Enabling and Utilizing Dark Mode on Android Devices

10 min read A Comprehensive Guide to Enabling and Utilizing Dark Mode on Android Devices - written by Adam sanchez , Senior Content Marketer April 23, 2024 12:44 Enabling and Utilizing Dark Mode on Android Devices

1. Introduction to Dark Mode

The term Dark mode is derived from a dark theme. Choosing a dark theme is a modern form of the traditional darken whereby the user requests applications or operating systems to render their content with a darker color than usual. Dark mode became broadly hyped after its claims to reduce eye strain from bright screens and decrease the energy consumption of devices, a product of the transition from LCD to OLED displays. The Dark mode feature has been added to most smartphone, tablet, web, and application user interfaces used by the typical user. However, most users are unaware or are not using such a feature, or perhaps confuse it with nothing more than switching between light and dark colors. With enlightening curiosities around the feature and being able to explain it in a simple technical manner, guidance in this area could improve user experiences.

The tech industry is continuously evolving with a new focus on providing better user experiences with apps and operating systems. With the increase in the use of smartphones and tablets, users may be focused on getting the physical benefits from those devices but often overlook how the devices may impact health or decrease productivity, especially in low light conditions. A common complaint by users is suffering from eye strain and, with the increased blue light from screens, some users struggle to fall asleep. The evolution of providing a better user interface for users has come through advancements in technology and innovation, such as the Dark mode feature provided by many devices and applications used by users today.

2. Enabling Dark Mode on Android Devices

This guide aims to cover a) how to enable and set up the basic dark mode for users running Android 9 and earlier firmware, b) how to easily force a built-in dark mode feature introduced by the device manufacturer to be applied to more apps, c) tips, tricks, and customizability with special focus to those running older, more limited firmware who prefer to avoid applications, d) Lawnchair-First, the easy way to trigger dark mode for recent firmware or in combination with dA Display Controller without help of media notifications or AutoStarter, and e) Alternative 2.0, the method for users with Android Q developer preview 2, Android 10 and Android 11 to spawn a hidden but smart "App info" option that successfully forces the system dark mode preference for practically any app which may require the newly added permission or has to still be prepared for Options.

First proposed all the way back in 2013, Android first received a native dark mode with the release of Android 10 in 2019. While it's not perfect and third-party "dark mode" functions for older Android devices always existed, due to the unsightliness of the default Android design with a thicker, dark-colored UI compared to the developer-oriented lighter-themed alternative which remained default and would only work with the Android messages application, support was desired and probably to some people, unexpected. Google likes to tout the benefits of dark mode for OLED screens, which are commonly found in smartphones, but they also apply to displays of mostly rotary screens and unlike some cl and colormode=bg styled solutions, even viewing on OLEDs does not have to hurt the eyes.

3. Customizing Dark Mode Settings

Dark Mode Appearance Dark mode appearance settings are for those who prioritize how dark mode looks. While dark mode is sometimes referred to as a one-tap away display theme, following these steps will enhance or customize dark mode's appearance further. The dark mode setting makes it easier for you to apply dark mode within an app. This is a common choice if you want to use together with other existing settings. It is also where the dark mode customization wizard tutorial is located. When you tap the dark mode customization wizard option, the screen will display six different items to focus on that makes dark mode more pleasing to the eye. You can adjust deep blue, warm colors, filter color, and darken image if you think the default settings do not look appealing to you.

Dark Mode Activation On Samsung, you have the option to choose from three different modes: a) Turn off as scheduled, b) Turn on as scheduled, and c) Turn on now. Choose the mode that best suits your daily schedule. Another useful setting is the dark mode sync option if you are using Samsung Internet Browser and Samsung Cloud. When you toggle this option, dark mode will be applied and removed together with your device. This way, your browsing and cloud storage experience are also adjusted according to what you enabled.

Customizing dark mode settings is one way of tailoring its features according to your wants and needs. By customizing, you can have control over when the mode is enabled and how it behaves upon activation. Here are some of the customization options on Samsung devices which you can use to control dark mode's behavior and appearance. Other Android devices also feature similar settings.

4. Benefits of Using Dark Mode

Drawing upon less brightness, in return, reduces the amount of energy each individual pixel needs. Individual pixels that require less energy translate to a display screen that is not made to strain through bright colors. This increases overall comfort and lessens stress on the eyes from the user end.

One of the notable benefits of enabling dark mode on smartphone devices can be linked to how dark mode utilizes fewer pixels, which means it does not need much energy. This pays off especially well when using AMOLED devices.

Over the years, the use of smartphone devices and other electronic gadgets has multiplied massively. Consequently, our dependency and overutilization have also gone up, leading to a remarkable decrease in the device's overall battery and the display. Not all gadgets on all devices are evenly used, though. There are several devices and platforms available that offer dark mode. It recognizes and modifies the overall display to a more user-friendly and battery-efficient dark version. This comprehensive article looks at the benefits and drawbacks of using dark mode on various smartphone devices. The article details how to use it on Android devices and outlines several images for a heads-up on utilizing this particular and preferred feature. The article provides a strong ground for both dark mode advocates and dark mode adopters, sharing exclusive insights into this celebrated feature.

5. Best Practices for Using Dark Mode

When offering a dark mode design for your app, make sure that your settings option is available in your app's main settings; preferably as a choice in your "theme" selection. If using a dark mode design, consider integrating it with the Android Q system theme. This is especially important because the Android Development Guide now insists that "Users no longer need to manage your app's theme - they'll manage it with the system theme."

Dark mode's matte - rather than glossy - text-oriented, light-shunning design turns out to be a popular choice. But if you're going to keep us squinting in low light, dark mode, you can at least maximize your user-friendliness and not screw up how colors are displayed, okay? Avoid dark mode designs that use a lot of blues, reds, or greens, which might not display prominently in this organic style. Adjust your font so it's easy to read, too, and make sure that contrast adjusts for accessibility standards. Remember, dark mode isn't just for outdoorsy types. Many users are finding that less blue light and screen glare are making reading easier on their eyes.

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