How to Enable Dark Mode on Chromebook

Key takeaways:

• Flip on dark mode in Chromebook settings fast
• Apps and Chrome browser follow your new vibe
• You can set it to switch auto by time of day

Intro paragraphs:
Staring at a bright Chromebook screen at night? Yeah, that’s not fun for your eyes. If you want your Chromebook to chill out with a darker look, you can switch to dark mode in just a few clicks.

This guide shows you how to turn on dark mode on your Chromebook, get your apps and browser to match, and even set it to auto-switch based on the time. No more eye strain, no more hunting for hidden settings. Here’s how you do it.

How to turn on dark mode on your Chromebook step-by-step

So here’s the deal: Chromebook dark mode is built right into the system now. If your device is up to date, you’re just a couple of clicks away from a whole new look. Here’s how I do it:

Make sure your Chromebook is updated

Before you start, check you’re running the latest version of Chrome OS. Updates sometimes bring new features or fix bugs with dark mode.

• Click the time in the bottom-right corner
• Tap the gear icon to open Settings
• Scroll down and hit About Chrome OS
• Hit Check for updates and let it do its thing

If you want more on updating, check how to update Google Chrome on Chromebook.

Change your Chromebook theme to dark

Now for the fun part:

• Go to your Chromebook desktop
• Right-click (two fingers on the trackpad or right-click mouse)
• Pick Set wallpaper & style
• Under Appearance, you’ll see options for Light, Dark, or Auto

Pick Dark and boom—your whole system flips to a darker look. Your wallpaper might even change to a nighttime version if you’re using a dynamic background.

Use auto mode to switch based on time

If you’re like me and want light mode during the day and dark mode at night, choose Auto. Your Chromebook will handle the switch for you, so you never have to think about it.

What changes after you enable dark mode

• Your system menus, quick settings, and launcher all go dark
• Supported apps and some websites follow the new theme
• Google Chrome can match your device theme (or you can set it manually)

If you open Chrome and it’s not matching, go to Chrome’s settings:

• Open Chrome
• Click the three dots (top right)
• Go to Settings > Appearance
• Set the theme to Device or pick Dark

For more browser tweaks, see how to change toolbar color in Google Chrome.

What if dark mode isn’t working on your Chromebook?

If you don’t see the option, your Chromebook might be running an old version. Update your device first. Some older models might not support the latest features, so check how to check Chromebook version if you’re not sure.

If you want to go back to light mode, just repeat the steps and pick Light or Auto. If you ever want to fully reset your theme, see how to get Chromebook out of dark mode.

Apps and websites that follow dark mode

Most Google apps like Files, Settings, and Chrome will follow your system theme. Some third-party apps and websites do too, but not all. If a website doesn’t switch, you can try a Chrome extension or check if the site has its own dark mode toggle.

Customize your Chromebook for comfort

• Change your wallpaper to match your vibe: change Chromebook wallpaper
• Adjust font size for easier reading: increase font size Chromebook
• Turn on Night Light to reduce blue light: how to reduce blue light Chromebook

Quick troubleshooting tips

• If your background looks weird, switch wallpapers or try a different theme
• If Chrome won’t follow the system theme, set it to Device in Chrome’s appearance settings
• For stubborn apps, check their own settings for a dark mode toggle

More Chromebook tips and tricks

Want to get more out of your device? Try these guides:

• Tips for speeding up Chromebook
• How to take a screenshot on Chromebook
• How to delete apps on Chromebook
• How to clear cache Chromebook

FAQs

How do I turn on dark mode on my Chromebook?

Right-click the desktop, pick Set wallpaper & style, then select Dark under appearance.

Can I set dark mode to turn on automatically at night?

Yes, pick Auto in the appearance settings and it’ll switch based on the time of day.

Why isn’t my Chrome browser following dark mode?

Go to Chrome’s settings, find Appearance, and set the theme to Device or Dark.

Will all apps and websites use dark mode?

Most system apps and some websites will, but not every site or app supports it yet.

How do I switch back to light mode?

Repeat the steps and pick Light or Auto in the appearance settings. If you get stuck, check how to get Chromebook out of dark mode.

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