How to Switch to Dark Mode on Mac

By Olena Kagui Tue, 01/18/2022

Dark Mode on Mac works just like Dark Mode on your iPhone and iPad, and the primary purpose is to help with eye strain by reducing blue light exposure which can reduce headaches. Others simply prefer the aesthetics of the dark color background and apps. I'll teach you how to enable Dark Mode on your Mac!

How to Enable Dark Mode Mac

Dark Mode, sometimes called Night Mode, uses darker colors and changes the look of your Mac system-wide. This means that it will affect native apps and some third-party apps if they choose to adopt it.

Click on the Apple in the top left corner of your screen.
Select System Preferences.

Click on General.
Select Dark Mode. If you select Auto, Dark Mode will turn on automatically when it’s dark outside.

If you have a Dynamic Desktop and turn Dark Mode on, your desktop may automatically chance to a still image. You can change it back to dynamic in the Desktop & Screen Saver settings in System Preferences. If you only want a dark color background, but to keep your apps in Light Mode, you can click on Desktop & Screen Saver and change just the desktop image.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Pro Tip: Some people like to enable the MacBook Pro dark screen to hide the new notch. While it doesn’t hide the bar completely, it does make it a lot less noticeable.

macOS Dark Mode Compatibility

Dark Mode is available on Macs running OS X 10.10 Yosemite or newer. However, some apps have specific Dark Mode features that vary based on your running software. You can learn more about these on Apple’s website, and keep in mind that some apps don't work well in Dark Mode. Users have experienced issues with some issues when using the Safari Dark Mode feature.

We hope you like these Night Mode Macbook tips! Alternatively, I explained how to enjoy dark computer backgrounds without enabling Dark Mode if you prefer not to have a system-wide darker color theme. For more great Mac tips, such as how to take a screenshot on Mac, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Productivity & Business

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.

Featured Products

Hands Down One Of The Best 0% Interest Credit Cards

If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Our credit card experts identified top credit cards that are perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it! Click through to see what all the hype is about.

The Best Calendar & Advanced Task Manager for iOS

Now you can try Informant 5 for free and experience a productivity boost by managing projects with tasks and notes, syncing your calendar among all your devices, enjoying a user-friendly 30-day calendar view, and so much more. Informant 5 features SmartBar navigation which makes it so much easier to use and master this calendar app. Plus, you can use it almost anywhere thanks to Dark Mode. With a dark background, you can check in on your tasks and schedule anywhere, even the movie theater. Upgrade to the best calendar app and task manager for iOS! Embrace an "out with the old, in with the new" spirit with Informant 5.