How To Use Google Sheets Dark Mode (PC & Mobile)?

Is the harsh glare of your computer screen making your spreadsheets a painful chore? Working with numbers can be tedious enough without the added strain on your eyes. And let’s face it, squinting at tiny cells on a small phone screen is no fun at all.

Luckily, Google Sheets has a dark mode that can transform your spreadsheet experience. Whether you’re hunched over your laptop or on the go with your smartphone, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to enable this eye-saving feature.

Why To Use Dark Mode In Google Sheets?

Dark mode in Google Sheets offers more than just an aesthetic change. It’s designed to improve your viewing experience and enhance device performance.

Here are some reasons:

• Reduces Eye Strain: The darker color palette minimizes screen glare, especially in low-light conditions, making it easier on your eyes during long work sessions.
• Saves Battery Life: On mobile devices, displaying darker colors consumes less battery power, extending your device’s usage between charges.
• Enhances Focus: A dark background can reduce visual distractions, helping you focus better on the data in your spreadsheets.

Does Google Sheets Have A Dark Mode?

Yes, Google Sheets offers a dark mode. This feature is available for both desktop and mobile users, providing a darker interface that’s easier on the eyes and more battery-friendly for portable devices. On desktops, you can activate dark mode manually through browser settings or extensions. On mobile, you can enable it directly within the app settings or adjust it through system preferences. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy the benefits of dark mode on any device. Let’s explore these alternatives, as well as how to enable dark mode on your mobile device.

How To Change Google Sheets To Dark Mode On Desktop?

Google Sheets doesn’t have a built-in dark mode option for desktop. But you can still enable dark mode by using a Dark mode Extension or adjusting Chrome flags. The steps are similar whether you’re on Windows or Mac. Let’s see how you can do it.

1. By Using Experimental Chrome Flags

Before we begin, keep in mind that this method only applies dark mode to specific parts of Google Sheets, such as the menu bar and borders. The main spreadsheet area, including the cells, will remain white. Additionally, Chrome flags are experimental features that might not be stable and could cause bugs. Enabling these experimental flags can sometimes slow down your browser performance.

To Enable Dark Mode In Google Sheets:

• Launch Google Chrome on your desktop.
• In the address bar, type “chrome://flags” and press Enter.

• Use the search bar at the top to find “dark mode.”
• Look for the flag named “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents.”
• Click the dropdown menu next to “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents” (currently labeled “Default“) and select “Enabled.”

• A prompt will appear at the bottom of your screen, asking you to relaunch Chrome. Click on the “Relaunch” button. Chrome will restart.

• Navigate to Google Sheets. While the sheet itself remains white, elements like the menu ribbon, options, slider, and sheet names will switch to a dark theme.

2. By Using Dark Mode Extensions

To easily get dark mode on your Google Sheets, you can use dark mode extensions available in the Chrome Web Store. Some popular ones include Dark Mode – Night Eye, Dark Theme, Night Shift Mode, and Dark Mode for Chrome, DocsAfterDark.

Here’s how to use Dark Mode – Night Eye extension:

Install The Extension:

• Open Google Chrome on your computer.
• Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner to open the Chrome menu.
• Go to “Extensions > Manage Extensions” in the left-hand menu.

• Choose “Open Chrome Web Store” in the top left corner.

• In the Chrome Web Store search bar, type “Dark Mode Night Eye” and press Enter.
• Find “Dark Mode – Night Eye” and click “Add to Chrome” to start the installation.

• Confirm the installation by clicking “Add Extension.“

Activate Dark Mode:

• Open a Google Sheets document.
• Click the puzzle piece icon (extensions) in the top right corner of the Chrome browser.
• Select “Dark Mode – Night Eye” from the list of installed extensions.
• A pop-up menu for the extension will appear. Click the power button icon to activate dark mode for Google Sheets.

How To Turn Google Sheets Into Dark Mode On Mobile?

Fortunately, enabling dark mode in Google Sheets on mobile devices is a straightforward process! You can do it using either the Google Sheets app settings or your device settings. Here’s how:

1. By Using Google Sheets Settings

Google Sheets offers a built-in dark mode functionality for both Android and iOS users. Here’s how to activate it:

• Launch the Google Sheets app on your Android phone or iOS Device.
• Tap the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
• Select “Settings” from the menu.
• Locate the “Choose theme” option.

• Choose “Dark” for a dark interface, “Light” for a standard light interface, or “System default” to synchronize with your device’s overall theme preference.

You can also switch between light and dark mode directly within a specific spreadsheet:

• Open the desired spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
• Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
• Select “View in light theme” (or “View in dark theme” if dark mode is currently active). This will toggle the display mode for that particular spreadsheet.

2. By Using Device Settings

Google Sheets mobile has its own dark mode, but some users might want to use their device’s dark mode instead. Here’s how to do it on Android and iOS:

Android:

• Open System Settings: Swipe down from the top of your Android screen, tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app.
• Display Settings: In Settings, tap “Display” or “Display & Brightness” and Look for “Dark theme” or “Dark mode.”
• Enable Dark Mode: Toggle the switch to turn on dark mode.

Launch the Google Sheets app to see it in dark mode for easier viewing.

iOS:

• Tap the gear icon on your iOS home screen.
• In Settings, tap “Display & Brightness.“
• Find and tap “Dark Mode.“

Open the Google Sheets app to see it in dark mode, making it easier to view in low-light settings.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Activating dark mode in Google Sheets can ease eye strain, especially during long hours or in low-light environments. You can enable dark mode through your device’s settings or directly within the Google Sheets app. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a more comfortable visual experience while managing your data.