How to Make Your Mac Dark Mode Featured Image

How to Turn On Mac Dark Mode: 2 Best Methods

Transform Your Mac with Dark Mode

Written by

Reviewed by

Last updated: September 4, 2024

Expert verified

SVG Image

TL;DR

To turn on Mac Dark Mode:

  1. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Click the sun icon in the Display section.
  3. 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

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

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:

  1. 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.
click control center in the menu bar
  1. 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.
display brightness slider in control center
  1. Click the Dark Mode option, and voila! Your Mac will instantly transform into a visually appealing dark mode theme.
click the dark mode option to turn on mac dark mode

2. Using System Settings

Follow these steps to enable Dark Mode on your Mac via System Settings:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. In the System Settings window, click Appearance in the left sidebar.
click appearance in system settings
  1. On the right side, you’ll find three options: Light, Dark, and Auto.
  2. Click the Dark option, and your Mac will instantly switch to the Dark Mode theme.
select dark option next to appearance

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:

  1. Click the Apple menu in your screen’s top-left corner and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. In the System Settings window, click Appearance in the left sidebar.
click appearance in system settings
  1. In the three options you see on the right, click the Auto option.
select auto option next to appearance
  1. 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:

  1. Click the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown list.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click Control Center in the left sidebar.
click control center in the left sidebar
  1. On the right side, click the drop-down button next to Display and select Always Show in Menu Bar.
click always show in menu bar
  1. You’ll see the Display icon, looking like a computer screen, in the menu bar. Click it.
click the display icon in menu bar
  1. Click Dark Mode in the options that appear.
click dark mode in display options

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no Dark Mode option on my Mac?

If there’s no Dark Mode option on your Mac, it’s likely because you’re using an older macOS version. Dark Mode was introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14) and is available in subsequent versions. To access Dark Mode, update your Mac to at least macOS Mojave through the App Store or System Settings.

Do all MacBooks have night mode?

Yes, all modern MacBooks have a feature called Night Shift, which reduces blue light emission from the display by shifting the colors to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on the eyes in low-light conditions. Night Shift was introduced in macOS Sierra 10.12.4, so MacBooks running this version or later should have this feature.

Is Dark Mode good for Mac?

Yes, Dark Mode is good for Mac. It offers a sleek, visually pleasing alternative to the standard Light Mode. It can reduce eye strain in low-light environments, improve focus, and potentially save battery life on OLED and AMOLED screens. However, its benefits vary by user preference and specific usage scenarios.

Is Dark Mode better for my eyes?

Dark Mode can be easier on the eyes in low-light environments, as it reduces screen brightness and minimizes glare. However, its benefits depend on individual preferences, lighting conditions, and screen settings. Some users may find Dark Mode more comfortable, while others prefer Light Mode. Adjusting screen brightness, font size, and contrast or taking regular breaks may also help if you have eye discomfort.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Total
0
Shares
You May Also Like