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How to Disable Dark Mode in Windows 10, macOS, Android, and iOS
Few things are more jarring than opening a program or app on your computer, phone, or tablet, and a burst of brightness hits your eyes. It’s no wonder app developers and manufacturers are offering Dark Mode to spare your eyes the strain while using your device, particularly at night.
Changing your device’s theme to dark mode doesn’t just give it a new look, it also helps conserve battery life and protect your sleep patterns. However, dark mode isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like it, we’ll guide you through disabling it on different devices.
Disable Dark Mode in Windows 10
It’s inevitable that you’ll use your computer for prolonged hours, especially at work.
Fortunately, Windows 10 users can reduce eye strain by activating the dark theme, a feature of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The customizable system-level color scheme displays darker tones on menus and backgrounds, making it easier on your eyes.
The dark theme also applies to Microsoft Edge, Calendar, Mail, Store, Settings, Calculator, Alarms, and Clocks.
However, not all aspects of the system will be in dark mode. For example, File Explorer retains its default color scheme, and for other apps, you need to enable dark mode in their individual settings.
To disable dark mode in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Click Start and select the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Click Personalization.
Step 3: Select Colors and scroll down to Choose your default app mode.
Step 4: Click Light.
Disable Dark Mode in macOS
Like Windows, Apple’s dark mode is a system-level setting in macOS that works with all the apps on your Mac computer.
The Night Shift option changes the display’s color balance, restoring blue light during the daytime and reducing it in the evening for less eye strain and better sleep. The challenge is finding and setting up the controls for this feature.
Dark mode was introduced in macOS 10.14 Mojave and is not enabled by default. However, turning it on or off is easy.
If your Mac has macOS Mojave or a later version, follow these steps to turn off dark mode:
1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
Step 2: In System Preferences, click General.
Step 3: Click the Light icon next to Appearance to return to Light Mode.
When upgrading to macOS Catalina, dark mode transforms the background into a darker shade and changes the fonts to white. This alteration applies to the menu bar and its elements, as well as the dock and drop-down menu. To disable it, follow these steps:
1. Click the Apple Menu.
2. Select System Preferences.
Step 2: Open System Preferences and click on General.
Step 3: Deselect the checkbox for “Use dark menu bar and dock” to restore the light effect in the menu bar, menu bar items, and transparent light gray background at the dock.
Disable Dark Mode on Android
Android devices also have dark mode, except for some phones from brands like Samsung, Huawei, Honor, OnePlus, ASUS, and Nexus. These companies choose to make Night Mode a menu option, instead of a standard feature.
The dark theme is based on dark colors and blacks, which complement the light theme, offering two distinct options for current Android devices.
The good news is that you can override the dark mode or night mode setting by doing the following:
Step 1: Open Settings or swipe down from the top of your device’s screen to display the Quick Settings menu.
Step 2: Tap Display.
If you’re using Quick Settings, find the Night Mode icon and tap once to turn it off.
Tap to turn off the Dark Theme or Night Mode switch.
Disable Dark Mode on iOS
The release of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 introduced the dark mode feature to iPhones and iPads. This setting improves battery life on iPhones with OLED displays, such as the X series and the new 11 series, and provides some benefits to other models as well. If you prefer not to use the dark mode feature, you can disable it through Settings, Control Center, or Siri.
Disable dark mode on iPhone or iPad using Settings
Step 1: Open Settings, tap Display & Brightness.
Step 2: In the Appearance section, choose between Light or Dark to enable or disable Dark Mode.
Disable dark mode on iPhone or iPad using Control Center
Step 1: Open Control Center on your iOS device. Touch and hold the brightness control icon.
Step 2: Tap Dark Mode Off to leave Dark Mode.
Disable dark mode on iPhone or iPad using Siri
To turn off dark mode, command Siri to do it by saying, “Hey Siri, turn off dark mode.” It will then disappear.
Bid Goodbye to The Night
We hope you now know how to restore the default light background on your device after enabling dark mode. If you prefer not to use dark mode all day, you can adjust your device settings to have a lighter background during the day and a dimmer one in the evening. This will help reduce eye strain while you work or browse.
Next up: iOS 13 and iPadOS have integrated the dark mode feature into the entire operating system, including settings, built-in apps, and system-level views. If you don’t want to use it, the article below will guide you on how to disable it.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.