How to Use Dark Mode on Android

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Dark mode is a very popular feature in modern smartphones and applications as it not only provides an appealing look but also helps reduce eye strain in low light conditions. In addition, it can potentially help save battery life on devices with OLED screens, which is quite beneficial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to activate and use dark mode on Android devices. We will walk through step-by-step instructions, explore some of the benefits of using dark mode, and identify some of the applications that support dark mode.

Understanding dark mode

In short, dark mode is a user interface (UI) setting that changes the normal light background colors of an app, operating system, or website to dark colors. Instead of black text on a white background, you get white or light text on a black or dark gray background.

Dark mode is designed to make viewing content on electronic screens easier on the eyes. Most people feel uncomfortable when looking at a bright screen in a dark room; dark mode alleviates some of this discomfort by mimicking nighttime conditions.

Benefits of using dark mode

1. The strain on the eyes is reduced

One of the main benefits of dark mode is that it reduces eye strain, especially in low light conditions. A bright white screen can put strain on your eyes and lead to problems like dry eyes and migraines. Switching to a darker color scheme can help reduce these problems.

2. Battery saving

Devices using OLED screens can experience battery savings with dark mode because OLED screens work by turning off individual pixels to display black. Therefore, more dark pixels can mean less power consumption.

3. Improved readability

Dark mode can increase the contrast between text and background in some cases, which can improve readability. This is especially helpful for users who spend long hours reading on their device.

How to enable dark mode on Android

Step 1: Check Android version compatibility

Before enabling dark mode, make sure your Android device is running a compatible version of Android. Dark mode was officially introduced in Android 10, so your device must be running Android 10 or above. You can check your Android version by going to Settings > About phone > Android version.

Step 2: Go to display settings

To enable dark mode from the Settings menu, open the Settings app on your device. The Settings menu can be accessed through the Apps menu from your device's home screen or by pulling down the notification bar and tapping the gear icon.

Step 3: Choose display settings

Once in Settings, scroll through the menu until you find a category called Display or something similar, depending on the phone manufacturer. Tap this category to access various settings related to the display.

Step 4: Activate dark mode

In the display settings, you should find the option for Dark Theme or Dark Mode. This option may be under different labels, such as Night Mode, depending on the device manufacturer. Toggle the switch next to this option to enable Dark Mode.

Once activated, your device's interface will switch to the dark theme, turning the app background, menu interface, and supported apps into dark colors. Dark mode is now active, and you can enjoy a more comfortable interface.

Alternate method: Using quick settings

Another quick way to activate dark mode on your Android device is through the Quick Settings panel. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade. Swipe down again to expand Quick Settings. In this panel, you may see a toggle for Dark Mode or Night Mode. Tap on it to quickly activate dark mode without having to navigate through the extensive Settings menu.

Additional tips and tricks

Scheduling dark mode

Android devices offer a feature to schedule dark mode to activate automatically during specific times of the day. This can be especially useful if you want dark mode to be enabled automatically in the evening. To do this, go back to Display > Dark Mode settings and look for the option to schedule the mode. You can set it to Activate at a custom time or Follow the sunset to sunrise setting, depending on your preference.

Using dark mode in individual apps

While a system-wide dark mode is available, some apps offer their own in-app dark mode settings. This is useful for older Android versions or if you want to individually customize the appearance of specific apps. Often, you can find this option under the 'Theme' or 'Appearance' sections in the app's settings menu. For example, popular apps like Google Chrome, YouTube, and Instagram offer dark mode settings.

Conclusion

Dark mode on Android is a simple but impactful feature that enhances user comfort, saves battery life on OLED screens, and provides a stylish alternative to bright, eye-searing interfaces. This detailed guide has guided you through the steps to effectively activate and manage dark mode on your Android device. Enjoy a more comfortable and battery-efficient experience by enabling dark mode in your system and favorite apps.

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