How to turn off dark mode on Google (2024)

Google has been including support for dark modes for its core products like Google Search, Drive, Gmail, and YouTube. Both mobile and web versions have this option. Major operating systems have also adopted dark themes since they protect users from the glare of white lights and reduce strain on the eyes in low-light conditions. Besides, it is also known to save battery life on OLED displays.

However, using dark mode makes it difficult to read in well-lit environments. Also, it isn’t suitable for people who can’t make out the text on a dark background. Google Search lets you switch to light mode on mobile and desktop versions. We show you how to turn off dark mode on any device, including Android phones, tablets, iPhones, Windows PCs, and Macs.

Turn off dark mode on Google for desktop

Visit Google on your preferred web browser on the desktop and follow the steps below to turn off dark mode.

1. Open Google Search on your browser.
2. Select Settings in the lower-right corner.
3. Click Dark theme to turn it off.

   

You can also sync the Google theme with your device system preferences. When you set a dark theme on your Windows PC or Mac, Google uses the same during search results. When you switch to the light theme, the search engine reverts to it.

1. Open Google Search in your desktop browser and select Settings at the bottom.
2. Select Search settings.

   

3. Click Other settings from the left sidebar.
4. Select Dark theme in the Desktop section.

   

5. Click the radio button beside Device default and click the Confirm button.

   

Deactivate dark mode for Google Search on mobile

The steps for turning off the dark theme for Google Search on mobile are slightly different from the desktop.

Here’s a quick way to do it.

1. Visit Google Search on your default mobile browser.
2. Scroll towards the bottom of the page.
3. Tap Dark theme: on.

   

Follow these steps if you don’t see the option above.

1. Visit Google Search on your default mobile browser.
2. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner and select Dark theme to open the settings.

   

   

3. On Chrome browsers, tap your profile icon and go to More settings.

   

   

4. Click Other settings at the top of the page.
5. Select Dark theme.
6. Click the radio button beside Off, then click the Confirm button.
7. You can also select Device default to sync the Google theme with your device settings.

   

   

   See Also

   Dark Mode Email Development and Design Guide

Turn off dark mode for Google Chrome

Most Android users access Google from the default search widget on the home screen or the Chrome browser. If you set a dark theme on your Android phone, the system uses the same on the search widget and preferred browser. You need to turn off dark mode on your phone.

1. Swipe down from the home screen to open the app drawer menu.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Display.
4. Turn off the Dark theme toggle.

   

   

If Google Chrome still uses the dark theme, change the app settings.

1. Launch Google Chrome on your phone.
2. Tap the three-dots icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Open Settings.

   

   

4. Select Theme.
5. Tap the radio button beside Light.

   

   

From now on, Google Chrome uses a light theme even when your phone runs in dark mode.

Which theme should you use for Google Search?

In 2020, user experience researchers from Nielsen Norman Group cited several studies that found most people see better in light mode. However, dark mode might be better for some people with eye disorders.

Regardless of your settings on Google, most websites use a light theme by default. The abrupt change from a dark theme in Google search results to a bright web page might be uncomfortable. Instead of looking for a dark mode on your preferred website, turn off dark mode on Google to avoid these irregularities during browsing.

The scale seems to be tipping towards light themes, but dark mode has some advantages. Mobile devices with OLED displays or screens with local dimming capability might last longer using a dark theme. If you use your device in a dark room or outdoors at night, you'll see better in the dark (retain your night vision) if your device uses dark mode.

Automatic light and dark modes can be useful

If you prefer light mode during the day and dark mode at night, you can schedule it on your device. While Google has been offering dark mode support across its core apps, it’s worth noting that some still don’t have the option. If Google is your go-to search engine, you can make it the default option on any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera.