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

Are you finding Google Sheets’ bright interface tiring for your eyes during long editing sessions? You’re not alone! The intense white screen can be harsh, especially at night. If you prefer a gentler environment, dark mode might be the solution. This guide shows you how to switch on dark mode in Google Sheets, whether you’re using it on your computer or mobile device. Follow these steps to make your workspace more comfortable and increase your productivity.

Why To Use Dark Mode In Google Sheets?

Dark mode has become a popular feature in many apps and platforms, offering a visually distinct and often more comfortable way to use devices, especially in low-light settings. But why should you use dark mode in Google Sheets? Let’s look at some benefits.

Benefits of Dark Mode in Google Sheets:

• Reduced Eye Strain: Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light from your screen, which can help reduce eye strain, especially during long periods of use.
• Improved Focus: The contrast in dark mode can make data and text stand out more, helping you focus better and be more productive.
• Better Battery Life: Dark mode can save battery on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, as these screens use less power to display darker colors.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Many users find dark mode more visually appealing, giving the interface a modern look and creating a more pleasant working environment.
• Reduced Glare: Dark mode can reduce screen glare, making it easier to view your spreadsheet in low-light conditions.
• Accessibility: Dark mode can improve accessibility for users with visual impairments or sensitivity to bright light, making Google Sheets more comfortable to use.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, using dark mode is a matter of personal preference. Some users find it more comfortable or enjoyable than the standard light mode.

Does Google Sheets Have A Dark Mode?

For mobile users on Android and iOS, accessing dark mode in Google Sheets is straightforward. Simply navigate to the app settings, where you’ll discover a built-in dark theme available for activation. Additionally, you can synchronize Google Sheets with your device’s dark mode preference to maintain a consistent appearance.

However, desktop PC users using Windows or Mac may find that Google Sheets lacks a native dark mode option. Nonetheless, there are alternative methods to achieve a darker aesthetic and reduce eye strain when working with spreadsheets. 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?

As we talked about before, 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, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Limited Dark Mode: This method only applies dark mode to specific parts of Google Sheets, such as the menu bar and borders. The main spreadsheet area (cells) will remain white.
2. Experimental Feature: Chrome flags are experimental features that might not be stable and could cause bugs.
3. Performance Impact: Enabling 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

So there you have it! Now you can choose the dark mode method that works best for you and enjoy a more comfortable Google Sheets experience. Thanks for reading! Hope this guide helps!