Google joins the dark side: Here’s how to turn on dark mode in Google apps

Even though Google doesn't yet offer a system-wide dark mode for its take on Android, the company has been busy updating its apps to include dark mode. They're not true black, but the dark themes will nonetheless give your eyes some rest when using Google apps in low-light environments.

Related: 7 best AMOLED-friendly dark mode apps on Android

Let's take a look at which Google apps officially feature a dark mode and how to enable it.

Google dark mode apps

1. Calculator
2. Calendar
3. Clock*
4. Contacts
5. Keep Notes
6. Maps*

7. Messages
8. News
9. Phone
10. Play Games
11. Snapseed
12. YouTube

Editor's note: We will update this list as Google updates more apps with dark mode support.

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How to enable dark mode in Google Calculator

By default, the Google Calculator app changes its theme based on whether Battery Saver is enabled. However, there's an easy way to make it so the Calculator app displays a dark mode at all times:

1. Open the Calculator app.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Choose theme.
4. Select Dark.

How to enable dark mode in Google Calendar

As with the Calculator app, the Google Calendar app changes themes based on whether Battery Saver is enabled. That said, you can go into the app's settings and enable dark mode. Here's how:

1. Open the Calendar app.
2. Tap the hamburger icon on the top left.
3. Tap Settings near the bottom.
4. Tap General.
5. Tap Theme.
6. Select Dark.

How to enable dark mode in Google Clock

Related: 10 best clock apps and digital clock apps for Android

Google Clock already enables a dark mode by default, with no option for a light theme. However, there's a way to enable an even darker Google dark mode for the app's screensaver:

1. Open the Clock app.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Swipe down until you get to the Screen saver section.
5. Tap Night mode.

How to enable Google dark mode in Google Contacts

By default, Google Contacts enables a dark theme if you enable Battery Saver. However, you can manually switch on the dark mode:

1. Open the Google Contacts app.
2. Tap the hamburger icon on the top left.
3. Tap Settings.
4. In the Display section, tap Choose theme.
5. Select Dark.

How to enable dark mode in Google Discover feed

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Sitting in the left-most part of the home screen, the Discover feed now features a proper dark mode. Unfortunately, there's no option to manually enable it — the dark theme automatically kicks in when you have a dark wallpaper or certain display settings.

Here's hoping that Google will let you manually toggle between light and dark modes in a future update.

How to enable dark mode in Google Keep Notes

Unlike some of Google's other apps, the dark mode in Google Keep Notes doesn't have a default for Battery Saver mode. Instead, there's a simple toggle to turn dark mode on or off.

1. Open Google Keep Notes.
2. Tap the hamburger icon on the top left.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Toggle Enable Dark Theme on.

How to enable dark mode in Google Maps

Google Maps doesn't offer an app-wide dark theme. Instead, the app darkens the map during navigation. The pseudo-dark mode automatically kicks in based on the time of day, but there's a way to manually enable it:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the hamburger icon on the top left.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap on Navigation settings.
5. Scroll down to the Map display section.
6. In Color scheme, tap Night.

How to enable dark mode in Google Messages

Google Messages' dark theme doesn't rely on Battery Saver. Even better, it's ridiculously easy to activate dark mode within the app:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Enable dark mode.

How to enable dark mode in Google News

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By default, Google News turns on dark mode once Battery Saver kicks in. However, you can have dark theme automatically turn on at night and with Battery Saver, never turn on, or always be on.

1. Open Google News.
2. Tap your profile icon on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. In the General section, tap Dark theme.
5. Select Always, Automatically, Battery saver only, or Never.

How to enable dark mode in Google Phone

1. Open Google Phone.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Display options.
5. Toggle Dark theme on.

How to enable dark mode in Google Play Games

Related: 15 best Android games of 2019!

Unlike the Google Play Store, Google Play Games includes a dark mode. Even better, it's relatively easy to access:

1. Open Google Play Games.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Toggle Use dark theme on.

How to enable dark mode in Snapseed

Surprisingly, even Google's Snapseed image editing app features a dark mode.

1. Open Snapseed.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. In the Appearance section, toggle Dark theme on.

How to enable dark mode in YouTube

1. Open YouTube.
2. Tap your Google profile icon on the top right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap General.
5. Toggle Dark theme on.

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