Dark mode has become one of the most popular features for smartphone, computer, and website users. It's not just a trendy feature; it also offers advantages such as eye protection , energy savings, and a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments. Setting up automatic dark mode is one of the most efficient ways to take advantage of this feature and avoid manually turning it on and off each day according to the time.
In this guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to set up automatic dark mode on the main devices and operating systems, how to take advantage of it on websites and apps, and some useful tricks to customize the experience to your liking.
Why enable automatic dark mode?
Dark mode goes far beyond mere aesthetics . There are several reasons why more and more users are choosing to activate it, especially automatically:
- Reduces eye fatigue and eye strain when using the device in poorly lit environments.
- It can help you sleep better, in as much as reduces blue light that affects circadian rhythms.
- It represents a considerable battery saving on OLED screens, since black pixels are turn off completely.
- Provides more comfortable reading of texts in dark environments.
- Provides greater autonomy and customization by being able to program it according to your daily needs.
Therefore, each operating system offers options to automatically activate dark mode and adapt not only to your preferences, but also to ambient light conditions.
How to set up automatic dark mode on Android
Android, starting with version 10 (and in some cases, from Android 9 on certain custom interfaces), includes options to activate dark mode both manually and automatically . You can follow these steps:
- Access the Settings of your phone.
- Sign in Screen and look for the option Dark theme o Dark mode.
- You can activate it directly or choose the option of Schedule
Scheduling options vary depending on the Android version:
- Automatic Dusk to Dawn: The phone activates dark mode when the sun sets and deactivates it at dawn. You must have location enabled. For a more detailed guide on how to activate this feature, see our section on Enable dark mode in Windows 10 from the context menu.
- Custom programming: Allows you to choose one start time y the end, adapting to your daily routine.
If you have an older version of Android (prior to 10), not all options will be available, although on some phones with Android One or Android Go you can enjoy dark mode from the settings.
Another quick way to turn dark mode on or off is through Quick Settings: swipe up from the top of the screen to access the controls and look for the Dark Mode button . If you don't see it, you can edit the settings to add it.
You should also be aware that if you enable battery saver mode , dark mode will automatically activate on many phones to reduce power consumption. For more details, feel free to visit our article on enabling dark mode in Windows 10.
How to set up automatic dark mode on iPhone and iPad
On Apple devices, activating and scheduling dark mode is very simple and is available from iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 onwards. Here's how to do it:
- Opens Settings and enters Screen and brightness.
- Choose Dark to activate it manually.
- To automate it, activate the option Automatic.
- Press on Options to schedule the time, which can be from dusk to dawn (with location enabled) or a custom time slot.
You can also turn Dark Mode on or off from Control Center : press and hold the brightness slider and tap Dark Mode . If it doesn't appear, you can add this feature from the Control Center's personalization settings.
In individual apps, such as those from Google or YouTube , dark mode usually adapts automatically to the device's overall theme, although many apps allow you to change the theme from their own settings. To activate dark mode on YouTube, for example, see our article on how to enable dark mode on YouTube.
Automatic dark mode on Windows and macOS
Desktop operating systems also integrate dark and light modes that can be activated and in some cases scheduled automatically.
- On macOS: Access the menu Apple > System Preferences > GeneralThere you can choose between Light, dark or automatic modeIn automatic mode, the system switches between light and dark depending on the time of day, activating at dusk and deactivating at dawn. Time management is automatic and adjusts according to the season and time zone.
- On Windows 10 and 11: Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors. You can choose between light, dark, or custom modeHowever, Windows does not allow you to schedule the native mode switch, although there are third-party solutions such as external tools.
One option for automating the switch in Windows is to use external tools like 'Windows-Auto-Night-Mode'. This free application lets you set schedules to activate and deactivate dark mode, adapting the system to your habits without the need for manual configuration.
Dark mode in apps and websites
Many apps and websites now offer dark mode , automatically adapting their appearance if your device is in dark mode. Browsers like Chrome and Safari allow you to force a dark theme on web pages, displaying compatible sites in dark mode. For web pages, you can also consult our tutorial on dark mode in Outlook Web.
In Google apps (Maps, Drive, YouTube, etc.): Access each app's settings, go to the Theme section , and select Dark or Automatic to follow the system settings. If the app doesn't have a theme option, it will automatically adapt when the system switches to dark mode (this varies depending on the app and version).
On iOS and Android browsers, activating the system's dark mode automatically changes the display of many compatible websites and apps. Options like 'Force dark mode' are also available in the advanced settings of some browsers.
Advanced customization: colors and schemes
On Android and Windows, you can further customize the appearance of your device:
- On Android: From Settings > Wallpaper & Style You can choose the color palette and change the color of the tabs and menus to complement dark mode.
- In Windows: In addition to activating light and dark modes, you can define a accent color to highlight buttons, bars and menus, configuring it automatically (according to the desktop background) or manually.
You can also activate transparency effects or contrast themes to improve accessibility or further adjust the visual experience.
All of this contributes to a fully personalized user experience that, combined with an automatic mode, adapts to your needs and preferences. If you'd like to learn more about customizing dark mode in Windows 11, visit our dedicated article.
To get the most out of dark mode, adjust the scheduling options , sync it with your location, or use third-party apps if your system doesn't offer these features natively. This way, you can improve eye comfort, extend battery life, and enjoy a more comfortable and personalized tech experience. Start using it and see the difference!