How To Activate Dark Mode On Specific Apps Only

Dark mode has become a popular feature across devices and apps due to its aesthetic appeal and potential to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. While your iPhone offers system-wide dark mode, you might prefer to enable dark mode for specific apps while leaving the rest in light mode. This guide will take you through the steps to activate dark mode on individual apps and provide tips for customizing your iPhone experience.

What Is Dark Mode?

Dark mode is a display setting that changes the background of apps and interfaces to a darker color, typically black or dark gray, while keeping the text in lighter colors like white.

Benefits of Dark Mode:

1. Reduced Eye Strain: Easier on the eyes in dim lighting.

2. Battery Efficiency: Saves battery on devices with OLED screens.

3. Improved Focus: Reduces glare and distractions.

Does Dark Mode Work for All Apps?

Dark mode can be applied to:

1. System-wide apps: Apple’s native apps like Messages, Settings, Safari, and Mail.

2. Third-party apps: Many popular apps like Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube offer built-in dark mode settings.

While iOS allows system-wide dark mode activation, individual apps may have their own settings to enable or disable dark mode independently.

How to Enable Dark Mode for Specific Apps

Option 1: Using Individual App Settings

Some apps provide an internal option to toggle dark mode, independent of the iPhone’s system-wide settings.

Steps to Enable Dark Mode in Specific Apps:

1. Open the App

Launch the app you want to customize.

2. Access the App’s Settings

Look for a Settings or Preferences option, typically found in the app menu.

3. Find the Dark Mode Option

• Navigate to Theme or Display settings.
• Select Dark Mode or Enable Dark Theme.

4. Save the Settings

Apply the changes and exit the settings menu.

Examples of Apps with Internal Dark Mode Settings:

1. Instagram: Go to your profile > Settings > Theme > Dark.

2. Twitter: Profile > Settings and Privacy > Display and Sound > Dark Mode.

3. WhatsApp: Settings > Chats > Theme > Dark.

4. YouTube: Tap your profile picture > Settings > General > Appearance > Dark Theme.

Option 2: Using System-Wide Dark Mode with Exceptions

iOS doesn’t natively allow dark mode for specific apps only. However, you can use a combination of system-wide dark mode and app-specific settings to achieve your goal.

Steps:

1. Enable System-Wide Dark Mode:

• Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
• Select Dark under Appearance.

2. Disable Dark Mode in Specific Apps:

For apps with internal dark mode settings, switch back to light mode manually.

Option 3: Using App-Specific Automation via Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app on iOS allows you to create automation to toggle dark mode for specific apps.

Steps to Create App-Specific Automation:

1. Open the Shortcuts App.

2. Tap the Automation tab at the bottom.

3. Tap Create Personal Automation.

4. Select App as the trigger.

• Choose the app(s) you want to customize.
• Select Is Opened or Is Closed as the trigger condition.

5. Add the Set Appearance Action:

• Tap Add Action > Search for Set Appearance.
• Select Dark for when the app is opened.

6. Add the Reverse Action:

Add a second action to revert to Light mode when the app is closed.

7. Save the Automation:

Tap Done to finalize.

Now, your iPhone will automatically toggle dark mode when you open or close specific apps.

Dark Mode Settings for Native Apple Apps

Some native apps allow for additional customization within their settings:

Safari

While browsing in Safari, dark mode depends on the system-wide setting.

For better dark mode experience, enable Reader View for supported websites:

1. Open a webpage.

2. Tap the AA icon in the address bar.

3. Select Show Reader View and enable dark mode.

Mail

Mail follows the system-wide dark mode but allows you to customize message background colors:

Go to Settings > Mail > Message Background and select Dark or Light.

Books

1. Open the Books app, and tap AA in the reading menu.

2. Select Dark Theme for reading while keeping the rest of the app in light mode.

Customizing Third-Party Apps with Dark Mode

Each third-party app has unique steps for enabling dark mode.

Below are instructions for a few popular apps:

1. Instagram

• Go to Settings in Instagram.
• Tap Theme and select Dark to enable it only for Instagram.

2. WhatsApp

• Navigate to Settings > Chats > Theme.
• Choose Dark to activate dark mode.

3. YouTube

• Tap your profile picture in the YouTube app.
• Go to Settings > General > Appearance and select Dark Theme.

4. Facebook Messenger

• Open Messenger.
• Tap your profile picture > Dark Mode and toggle it on.

Tips for Managing Dark Mode on Specific Apps

1. Use Automation for Efficiency:

Automate dark mode activation using Shortcuts for specific apps to save time.

2. Test for Battery Efficiency:

On OLED screens, dark mode can save battery life. Check your battery usage after enabling dark mode in frequently used apps.

3. Adjust Brightness Levels:

Combine dark mode with reduced brightness for an optimal low-light experience.

4. Update Apps Regularly:

Ensure your apps are updated, as developers frequently add or improve dark mode features.

Troubleshooting Dark Mode Issues

1. Dark Mode Not Working in Some Apps

• Ensure the app supports dark mode.
• Update the app to the latest version from the App Store.

2. Automation Glitches

• Restart your iPhone and test the automation again.
• Recreate the automation if it isn’t functioning as expected.

3. Text Visibility Issues

Some apps might not optimize their dark mode for readability. Provide feedback to the app developers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I enable dark mode for only one app?

Yes, if the app provides an independent dark mode setting. Otherwise, you can use automation via the Shortcuts app to achieve app-specific dark mode.

Q2. Does dark mode save battery on iPhones?

Yes, on OLED iPhones (iPhone X and later), dark mode can save battery as black pixels require less power.

Q3. Can I schedule dark mode for specific apps?

iOS does not natively support app-specific scheduling, but you can use the Shortcuts app to automate dark mode for certain apps.

Conclusion

Activating dark mode on specific apps allows you to tailor your iPhone experience to your preferences. Whether you’re reducing eye strain in certain apps or maintaining light mode elsewhere, the flexibility provided by app settings, system-wide options, and automation tools ensures that you can customize your device to suit your needs.

By combining individual app settings with iOS features like Shortcuts, you can create a seamless and personalized workflow. Start experimenting with dark mode in your favorite apps today and enjoy the benefits of a more comfortable and efficient digital experience.