How to Enable Dark Mode on a Chromebook

System-wide dark mode functionality is now available on the latest version of Chrome OS. This feature is still in the testing phase and Google has not finalized it yet. However, it is possible to enable dark mode on your Chromebook as long as your device meets all the requirements. Moreover, it will only take a few minutes of your time.

In this article, we'll show you how to enable dark mode on a Chromebook. In addition, you will learn how to deactivate this function when you no longer need it.

How to Enable Dark Mode on a Chromebook

Dark Mode was one of the most requested system update features for Chromebooks. Regardless of the device, many people prefer using dark mode because it makes it easier to stare at a screen for a long time. The dark mode feature is especially useful for those who work at night. Dark mode is also handy as it reduces blue light emitted from the screen, minimizing eye strain.

Since this feature is still new, your device needs to meet a few requirements for you to enable it. You'll need to enable a few Chrome flags, experimental features that Google is currently working on to get started.

Keep in mind that you will only be able to enable dark mode on your Chromebook if you are using the beta channel. The good news is that you can easily switch between the three channels currently offered by Chrome OS (the Stable Channel, the Beta Channel, and the Dev Channel). Although the dark mode feature is currently only available on the beta channel, it may soon be compatible with all Chrome OS channels.

To upgrade to the beta channel on your Chromebook, here's what you need to do:

1. Sign in to your Google account.
   
2. Choose the time in the lower right corner of your screen.
   
3. Go to “Settings”.
   
4. Go to the “About Chrome OS” option and then to the “Additional Details” tab.
   
5. Click the "Change Channel" button next to the "Channel" section.
   
6. Select "Beta Channel".
   
7. Click on the “Change Channel” option again.
   
8. Wait for the download to complete.
9. Restart your Chromebook.
   

Note that the account owner is the only user who can edit the Chrome OS channel. Another thing to remember is that by changing channels, all your data from the previous channel will be erased. That's why it's important to back up your files before moving to the beta channel. You will also need to sign in to your Google account after restarting your device.

Now that your Chromebook is running on the latest beta, you can enable the dark mode feature. Follow the steps below to see how to do this:

1. Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook.
   
2. Type “chrome://flags” in the top search bar. This will bring you to the “Experiments” window.
   
3. In the "Search flags" bar, type "dark" or "dark mode".
   
4. Next to "System UI dark/light mode", click the "Default" button.
5. Select “Enabled”.
6. Next to "Force dark mode for web content", select the "Default" button and choose "On".
   
7. Repeat the same process for all available Chrome flags.
8. Click the "Restart" button in the lower right corner of the screen.

When you turn your Chromebook back on, you'll see that your entire desktop is in dark mode. System apps like "Files" and "Settings" and web pages will also be in dark mode.

Since the dark mode feature is still in the experimental phase, you may experience some bugs and lags. Also, not all apps support this feature yet. If your Chromebook can't seem to handle this new mode and you're having trouble, the best thing to do is to reset the Chrome flags to default.

Completely disable dark mode

If you want to completely disable dark mode on your Chromebook, here's what you need to do:

1. Open Google Chrome. Make sure you're signed in to your Google account.
   
2. Type “chrome://flags” in the search bar.
   
3. In the "Experiments" window, type "dark" or "dark mode" in the box.
4. Next to "System UI Dark/Light Mode", click the "Enabled" button.
5. Choose the “Disabled” option.
6. Next to "Force dark mode for web content", select the "On" button.
   
7. Select the "Disabled" option.
   
8. Repeat the same process for all enabled Chrome flags.
9. Switch to the "Restart" button in the lower right corner.

You will need to restart your Chromebook to complete this process. When you turn it back on, you will see that your desktop is no longer in dark mode.

In some cases, you may need to powerwash or factory reset your Chromebook, but this will erase all data on your Chromebook's hard drive. For this reason, it's essential to back up all your files before enabling dark mode on your Chromebook. To factory reset your Chromebook, follow these steps:

1. Log out of your Google account.
2. Press and hold these “Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R” keys at the same time.
3. Choose the “Restart” option.
4. Click on the “Powerwash” button in the context menu.
5. Select the “Continue” option.
6. Follow the onscreen prompts to factory reset your Chromebook.
7. Sign in with your Google account.
8. Finish setting up your Chromebook.

If you're still determined to enable dark mode on your Chromebook, it might be best to wait for Google to finalize this feature, and then you'll be safe to use it.

Use your Chromebook in dark mode

Even though the Chrome OS dark mode feature is still in a trial period, it is possible to enable it on the beta channel. Once done, most of your apps, system folders, and websites will be in dark mode. Low light conditions will allow you to work more efficiently by reducing eye strain.

Have you ever enabled dark mode on your Chromebook before? Did you follow the same steps in this guide? Let us know in the comments section below.