, and improved readability in low light conditions. Additionally, on devices with OLED screens, dark mode can help preserve battery life as dark pixels consume less energy.

Enabling Skype dark mode on Windows

For users running Skype on Windows systems, enabling dark mode can be achieved through several simple steps. These instructions apply to Windows 10 and later versions, with the latest version of Skype at the time of publication. Follow these detailed steps to switch to dark mode on Windows:

1. First, launch the Skype application. You can do this by double-clicking the Skype icon from your desktop or by searching for Skype in the Start menu.
2. After opening Skype, log in to your account with the required credentials if prompted.
3. After logging in, look for your profile picture or initials in the upper-left corner of the Skype window. Click on it to open your profile menu.
4. In your profile section, find 'Settings' from the drop-down menu and click on it. This action will open the Settings window.
5. In the Settings window, select the option called 'Appearance' from the left-hand sidebar.
6. Under the 'Appearance' section, you will find the 'Modes' option. Here, there are usually three options: 'Light Mode', 'Dark Mode', and 'System Settings'.
7. Select 'Dark Mode' to instantly apply it to the Skype interface. You can see the colors of the interface immediately change to adopt a darker tone.
8. If you want Skype to automatically adjust between light and dark mode based on your system settings, select 'System settings'.
9. Close the Settings window when you're satisfied with your selections. You can always return to this menu if you change your mind.

By following these steps, the dark mode will now be successfully activated in Skype on your Windows system, improving your viewing experience.

Enabling Skype dark mode on Mac

For Mac users, Skype also offers the option to switch to dark mode to make chatting and video calls more comfortable in low light. Due to the similarities in the applications across platforms, the steps to enable dark mode in Skype on Mac are very similar to Windows, with slight differences in some terminology. Here's how you can get it:

1. Start by opening Skype on your Mac. The application can be accessed from the Applications folder, the Dock, or by searching for it via Spotlight (Command + Space).
2. If you aren't logged in, enter your login information to access your Skype account.
3. Once inside Skype, click your profile picture or initial in the top left corner, which will open the account menu.
4. Select 'Settings' from the menu that appears. This action will take you to the Settings dialog box.
5. In this box, go to 'Appearance' located on the sidebar on your left.
6. In the 'Appearance' section, you'll find the 'Mode' selection, with options for 'Light mode', 'Dark mode', and 'Use system settings'.
7. Click on 'Dark Mode' to apply the dark theme to your Skype interface. The app will automatically change colors to the dark theme.
8. If you want Skype to follow the settings according to your Mac's light or dark theme preferences, select the 'Use system settings' option.
9. Once done, close the settings window. You can come back to change the mode at any time if necessary.

Following these steps will enable dark mode for Skype on your Mac, leading to a pleasant user experience especially during evening or night time usage.

Enabling Skype dark mode on Linux

Linux users can also take advantage of the dark mode feature in Skype. Although Linux doesn't have as many traditional desktop application users as Windows and Mac, Skype offers a similar experience on all of its supported platforms, including Linux. Here's how a Linux user can enable dark mode in Skype:

1. First, launch Skype on your Linux system. The execution command may vary depending on your desktop environment. Generally, you can find Skype in your applications menu, or if it doesn't appear automatically, you may need to execute a terminal command such as skypeforlinux.
2. Enter your login credentials when Skype opens if you're asked to do so.
3. Click your profile picture or initial in the upper-left area of the Skype window to access your profile menu.
4. Select the 'Settings' option from the dropdown. This option will take you to the application settings page.
5. In Settings, go to the ‘Appearance’ section using the sidebar available on the left side of the dialog box.
6. In the 'Appearance' category, look for the 'Mode' options, which probably include 'Light Mode', 'Dark Mode', and 'System Default'.
7. Select 'Dark Mode' to change your interface theme to dark. You should immediately notice the changes applied to the application interface.
8. Alternatively, selecting 'System default' will make Skype follow your Linux system's theme settings, automatically adjusting between light and dark.
9. After successfully setting your preferred mode, finish the process by closing the Settings dialog.

Following these steps will convert Skype on your Linux machine to dark mode, which will suit your visual feature preferences.

Notification settings and keyboard shortcuts

In addition to the visual aspects, adjusting other settings can further improve your Skype experience in dark mode. For users who rely on keyboard shortcuts to navigate efficiently, understanding these shortcuts can speed up many tasks when using Skype. Although detailed instructions on shortcuts may vary by version and update, here are some common ones:

• Open a call window: You can quickly open a new call window by using Ctrl + Shift + K (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + K (Mac).
• Muting the microphone during a call: Use Ctrl + M (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + M (Mac).
• Toggle the sidebar: Press Ctrl + I to show or hide the sidebar.
• To end the call: Use Ctrl + E (Windows/Linux) or Command + E (Mac).

Adjusting notification settings is another useful aspect. Limiting or customizing notifications based on your needs can prevent unnecessary distractions. In Skype settings, you can navigate to 'Notifications' and change the settings to suit your preferences, such as enabling notifications only for specific chats or muting them during calls.

Additional considerations for extended use

Skype's dark mode is one component of a broader trend in modern digital interactions - prioritizing user comfort. For those who spend long hours working or communicating via digital platforms, adopting dark mode is recommended as part of digital health practices. Environmental factors such as room lighting and screen brightness also play an important role in determining the comfort of prolonged screen use.

In cases where Skype is used in a professional or collaborative environment, it is important to understand and respect the accessibility preferences of all users. While dark mode can provide convenience to many, it may not be suitable for everyone. Ensuring that all users have the information they need to customize settings can lead to a better collective experience.

Conclusion

The ability to change from the traditional light theme to dark mode in Skype on Windows, Mac and Linux is a straightforward process. With the above steps, users should find it easy to navigate through the settings required to make these changes seamlessly. It is important to understand that user preference settings, such as the way of appearance, control over notifications and keyboard shortcuts, contribute significantly to one's overall experience. The flexibility that Skype offers across platforms ensures that all users, no matter their operating system, can enjoy a personalized and comfortable experience.

Dark mode offers a modern solution to the age-old problem of eye strain caused by digital screens. By ensuring you know how to activate and use dark mode efficiently, you strengthen your interactions with technology for your visual and cognitive comfort. As technology continues to evolve, adopting these small but important changes contributes to sustainable and enjoyable digital interactions.

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