How to enable Google Chrome dark mode on all devices

From operating systems like Mac OS and Windows, to e-readers (which may offer a “dark reader” option to device users), to online platforms like Pinterest and Reddit, the choice to “switch to dark mode” is everywhere.

Web browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome also offer dark mode. Maybe you didn’t know that Chrome dark mode is an option, but even if you know it, you may be wondering how to enable it.

Dark Mode: A Guide to the Dark Side

Dark mode uses a neat trick: it changes the visual theme of your desktop interface or browser window from mostly light to dark.

Also called the dark theme (or, to confuse people, the “dark mode theme”), once you’ve selected it you’ll notice that the boxes where text and icons appear are dark shades like grey and black rather than the usual lighter shades.

Dark theme is a kind of negative image of the standard interface of a computer and mobile device. Instead of black text on a white screen, it’s the other way around: when you activate dark mode, whether in Chrome or in the operating system, the default will be light text on a dark field.

Google Chrome’s dark mode option allows you to toggle this within Chrome, although the details of how to use it will depend on your device, operating system, and the web content you’re accessing.

Why turn on dark mode?

There are plenty of reasons why people swap out their usual white backgrounds for black, but the general consensus is that dark mode is a bit easier on the eyes. It can make text easier to read, save battery life on OLED devices, and help you sleep better after all that screen time before bed, plus makes you feel like you’re in a spy movie.

When it comes to hard data, it can be difficult to prove that dark mode, whether in Google Chrome or elsewhere, provides tangible benefits. If you feel it reduces eye strain, that’s great, but keep in mind that it may be a placebo effect.

At least many people find the aesthetic point of view difficult to overcome. If you want to turn on dark mode for the vibes – or because it looks cool while you’re creating code or content at your local coffee shop – then definitely choose a dark theme and don’t look back.

How to turn on dark mode

Before you head into Chrome’s settings, it’s good to know that the browser’s dark or light theme will be compatible with your default operating system. This includes Mac and PC desktops and laptops, as well as Android devices and iPhones.

Although Google Chrome’s dark mode can be toggled in your browser settings, if you have dark mode enabled on your device, you don’t need to take any additional steps. This is because newer operating systems offer a system-wide dark mode and this also applies to the dark theme in the web browser.

With this in mind, let’s look at how to enable dark mode in the system settings.

Dark Mode on Mac

If your Mac is running macOS Mojave or later, you can enable Dark Mode by clicking the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
Click “System Preferences” and then select “General.”
Select “Light” or “Dark” to instantly activate the screen appearance change. Select “Auto” if you want to switch between light and dark modes depending on the time of day.

Dark mode on your computer

If your computer is running Windows 10 or later, click the Windows icon in the lower left corner or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Once the “Start” menu opens, click the gear icon to open Settings.
Select “Personalization” from the options menu.
Click “Colors,” then scroll down to the “Choose default app mode” toggle.
Select “Dark” and dark mode will be applied immediately.

Dark mode on iPhone

To enable dark mode in the Google Chrome iPhone app, go to “Settings” and scroll down to “Display & Brightness.”
In the “Appearance” section, select “Dark” and your device will automatically switch to dark mode.
To schedule Dark Mode on a specific schedule (e.g. Dark Mode starts at sunset), click “Options” and customize it as you see fit.

Dark mode on your Android device

Open the Google Chrome app on your phone.
In the upper right corner of the screen, click the three-dot icon for the “More” menu. Scroll down to “Settings,” then select “Themes.”
Here you can choose between dark and light mode. You can also choose to switch to dark mode only when you need to save battery life.

Toggle Chrome Dark Mode in your browser

Open Google Chrome. In the lower right corner of the new tab, click the “Customize Chrome” icon.
Appearance will appear as an option. You have three options: Light Theme, Dark Theme, or Device Theme. The device theme will reflect what you have selected on your device.
You can also go to Settings under the Chrome heading in your browser. Select “Appearance.”
You will again be able to select dark mode.

Dark mode limitations

You may notice that when you select Dark Mode in System Preferences or Chrome, not all web content appears to be in Dark Mode. This is because the dark theme changes the browser, but not the content and text you encounter on the web.

Luckily, there is a workaround in Google Chrome that essentially lets you force dark mode, but it does require a few extra steps.

Open Chrome. In the browser bar, type the following text: chrome://flags/#enable-force-dark
On the page that opens, select “Force dark mode for web content.”
Select “Enabled”.
Close Chrome and then relaunch it. This should apply the changes to your web content.

Now this is interesting

In 1948, the display on the first programmable computer—dubbed the “Manchester Baby” by its designers—was powered by cathode-ray tubes, like the radar used in World War II. The screen was black with bright lettering.

Original article: How to enable Google Chrome dark mode on all devices