Force Dark Mode in Apps [Hidden Android Setting]

Ever since Dark mode became a widely adopted standard feature in Android, I’ve made it my mission to get every one of my apps to follow suit—not just for aesthetics, but to reduce eye strain and save battery on OLED screens. While some applications natively support dark themes via system settings, others don’t—either due to outdated versions or because they’re hiding the setting deep within their UI.

The good news is, with a bit of digging and know-how, you can force dark themes even in those apps where it’s not officially activated. Start by heading to your device’s Play Store and updating all your apps, ensuring they support the latest Android features.

If that’s not enough, enabling hidden developer options lets you manually enable dark mode across non-cooperative applications, ensuring your entire experience stays sleek and unified.

Why use dark mode?

Ever since I switched off traditional light themes and embraced dark mode, the way I use my devices has completely changed—especially at night. With its black background, white text, and gray text, dark mode feels gentler on the eyes, helping me deal with eyestrain during long reading sessions on any app or website.

On OLED displays, each pixel showing black color is technically turned off, meaning reduced power consumption and longer battery life—something I’ve noticed firsthand. The beauty of night mode isn’t just in looks; it’s a smart shift that benefits both the user and the device.

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How to enable and force dark mode in all apps

Getting dark mode running across all apps on your Android smartphones or tablets is easier than it sounds, but most people overlook one key feature—developer options. I’ve had to walk friends and clients through this multiple times, especially when certain other apps refuse to comply with the global system setting.

First, go to your device’s Settings, scroll down to About phone, then tap on Software information. There, locate the build number and tap it multiple times until your developer mode is turned on—you’ll likely be asked to confirm with your lock screen. Once that’s activated, you’re ready to access the deeper controls.

Next, head back to the main Settings and either scroll or use the search bar to find the Developer options menu. Once inside, look for the Hardware accelerated rendering section. Under it, you’ll find a hidden gem: the Override force-dark toggle. Switch this Force Dark mode option on, and just like that, your device begins forcing dark UI across nearly every app, even those that don’t officially support it.

I’ve used this method on every new Android phone I set up—it feels like unlocking a secret feature Google buried for power users.

Some Device identifiers may vary slightly between brands or OS versions, so be sure to follow these steps precisely. If your dark mode still isn’t applying to specific apps after this, double-check that you’re on the latest version and that the Force Dark mode feature wasn’t restricted by a recent update.

This trick works best when paired with a system-wide dark theme already enabled in your default system setting, giving your entire interface a sleek, unified look.

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How to keep force dark mode in use in apps

Once Force Dark mode is enabled through developer options, keeping it active across all apps—especially third-party apps—requires a bit of trial and persistence. On my Samsung Galaxy A54 running Android 14, I noticed that some apps like Snapchat or others with limited support for dark themes may still not fully adhere to the feature unless it’s forced manually.

I’ve tested this by toggling night mode in both developer options and within the individual settings of certain apps that allow some level of customization. The trick is knowing which ones ignore the system and forcing them to work through this backdoor method.

To make sure the option stays active, always ensure your device doesn’t reset developer options after updates or restarts. Regularly access the menu and verify that Force Dark mode is still toggled on—some devices quietly revert it without notice.

This method has proven incredibly useful for maintaining a consistent look, especially in apps that are sluggish in adopting proper dark mode behavior.

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Frequently Ask Questions

How do I turn on dark mode everywhere?

To activate dark mode everywhere, I make sure each platform I use—Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS—is properly configured through its native settings. On Windows 10, I head to Settings > Personalization > Colors, then scroll down to Default App Mode and select Dark. For Windows 11, the steps are slightly renamed but just as simple: go to Settings, then under Personalization, choose Colors, and under Choose Your Mode, set it to Dark. On macOS, it’s even more seamless—open System Preferences, go to General, and toggle on dark mode from there. I’ve configured all my devices this way for a consistent, eye-friendly UI no matter what screen I’m working on.

Why are some of my apps not in dark mode?

If some apps still appear in a light theme despite enabling the dark theme across your device, it’s usually because those apps don’t offer full dark theme support or are set to follow their own Theme preferences rather than the Display settings of your system. I’ve had to open certain apps and manually check their internal settings, where the options may still default to light. In some cases, even when the whole device is set to dark through Settings, the app itself might require a separate switch, especially if it hasn’t been updated to follow the global theme behavior in Android.

How to make apps dark mode?

To apply a dark theme across all apps on your phone, I usually begin by opening the Settings app, then navigating to the Display section where the system-wide dark mode toggle is located. From there, simply tap to turn on the option, which instantly converts supported apps to dark mode. If you ever want to revert, you can just as easily turn off the toggle. Some apps may still need to be open individually and adjusted through their own theme settings, but in most cases, this one change makes your entire interface darker and easier on the eyes.

Can I use dark mode all the time?

Absolutely—many people, including myself, prefer to use dark mode all the time across devices, whether on computer monitors or phone screens, especially if we spend long hours every day looking at them. I’ve found it reduces eye strain and visual fatigue, particularly during the evening, when brightness can be more disruptive. While there’s still debate over the long-term benefit, those who work late or browse at night face a greater risk of discomfort, making dark mode a practical default for everyday use.

Does dark mode save battery?

Yes, dark mode can definitely save battery life, especially on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens where black pixels are actually turned off, leading to reduced power consumption. Unlike white pixels or colored pixels, which consume more power, black areas on these displays require almost none, making your screen far more efficient. I’ve tested this on a specific device and noticed longer battery life, particularly when I lowered screen brightness too. While results may vary depending on your display type and usage, the impact is often noticeable during long screen-on times.