Most major apps now support dark mode, including YouTube, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Chrome, Twitter/X, and Kindle, letting you switch to a darker interface that’s easier on the eyes in low light. Most of these apps let you enable dark mode directly in their in-app settings, independent of your phone’s system theme.
YouTube
YouTube has offered dark mode for years across mobile and desktop. Open your profile icon, tap Settings, then General, and toggle Appearance to Dark. Additionally, YouTube also supports a “Device theme” option that syncs with your phone’s system setting.
Gmail
Gmail’s mobile app includes a Theme setting under Settings, letting you choose Dark, Light, or System Default. Furthermore, this is one of the more recently added dark mode implementations among major Google apps.
WhatsApp offers dark mode under Settings, then Chats, then Theme. Consequently, you can choose Dark, Light, or System Default, and the setting applies across chat backgrounds and menus.
Instagram’s dark mode typically follows your device’s system-wide appearance setting rather than offering a separate in-app toggle on most versions. Therefore, enabling dark mode system-wide on your phone will usually switch Instagram automatically.
Google Chrome
Chrome supports dark mode both for its browser interface and for many websites through a “Force dark mode for web contents” flag. Go to Settings, then Theme, and select Dark to change the browser interface itself.
Kindle
The Kindle app has a Color Theme setting under Settings for menus, plus a separate black background option for the reading page itself, accessible through the Aa icon inside any book.
Twitter/X
Twitter/X offers multiple dark options, including a fully black “Lights out” theme and a softer dark blue “Dim” theme, both accessible under Settings, then Display.
Why More Apps Are Adding Dark Mode
Dark mode grew from a niche accessibility feature into a mainstream expectation once OLED screens became common and users grew more conscious of screen time in the evening. Additionally, app developers found that offering a dark theme improved user satisfaction scores, which pushed even holdout apps to eventually add support.
Apps That Still Lack Full Dark Mode Support
Not every app has caught up; some older or less actively maintained apps still only offer a light theme, or a partial dark mode that doesn’t cover every screen consistently. Therefore, if an app you rely on daily still lacks dark mode, checking its update notes or community forums can reveal whether support is planned.
As more displays adopt OLED technology and users spend more time on their phones after dark, expect dark mode to keep becoming the default expectation rather than an optional extra.
Checking your most-used apps’ settings menus every so often is a simple habit that ensures you’re not missing a dark mode option that’s already available but easy to overlook.
A minute spent exploring a settings menu can meaningfully improve daily comfort, especially for apps used for long stretches at a time.
It’s a small step, but one that pays off every single time you open the app afterward.
Consistency in checking these small settings across your favorite apps adds up to a noticeably more comfortable everyday experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dark mode actually save battery?
On OLED and AMOLED screens, dark mode can reduce battery usage slightly, since black pixels use less power than white ones. On LCD screens, the battery savings are minimal.
Why does dark mode make some apps look different from my phone’s overall theme?
Some apps have their own independent Theme setting that overrides your phone’s system-wide appearance, while others simply follow the system setting automatically.
Can I schedule dark mode to turn on automatically?
Most phones let you schedule system-wide dark mode under Display settings, and apps set to System Default will follow that schedule automatically.
Is dark mode better for my eyes?
Many people find dark mode more comfortable in low-light environments, though eye strain also depends on screen brightness, font size, and viewing distance.
Looking for more app comparisons? Browse our App Alternatives section, check our Gmail dark mode guide, or read our Kindle dark mode guide.
