4 Ways to Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs (Desktop and Mobile)
Dark mode has become increasingly popular, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its benefits in reducing eye strain and saving battery life. While many apps and operating systems now offer system-wide dark themes, enabling dark mode in Google Docs on desktop and mobile devices can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore four different methods to enable dark mode in Google Docs, ensuring a more comfortable and visually pleasing experience. Let's dive in.
Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs Android App
If you use dark mode on your Android device, Google Docs can automatically switch to dark mode. However, if you prefer to use dark mode exclusively in Google Docs, you can change this setting within the app. Here's how:
- Open the Google Docs app on your Android phone.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon at the top left corner to open the Navigation drawer.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Go to the “Theme” section and choose the “Dark” option.
By following these steps, you can enable dark mode in Google Docs on your Android device.
Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs on Web Using Experimental Flags
Enabling dark mode in Google Docs on the web can be a bit challenging, as the website doesn't switch to dark mode automatically. However, you can force the Chrome browser to apply dark mode on all sites, including Google Docs. Here's how:
- Open a new tab in the Chrome browser by pressing Ctrl + T.
- Type “chrome://flags/” in the address bar and press Enter.
- In the Experiments section, search for “Dark” and press Enter.
- Find the “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents” section and select the “Enabled” option.
- Relaunch Chrome to apply the changes.
Once you've completed these steps, Google Docs and other websites will appear in dark mode on the Chrome browser.
Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs on Web Using Extension
For a more seamless dark mode experience in Google Docs and Sheets on the web, you can use a dedicated dark mode extension. Follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome browser and visit the Chrome Store page of the “Google Docs Dark Mode” extension.
- Click on the “Add to Chrome” button and confirm the installation.
- Pin the extension to the Chrome browser toolbar.
- Open Google Docs in a new tab and enable the dark mode toggle in the extension.
- Reload the Google Docs document to see the changes.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a complete dark mode experience in Google Docs and Sheets on the web.
Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs by Changing Page Setup
If you prefer not to use third-party extensions, you can tweak the page setup in Google Docs to achieve a darker appearance. Here's how:
- Enable dark mode in the Chrome browser using the Flags section mentioned earlier.
- Open a Google Docs document.
- Go to “File” and select “Page Setup.”
- In the Page Setup window, choose the “Black” color as the page background.
- Change the text color to “Grey” to ensure visibility on the dark background.
By making these adjustments, you can experience a dark mode-like appearance in Google Docs without using extensions.
Go Dark in Google Docs
Although enabling dark mode in Google Docs on desktop can be a bit convoluted, the methods mentioned above should help you achieve the desired results. Whether you choose to use the Android app, experiment with Chrome flags, install an extension, or tweak the page setup, you can enjoy a more visually pleasing experience while working on Google Docs. Give these methods a try and find the one that suits you best. Happy dark mode editing!
(Note: This article has been edited for clarity and conciseness. The original content has been adapted to adhere to the provided guidelines.)

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”