How to Enable Dark Mode on a Chromebook

Lee Stanton September 12, 2022

The system-wide dark mode feature is now available on the newest version of Chrome OS. This feature is still in the trial stage, and Google hasn’t finalized it yet. However, it’s possible to enable dark mode on your Chromebook as long as your device meets all the requirements. What’s more, it will only take a couple of 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 turn this feature off when you no longer need it.

How to Enable Dark Mode on a Chromebook

Dark mode was one of the most requested systems update features for Chromebooks. No matter the device, many people prefer using dark mode, as 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 because it reduces the blue light emitted by the screen, thus minimizing eye strain.

Since this feature is still new, there are a couple of requirements your device must meet for you to enable it. You will need to turn on a few Chrome flags, experimental features that Google is currently working on for starters.

Keep in mind that you will only be able to activate dark mode on your Chromebook if you’re using the Beta channel. The good news is that you can easily switch between the three channels Chrome OS currently offers (the Stable channel, the Beta channel, and the Dev channel). While the dark mode feature is only available on the Beta channel right now, it may soon be compatible with all Chrome OS channels.

To switch to the Beta channel on your Chromebook, this is what you need to do:

Sign in to your Google account.
Choose the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Proceed to Settings.
Go to the About Chrome OS option and then the Additional details tab.
Click on the Change Channel button in the Channel section.
Select Beta Channel.
Click on the Change Channel option again.
Wait for the download to complete.
Restart your Chromebook.

Note that the account’s owner is the only user authorized to change the Chrome OS channel. Another thing to remember is that by switching channels, all your data from the previous channel will be wiped. That’s why it’s important to back up your files before you change to the Beta channel. You’ll also need to sign in to your Google account after you restart your device.

Now that your Chromebook is running on the latest Beta version, you can enable the dark mode feature. Follow the steps below to see how it’s done:

Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook.
Type in chrome://flags in the top search bar. This will take you to the Experiments window.
In the Search flags bar, type in dark or dark mode.
Next to Dark/light mode of system UI, click on the Default button.
Select Enabled.
Next to Force Dark Mode for Web Contents, select the Default button and choose Enabled.
Repeat the same process for all the available Chrome flags.
Click on the Restart button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

When you turn your Chromebook back on, you’ll see that your entire desktop is in dark mode. The system apps like Files and Settings and webpages will be in dark mode as well.

Since the dark mode feature is still in the experimental phase, you may experience bugs and lag. Additionally, not all apps support this feature yet. If your Chromebook can’t seem to handle this new mode, or if you experience any issues, the best thing you can do is reset the Chrome flags back to default.

Disabling Dark Mode Completely

If you want to disable dark mode on your Chromebook altogether, this is what you need to do:

Open Google Chrome. Make sure you are signed in to your Google account.
Type in chrome://flags in the search bar.
In the Experiments window, type in dark or dark mode in the box.
Next to Dark/light mode of system UI, click on the Enabled button.
Choose the Disabled option.
Next to Force Dark Mode for Web Contents, select the Enabled button.
Select the Disabled option.
Repeat the same process for all the enabled Chrome flags.
Proceed to the Restart button in the bottom-right corner.

You will need to restart your Chromebook to complete this process. When you turn it back on, you’ll see that your desktop isn’t in dark mode anymore.

In some cases, you might need to powerwash or factory reset your Chromebook, but this will erase all the data on your Chromebook’s hard drive. For this reason, it’s vital to back up all your files before you enable dark mode on your Chromebook. To factory reset your Chromebook, follow the steps below:

Log out of your Google account.
Press and hold these keys Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the same time.
Choose the Restart option.
Click on the Powerwash button on the pop-up menu.
Select the Continue option.
Follow the on-screen prompts to factory reset your Chromebook.
Sign in with your Google account.
Finish setting up your Chromebook.

If you’re still determined to enable dark mode on your Chromebook, perhaps it’s best to wait until Google finalizes this feature, and then it will be safe to use.

Use Your Chromebook in Dark Mode

Even though the Chrome OS dark mode feature is still in its trial period, it’s possible to enable it on the Beta channel. Once you do this, most of your apps, system folders, and websites will be in dark mode. The 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 from this guide? Let us know in the comments section below.