How to use WhatsApp dark mode on Android, iOS and desktop

An image representing how to use WhatsApp dark mode
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Knowing how to use WhatsApp dark mode will have your eyes will thanking you when you're chatting away late at night. 

WhatsApp has recently rolled out a new feature that makes the app easier to see in poorly lit surroundings. Considering that the Facebook-owned messenger service is currently one of the most used apps around, knowing how to switch on dark mode can help prevent you from having to strain your eyes. Not to mention the fact the fact that if you're a serial texter, switching the app to dark mode could potentially extend your device's battery life.

So if you're wondering how to use WhatsApp dark mode, no need to worry as we've got you covered. Below, we'll guide you through the entire process on how to use WhatsApp dark mode Android, iOS and desktop. Please note that in the interest of privacy, we've blurred some of the screenshot elements below. 

How to use WhatsApp dark mode on Android

1. First, launch WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of your screen.

Access WhatsApp settings

(Image credit: Facebook)

2. Once a small window pops up, tap on Settings

screenshot of WhatsApp settings option

(Image credit: Facebook)

3. Go ahead and tap on the Chats option as shown below.

Find chats option in WhatsApp

(Image credit: Facebook)

4. Next, tap on Themes located at the top of the menu.

Screenshot of Theme option in WhatsApp

(Image credit: Facebook)

5. Toggle the 'Dark' setting in the 'Choose theme' window.

screenshot of dark or light theme choice in WhatsApp

(Image credit: Facebook)

6. Voilà, congrats, you've now activated WhatsApp dark mode on your Android device!

Screenshot of WhatsApp dark mode enabled

(Image credit: Facebook)

How to use WhatsApp dark mode on iOS

Unfortunately, on iOS devices it's not possible to simply switch on dark mode for WhatsApp exclusively. However, there is a simple workaround where if you switch your iPhone's default settings to dark mode, WhatsApp will follow suit.

1. First, launch your iPhone's Settings app.

Screenshot of iOS settings

(Image credit: Apple)

2. Scroll down and select the "Display & Brightness" option as shown below.

Screenshot of iOS iPhone settings options

(Image credit: Apple)

3. Go ahead and toggle the Dark appearance setting, which should switch your iPhone settings to dark mode across all apps and menus. 

Choice of dark or light mode in iOS

(Image credit: Apple)

4. Congrats, you've now activated your iPhone's dark mode, which should also now switch WhatsApp's user interface to match!

screenshot of WhatsApp dark mode in iOS

(Image credit: Apple)

How to use WhatsApp dark mode on desktop

1. First, launch WhatsApp on your desktop and navigate towards the three dots located just above your chat logs.

Screenshot of WhatsApp settings option in the desktop app

(Image credit: Facebook)

2. Next, go ahead and select the Settings option in the drop-down menu.

WhatsApp settings in the desktop app

(Image credit: Facebook)

3. Next, click on the option titled "Theme."

Screenshot of WhatsApp theme option on desktop

(Image credit: Facebook)

4. Go ahead and toggle the "Dark" bubble and click on OK.

image of Dark mode option in WhatsApp desktop

(Image credit: Facebook)

5. And that's it, you've now activated WhatsApp dark mode on your desktop device!

How to use WhatsApp dark mode on desktop

(Image credit: Facebook)
TOPICS
Denise Primbet
News Writer

Denise is a Life Reporter at Newsweek, covering everything lifestyle-related, including health, relationships, personal finance, beauty and more. She was formerly a news writer at Tom’s Guide, regularly producing stories on all things tech, gaming software/hardware, fitness, streaming, and more. Her published content ranges from short-form news articles to long-form pieces, including reviews, buying guides, how-tos, and features. When she's not playing horror games, she can be found exploring East London with her adorable puppy. She’s also a part-time piano enthusiast and regularly experiments in the kitchen. 

Read more
How to tell if you've been blocked on WhatsApp
The best WhatsApp alternatives in 2025
WhatsApp app with notification
7 hacks to get more out of WhatsApp using Meta AI
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 could finally force all apps into dark mode — here's how
woman in office video chatting on a Mac
Best video chat apps in 2025
An illustration of a person holding a smartphone with a padlock in front of speech bubbles on the screen
The best encrypted messaging apps in 2025
WhatsApp
OpenAI introduces new features for WhatsApp users — here’s what’s new
Latest in Instant Messengers
How to delete TikTok
8 TikTok alternatives — where to go if the app gets banned
How to tell if you've been blocked on WhatsApp
New WhatsApp green screen bug is making the app unusable
The WhatsApp logo on a screen in front of a laptop
WhatsApp starts rolling out Events planning feature for group chants — here’s how it works
The WhatsApp logo on a screen in front of a laptop
WhatsApp looking to add AirDrop-esque feature to iPhones — what we know
The WhatsApp logo on a screen in front of a laptop
WhatsApp drops surprise design update — it's rounder and darker now
WhatsApp logo on iPhone
How to rejoin a group chat on WhatsApp
Latest in How To
avoid AI scams
Online sellers are using AI to scam you — here’s how to outsmart them
An image of an iPhone screen showing the Safari app icon in the center
I got tired of Safari revealing my web searches in iOS 18.4 — this setting fixes that
Gmail logo on iPhone
I used Google Gemini to declutter my Gmail account — here's how you can do it too
An Amazon Echo speaker with ChatGPT logo next to it
I replaced Alexa with ChatGPT on my Amazon Echo — here's how you can do it too
AirPods Pro 2 in hand
Your earbuds are disgusting — here's the right way to clean them
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
7 biggest ChatGPT mistakes — and how to fix them