TL;DR
To turn on Mac Dark Mode:
- Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner.
- Click the sun icon in the Display section.
- Select Dark Mode to switch your Mac to the dark theme.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Switching to Dark Mode on your Mac can make a big difference, especially when working late or in low light. I made the switch a while ago and haven’t looked back. In this post, I’ll show you how to enable Dark Mode quickly and easily.
How to Turn On Mac Dark Mode
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Here are the two best methods to enable Dark Mode on your Mac:
1. Using Control Center
Follow these steps to toggle on the Dark Mode using the Control Center:
- Look for the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar and click it. This will open the Control Center panel.
- Now, find the Display section within the panel. It usually shows a sun icon, and when you click it, you’ll see the appearance options.
- Click the Dark Mode option, and voila! Your Mac will instantly transform into a visually appealing dark mode theme.
2. Using System Settings
Follow these steps to enable Dark Mode on your Mac via System Settings:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
- In the System Settings window, click Appearance in the left sidebar.
- On the right side, you’ll find three options: Light, Dark, and Auto.
- Click the Dark option, and your Mac will instantly switch to the Dark Mode theme.
Some third-party apps may not fully support Dark Mode, leading to visibility issues with certain text or UI elements. Check for updates or switch to Light Mode in these apps if needed.
How to Turn on Dark Mode Automatically
With the Auto feature, your Mac will automatically switch between Light and Dark Mode based on the time of day. You’ll get a bright, clean interface during the daytime and a dark, soothing appearance in the evening and night. Let’s see how to set it up:
- Click the Apple menu in your screen’s top-left corner and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
- In the System Settings window, click Appearance in the left sidebar.
- In the three options you see on the right, click the Auto option.
- Your Mac will now automatically switch between Light and Dark Mode based on the time of day.
How to Add a Dark Mode Toggle to the Menu Bar
Adding a Dark Mode toggle to the menu bar of your Mac allows you to switch between Light and Dark Modes with just a single click. Here’s how to add the Dark Mode toggle to the menu bar:
- Click the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
- Click Control Center in the left sidebar.
- On the right side, click the drop-down button next to Display and select Always Show in Menu Bar.
- You’ll see the Display icon, looking like a computer screen, in the menu bar. Click it.
- Click Dark Mode in the options that appear.
Now, you can switch between Dark and Light modes easily from your Mac’s menu bar.
Did you know? Dark Mode isn’t just for your display—it also works in many apps like Safari, Mail, and even Calendar, giving your entire workflow a consistent look.”
Your Dark Mode Setup: Final Tips
Turning your Mac to Dark Mode not only looks aesthetic but also feels easy on the eyes. Now that you know how to make your Mac Dark Mode, here are a few more about your Mac display:
- Knowing about the MacBook Flexgate issue can help you avoid screen troubles.
- Mac won’t turn on? Try power cycling, resetting the SMC, or booting in Safe Mode.
- Handling black screen issues early can keep your Mac running smoothly.