How To Enable And Customize YouTube Dark Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 8, 2025

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YouTube’s dark mode is a feature that changes the platform’s color scheme from a bright, white background to a darker, black or gray one. Many users prefer this setting, especially when browsing at night or in low-light environments, as it can reduce eye strain and conserve battery life on devices with OLED screens. This guide will walk you through enabling and customizing YouTube dark mode on various devices.

Whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or smart TV, turning on dark mode is a straightforward process. This step-by-step guide will explain exactly how to get the most out of this feature, and how to customize it to your liking.

Want to Use YouTube in Dark Mode? Here’s How

Enabling Dark Mode on Desktop

Open YouTube: Go to the YouTube website in your web browser.
Click Your Profile Icon: This is located in the top-right corner of the screen.
Select “Appearance”: A dropdown menu will appear. Choose the “Appearance” option.
Choose “Dark Theme”: Another menu will appear, giving you options like “Use device theme,” “Light theme,” and “Dark theme.” Select “Dark theme” to activate dark mode.

Enabling Dark Mode on Mobile (Android and iOS)

Open the YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device.
Tap Your Profile Icon: This is located in the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap “Settings”: Scroll down and select “Settings” from the menu.
Tap “General”: In the Settings menu, tap on the “General” option.
Toggle “Appearance”: Tap on “Appearance” and choose “Dark theme” to enable dark mode. You can also select “Use device theme” to automatically switch between light and dark mode based on your device’s system settings.

Enabling Dark Mode on Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles

Open the YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app on your smart TV or gaming console.
Navigate to Settings: Use your remote or controller to navigate to the settings menu within the YouTube app. This is usually represented by a gear icon.
Select “Appearance”: Look for the “Appearance” or “Theme” option in the settings menu.
Choose “Dark Theme”: Select “Dark theme” to enable dark mode. The YouTube interface will immediately switch to the darker color scheme.

Tips for Using Dark Mode

Schedule Dark Mode: Some devices allow you to schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically based on the time of day. This can be useful if you prefer a light theme during the day and a dark theme at night.
Check Device Settings: Ensure that your device’s system-wide dark mode setting is enabled for a consistent experience across all apps.
Experiment with Different Themes: Some platforms offer variations of dark mode, such as different shades of gray or black. Experiment to find the one that’s most comfortable for your eyes.

Here’s a quick comparison between using YouTube in light mode versus dark mode:

Feature	Light Mode	Dark Mode
Background Color	Bright white	Dark gray or black
Eye Strain	Can cause eye strain, especially in low light	Reduces eye strain, especially in low light
Battery Life	Uses more battery, especially on OLED screens	Conserves battery, especially on OLED screens
Aesthetics	Traditional, bright look	Modern, sleek look

A Better Viewing Experience

By enabling dark mode on YouTube, you can enhance your viewing experience, reduce eye strain, and conserve battery life. Whether you’re using a desktop computer, a mobile device, or a smart TV, the process is simple and can be customized to suit your preferences.

FAQ

How do I turn off dark mode on YouTube? Follow the same steps as enabling it, but select “Light theme” or “Use device theme” instead.

Does dark mode really save battery? Yes, especially on devices with OLED screens, as dark mode reduces the amount of light emitted, thus conserving battery power.

Is dark mode better for my eyes? Many people find dark mode more comfortable, especially in low-light conditions, as it reduces the contrast and glare that can cause eye strain.

Can I schedule dark mode on YouTube? While YouTube doesn’t offer a built-in scheduling feature, you can use your device’s system settings to schedule dark mode for all apps, including YouTube.

Does dark mode affect video quality? No, dark mode only changes the appearance of the YouTube interface and does not affect the quality of the videos you watch.