Dark mode or dark theme has arrived in the Android universe to stay.This long-awaited visual tweakment, included natively in Android 10 and later, responds to the growing demand from mobile users looking to reduce eye strain, save battery life, and enjoy a more elegant appearance during daily use. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover what dark mode is, how to activate it step by step on any compatible Android device, which main apps support it, tricks for scheduling or forcing it if your phone allows it, and all its benefits for both the health of your eyes and the battery life of your device.
What is dark mode on Android and what is it for?
Dark mode is a feature that modifies the graphical interface of the system and compatible applications, replacing the usual light backgrounds with black, gray and dark colors. The main objective is reduce glare and perceived luminosity, which is more comfortable for the eyes, especially in low-light environments or at night. In addition, decrease exposure to blue light, which is associated with eye strain and even sleep cycle disturbances.
But its benefits don't end there. When you use a device with an OLED or AMOLED display, dark mode can optimize energy consumption, as the pixels that display the black color remain off, increasing battery life by between 10% and 60% in many cases, depending on usage and the brightness setting. This translates into a longer daily charge and also less overheating of the device.
- Avoid eye fatigue, especially in poorly lit environments.
- Improve screen visibility for people sensitive to bright light.
- Save battery especially on devices with OLED or AMOLED displays.
- Reduce blue light emission and facilitate night rest.
- Offer a modern and elegant aesthetic highly rated by millions of users.
Compatibility: Which Android devices and versions have dark mode?
Dark mode is available as a native feature starting with Android 10. (API 29) onwards, although some customization layers from manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus have offered partial versions before Android 10.
To check compatibility on your device, go to Settings > About phone > Android version. If you have Android 10 or higher, you'll have guaranteed access to system-wide dark mode. Additionally, phones with Android One, Android Go, and the latest releases from major brands also include it.
In older versions (Android 9 Pie, Oreo, etc.), dark mode may be available partially or only in specific apps, and in some models through the manufacturer's own layers or third-party apps such as launchers or theme editors.
How to enable dark mode on Android 10 step by step
There are several ways to activate dark mode on Android 10. Below we detail all the available options, so you can choose the one that suits you best:
- From the notification bar: Swipe down twice from the top bar to open the quick settings. Find the "Dark Theme" or "Dark Mode" icon and tap it. If it doesn't appear, tap the pencil icon to edit the shortcuts and drag the dark mode button to the visible ones.
- From system settings:
- Open the app Settings.
- Choose Screen o Display (name may vary by brand).
- Locate the option Dark theme and activate it by moving the switch to the “On” position.
- Via battery saving: On some devices (especially Google Pixel) enable the Energy save mode automatically switches the system to dark mode. This setting is found in Settings > Battery > Battery saver.
When you activate dark mode, all system menus, the notification bar, and compatible apps will automatically change their appearance. This setting remains in effect until you manually disable it or reschedule it.
How to schedule dark mode or activate it automatically
In some versions of Android, especially the newer ones, it is possible Schedule dark mode to turn on and off at specific timesThis is ideal if you want the dark theme to activate at dusk and automatically return to the light theme during the day. To schedule it:
- Go to Settings > Display > Dark theme.
- Select the Schedule option.
- Choose whether you want dark mode to turn on "From dusk to dawn" (based on location) or "At a custom time."
If your phone doesn't offer this option by default, you can look in Settings > Developer Options (unlocked by repeatedly tapping "Build number" under "About phone"). Within Developer Options, some phones have a "Force dark mode" feature to enable the dark theme in apps that don't officially support it.
How to disable dark mode on Android 10
- Go to Settings and tap on Screen.
- Deactivate Dark theme or select the light theme. Compatible menus and apps will return to their original appearance.
You can also do this from the notification bar by tapping the dark mode icon to toggle between the two appearances.
How to enable dark mode in individual apps and alternatives for older versions
Not all apps implement dark mode automatically.If the system allows it, many Google and other popular apps adapt their interface to the system theme. However, some apps allow you to modify it independently:
- inside the app: Open the app, go to Settings, look for an option called “Theme” or “Appearance,” and select “Dark.”
- Force dark mode from settings: Some Android versions and custom overlays allow you to choose which apps follow dark mode by going to Settings > Display & brightness > Dark mode > Individual apps.
If you have an older Android phone, you can use:
- Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, which offer night modes on the system interface and menus.
- specialized applications such as “DarkMode” available on the Play Store, which allows you to switch between light, dark, or automatic mode and force the appearance in incompatible apps.
- Force dark mode from Developer Options: Go to Settings > System > Developer options and turn on “Force Dark Mode” if available.
Compatibility: Google apps and other popular apps with dark mode
Most official Google apps already have dark mode.Here's a rundown of the most notable apps and how to enable the dark theme in each one if it's not enabled by default:
- Google Drive: Open the side menu, select Settings > Theme > Dark.
- Google ChromeUpdate it and look in Settings > Theme > Dark. In advanced versions, the shortcut may be located at "chrome://flags."
- gmail: In Settings, tap Theme and select Dark.
- Google Keep: In the side menu, Settings > Activate dark theme.
- Google Photos: Applicable only if the system is in dark mode, the app switches automatically.
- YouTube: Go to your account > Settings > General > Dark Theme.
- Google Calendar: Settings > General > Theme > Dark.
- Google Maps: Offers a night mode for browsing, activated automatically or from Navigation settings > Color scheme > Night.
- Google Fit, Google News, Google Pay, Google Phone, Google Messages, Gboard, Google Play Games, Authenticator, Snapseed: They include a dark mode option in different locations in their settings menus or adapt to the system.
- Third-party applications: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and many others have added the feature to their settings or follow the system theme.
Tips to get the most out of dark mode
- Choose dark or warm wallpapers to avoid flashing when you return to the home screen.
- Activate dark mode automatically in apps whenever possible, to avoid glare when switching between apps.
- Keep your updated phone and apps to ensure maximum compatibility with dark mode.
- If any app does not respond to the change, Check the theme options within the app itself or wait for future updates.
How does dark mode benefit eye health?
Prolonged use of mobile phones with white backgrounds increases fatigue, irritation and dries out the eyes.Dark mode is especially helpful for those who use their phone in dark environments, as it minimizes the impact of bright light and reduces eye strain. It also helps those who already suffer from light sensitivity or vision problems, improving text contrast and overall readability.
Furthermore, by reducing blue light emitted by the screen, facilitates the production of melatonin during the night, helping you fall asleep and maintain a more balanced circadian rhythm.
Does dark mode really save battery?
La Device display technology is key In energy savings. In OLED and AMOLED panels, black pixels remain off, significantly reducing energy consumption. This saving can be 10% to 60% depending on brightness, the amount of black area on the screen, and application usage. In conventional LCD displays, the savings are smaller since the backlight remains on, although eye strain is still reduced.
However, to get the maximum savings, it is essential that dark mode uses truly black colors And not just dark grays. Apps and themes that use dark gray instead of pure black don't allow pixels to be completely turned off, limiting the energy benefits.
Differences between dark mode and energy saving mode
Battery saving mode and dark mode are separate but related features.Some devices, when you activate power saving, switch the system to dark mode to enhance energy savings. However, you can use dark mode without activating battery saving mode. The latter also restricts background processes, animations, and other features to further extend battery life.
If you notice that dark mode is automatically activated without your intervention, check if you have battery saving mode enabled.
What to do if dark mode doesn't appear on your Android?
If you can't find the option after following the steps above, try:
- Update your operating system and apps from the Google Play Store.
- Look in Settings > Display > More options or Appearance, as the name may vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Access the Developer Options (Settings > About phone > tap Build number 7 times) and look for “Force dark mode” or “Override force-dark”.
- Try third-party launchers or apps that allow you to activate a general dark theme.
- Check if the desired app offers the option in its own settings menu.
Tips and tricks to take advantage of dark mode
- If you use your phone before bed, also activate the blue light filter using "Night Light" mode to maximize eye protection.
- Customize dark mode by scheduling it to suit your routine.
- Combine dark mode with dynamic dark wallpapers for a seamless experience.
- On devices running Android 10 or higher, explore the Styles & wallpapers options to customize dark colors and accents.
- Don't forget that each update may expand compatibility and add new features to dark mode.
Exploring and using dark mode in Android 10 is one of the best ways to optimize the user experience, protect your eyesight, and extend battery life. The feature is constantly evolving, and more and more apps and devices are officially implementing it. If you haven't tried it yet, we encourage you to follow the steps in this tutorial and share your experience so the community continues to grow and the Android ecosystem becomes increasingly comprehensive and tailored to your needs. Are you already using it? Tell us in the comments what you think or if you have any favorite tricks or apps for customizing your Android with dark mode.