Dark mode has become an essential feature for millions of users because it reduces battery consumption, eases eye strain, and improves the overall nighttime experience. While most apps now support dark mode automatically, some still require manual activation.
This guide explains how to enable dark mode at the system level, how to activate it in supported apps, and provides additional solutions for apps that do not offer this feature.
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What Is Dark Mode in Android?
Dark Mode is a display option that uses dark backgrounds instead of bright white ones.
Android officially supports Dark Mode starting from Android 10 and applies it to apps and system elements that recognize the system theme.
Enable Dark Mode from System Settings
This method works on all modern Android phones.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Display.
- Select Dark Theme or Dark Mode.
- Enable the toggle.
Once activated, the system interface and all supported apps will switch to dark mode automatically.
Schedule Dark Mode to Turn On Automatically
Some users prefer to let dark mode activate automatically at night.
How to schedule:
- Settings → Display → Dark Theme
- Enable Schedule
- Choose one of the options:
- Sunset to sunrise (based on your location)
- Custom schedule (e.g., 7 PM to 6 AM)
Enabling Dark Mode in Apps That Support It
Most popular applications such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Telegram offer an internal dark mode option.
Examples:
- WhatsApp: Settings → Chats → Theme → Dark
- Facebook: Menu → Settings & Privacy → Dark Mode
- Instagram: Settings → Appearance → Dark
The exact location may differ by update, but the process is similar.
Enable Forced Dark Mode (Force Dark Mode)
Many devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, and OnePlus include a feature that forces dark mode on apps that do not officially support it.
To enable it:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Developer Options.
- Enable Override force-dark.
Note:
This feature may cause inaccurate colors in some apps, but it is useful for overly bright interfaces.
How to Enable Developer Options If Not Visible
- Settings → About Phone
- Tap Build Number 7 times
- You will see a message confirming that Developer Mode is enabled
Using Third-Party Apps for Darkening the Screen
Some apps add a dark overlay or dim the display, though they do not change the actual app interface.
Examples:
- Twilight
- Darker
These work as screen filters, not true dark mode.
Sync Dark Mode with Battery Saver
Some Android devices link dark mode to battery-saving mode.
Steps (varies by model):
- Settings → Battery
- Enable Battery Saver
- Activate the option Turn on Dark Mode with Battery Saver
This is especially effective on OLED screens.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some apps don’t switch to dark mode
Possible causes & fixes:
- The app doesn’t support dark mode → update the app
- Restart the device
- Enable Force Dark Mode in Developer Options
Dark mode keeps turning on automatically
Causes:
- A schedule is enabled
- Battery Saver mode
- Reading Mode on some devices
Check the settings and disable conflicting options.
Benefits of Dark Mode
Dark mode offers several practical advantages:
- Lower battery usage on modern OLED screens
- Reduced eye strain in low light
- Less screen glare at night
- Better reading comfort
- Reduced exposure to blue/white light
Can All Apps Use Dark Mode?
In practice, not 100% of apps support it, since some developers have not implemented the feature.
But with:
- System-wide dark mode
- In-app dark mode
- Forced Dark Mode
You can achieve dark mode in most apps.
Conclusion
Activating dark mode on Android is now easier than ever.
With system settings, developer tools, and widespread app support, users can enjoy a comfortable dark interface across the majority of their apps.
And for apps that do not support dark mode, forced dark mode or screen-dimming apps offer useful alternatives.
