Skip to content
Step by Step Internet 馃寪 Guides for learning to surf the Net

How to activate Gmail dark mode on any device? Step by step guide

Gmail has a wide variety of functions that allow the user to modify many aspects of its interface, among all these possibilities there are also some aesthetic and functional settings like dark mode.

This function modify the color palette of the Gmail application, and it works both in its web version and in its mobile app. In addition to the aesthetic finish that the dark mode grants, provides a host of benefits for both the user and the life of the mobile phone.

In the next few paragraphs we will explain in detail how to activate and configure this simple and versatile functionality so you can get the most out of it, both on your computer and on your mobile device.

What is Gmail’s dark mode and what are the most important benefits of using it?

Dark mode in the Gmail app

Dark mode is a feature, available in a number of pages and applications, that modifies the interface color palette, changing the traditionally white background under black letters, for a dark background in shades of black, lead gray and navy blue. The initial goal of this mode was to be used in dark environments, with the aim of protecting the visual health of smartphone users, especially those who spend a lot of time using it.

However, many users of applications that include dark mode have chosen to maintain this aesthetic continuously, since in addition to the benefits in sight, greatly improves the appearance of applications. Besides this, activating dark mode involves a reduction in screen brightness, so in battery-operated equipment, such as laptops and mobiles, represents a considerable improvement in the duration of the load.

Learn step by step how to activate Gmail’s dark mode from any of your devices

Gmail it is a widely used application both on computers and mobile devices. For the former it has its web portal with all the required management and customization functions, while for the latter it has its own application.

Next, we will explain step by step how to activate the dark mode on both platforms, which will greatly improve the aesthetics of your mailbox, as well as the visibility of your emails:

On Android and iOS

Dark mode settings in Gmail

Relatively recently, Gmail activated the dark mode option for its iOS application, so it is now possible to modify the Gmail color palette on both iOS and Android with a very simple procedure:

  • Opens the application of Gmail.
  • Swipe the side menu and go down to the section of “Settings”
  • Press about the section “General configuration”
  • The option “Topics” it will be located at the top of the list.

Dark mode settings in the Android Gmail app

  • In the pop-up window that will appear you will see the selection of available themes.
  • Choose “Dark”.

These instructions they will allow you to activate the dark interface in Gmail. The background is not black itself, as is the case in many other applications, but rather a dark gray with red accents.

On Windows or MacOS

Yes OK Gmail does not have a native email client, its online portal offers all the required configurations. Of course, these options include customizing the interface to enable dark mode. Because the only way to access said portal is through a web browser, the procedure to modify the theme is the same on both Windows and MacOS.

To enable dark mode, you just have to follow these steps:

  • Enters on the web portal of Gmail.
  • Enter the settings section (presented as a gear icon in the upper right).

Themes in Gmail Quick Settings

  • This will open the “Quick setup”
  • Swipe to the section of “Topics”
  • Click on “See all”

Dark theme in Gmail quick settings

  • A pop-up window will open with predefined images to set as background theme.
  • Swipe down until you find the solid color blocks and select the color labeled as “Dark”

As an alternative method, we can also apply the option of entering the Gmail topics section by accessing the complete configuration offered by the interface, as follows:

  • Sign in to Gmail
  • Click on the gear icon on the top bar
  • A quick settings tab will open, at the top of it you will see the option “See all settings”, click on it.

General settings on the Gmail website

  • On the settings screen you will see all the configuration tabs.
  • Sign in to the tab “Topics”

Themes section in Gmail settings

  • click about button “Configure theme”
  • In the pop-up window that will open, swipe down to the color block section.
  • Choose the block labeled as “Dark”
  • click on “Keep”.

Select dark theme on Gmail web

Unlike your mobile phone client, Gmail website can only switch to dark mode by applying a solid color as a base, so that, if you wish, you have the option of changing the settings by selecting a predefined image with dark tones, to give a more aesthetic touch to your mailbox.