How To Enable Dark Mode In Google Docs: A Simple User Guide

Google Docs doesn’t officially support dark mode on desktop or web browsers. But you can still use dark mode by following the steps below — depending on your device and browser.

google docs dark mode
Kurt Langston

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Kurt Langston

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Dark Mode 101 Guides

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Summary Table: Google Docs Dark Mode Options

PlatformNative Dark Mode Support?Recommended Method
Android/iOS App✅ YesUse Settings > Theme > Dark
Desktop/Web❌ NoUse a Chrome extension or experimental flag
  • Google Docs dark mode is native on Android/iOS apps.
  • On desktop, browser extensions like Dark Mode – Night Eye provide the easiest solution.
  • Chrome flags work, but apply dark mode to all websites — not just Google Docs.
  • Manual background changes are possible but clunky.

If you want a reliable, hassle-free dark mode for Google Docs on your computer, installing a dedicated browser extension is the way to go.

✅ Quick Answer:

Google Docs dark mode is only natively available in the mobile apps (Android and iOS). For desktop and web use, you’ll need to install a browser extension or use an experimental Chrome setting.

How To Enable Dark Mode In Google Docs

On Android & iOS (Google Docs App)

Google Docs on mobile has a built-in dark theme option:

  1. Open the Google Docs app.
  2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the upper left.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Tap Theme (or “Choose Theme” on Android).
  5. Select Dark.

Pro Tip:
When viewing a document, tap the three-dot menu to preview it in light mode without changing the global setting.

On Windows, Mac, Linux (Web/Desktop Browser)

Method 1: Use Chrome Experimental Flags

If you want a quick browser-wide dark mode:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Type chrome://flags in the address bar.
  3. Search for dark mode.
  4. Find Force Dark Mode for Web Contents and set it to Enabled.
  5. Relaunch Chrome.

⚠️ Note: This will apply dark mode to all websites, not just Google Docs.

Method 2: Install A Browser Extension

For a site-specific dark mode that only affects Google Docs:

  • Dark Mode Google Docs:
    • Install from the Chrome Web Store.
    • Toggle dark mode using the extension icon.
    • Customize background, font color, and darkness levels.
  • Google Docs Dark Mode:
    • Adds a toggle switch right in Google Docs for easy access.
  • Dark Reader:
    • Works across Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
    • Lets you adjust color schemes per site.

👉 Best Choice:
The most robust and flexible option is using a Chrome extension like Dark Mode – Night Eye. It’s available for almost every browser and specifically optimizes Google Docs’ appearance.

Method 3: Accessibility Settings (ChromeOS)

If you’re on a Chromebook:

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  • Enable High Contrast Mode.
  • This will invert colors across your browser, including Google Docs.

Method 4: Manually Change Page Background

This is more of a DIY solution:

  1. Open your document.
  2. Go to File > Page setup > Page color.
  3. Set the background to black.
  4. Change text color to white.

⚠️ Heads-up:
This applies only to that document and doesn’t affect the Docs UI or menus.

FAQ: Google Docs Dark Mode

Does Google Docs Have A Native Dark Mode On Desktop?

No. Dark mode is only available in the Google Docs mobile apps.

What’s The Easiest Way To Enable Google Docs Dark Mode On Desktop?

Use a Chrome extension like Dark Mode – Night Eye or Dark Reader for site-specific dark theming.

Does Changing The Page Color Count As Dark Mode?

Not really. It changes the document background but doesn’t affect menus, toolbars, or the overall interface.

Is There A Dark Mode Toggle Inside Google Docs Settings On The Web?

No. That option only exists in the mobile apps.