Dark mode has become increasingly popular among smartphone users, thanks to its ability to reduce eye strain and enhance readability in low-light conditions. While many developers have incorporated an automatic dark mode feature into their apps and websites, some platforms like Snapchat still require manual activation.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable dark mode on Snapchat across various platforms, including web, Android, and iOS. But first, let’s delve into what dark mode is and why it’s worth using.
Dark Mode Benefits & Why People Love It
Dark mode is engineered to improve visibility for users with visual impairments by darkening the user interface. Additionally, it helps conserve battery life and minimizes eye strain by reducing the amount of blue light emitted by your screen.
Its myriad benefits and sleek aesthetics have made dark mode a popular choice for some time now. While it’s available on nearly all major apps and platforms, a few Android-based apps still lag behind.
Is Dark Mode Available on Snapchat?
With a user base of over 200 million daily active users, Snapchat has established itself as an innovative messaging platform. The company continually rolls out new features to keep its audience engaged and to maintain its relevance in the social media landscape.
Snapchat first introduced dark mode for iOS users in its October 2019 update, following Apple’s own implementation of a dark theme across its devices. More recently, in July 2022, Snapchat launched a web version that currently supports only Chrome and Edge browsers.
As for Android devices, the timeline for the rollout of this feature remains uncertain. However, there are workarounds available for those eager to enable dark mode on their Android smartphones.
Enable Dark Mode on Snapchat
Here’s what you need to do in order to enable dark mode on your Snapchat app.
On iOS
To activate Snapchat’s dark mode on iOS devices, follow the steps given below.
- Launch the “Snapchat” app.
- Click your “Profile Bitmoji” in the top left corner.
- Click the “Gear (Settings) Icon.”
- Scroll below to “App Appearance.”
- Choose the “Always Dark“ option.
On Web
Follow the steps below to enable the dark theme on the Snapchat web app.
- Launch Chrome or Edge browser on the desktop.
- Go to “web.snapchat.com.”
- Add your credentials and “Log In” to your account.
- Click your “Profile Bitmoji” at the top left and tap “Theme.”
- Choose the “Always Dark” or “Follow System Theme” option if you are using a dark theme on your desktop.
On Android
Below, you’ll find two methods to enable dark mode on Snapchat for Android devices.
Method 1: Using Developer Mode
Enabling dark mode through Developer Mode involves bypassing some mobile settings. This is an unofficial method and can be a bit tricky. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download an Older Version
This method is compatible only with Snapchat version 10.72.0.0 or earlier. First, uninstall the current Snapchat app from your device. Then, download the APK file for the older version from trusted websites like APKMirror or Downzen.
If you’re installing an APK this way for the first time, your system will prompt you to allow installations from unknown sources. To proceed, go to “Settings” and toggle on “Allow from this source.”
Note: Using an older version means you’ll miss out on new features and security updates. Proceed at your own risk.
Step 2: Enable Dark Theme
Next, activate the dark theme on your Android device. This feature is available on Android 10 (API 29) and above. Navigate to your device’s “Settings,” then “Display,” and toggle on the “Dark Theme.”
Step 3: Activate Developer Mode
Developer Mode is not enabled by default on some Android devices. To activate it, go to “Settings,” then “About Phone,” and tap “Build Number” seven times in quick succession.
Step 4: Override Force Dark Mode
The final step is to enable the “Override Force Dark” option, which will apply a dark theme to all apps that don’t natively support it. To do this, go back to “Settings,” then “System,” and select “Developer Options.” Find “Override Force Dark” and toggle it on. Open Snapchat to see if the dark mode has been applied.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps can help you enable dark themes on Android. One such app is Substratum, although your device needs to be rooted for it to work properly.
Alternatively, you can download the “Blue Light Filter” app from the Google Play Store. While this app won’t enable dark mode in Snapchat, it will allow you to adjust the screen’s brightness and reduce eye strain. The Blue Light Filter app functions as an overlay and doesn’t require rooting your device.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—your complete guide to enabling dark mode on Snapchat for both Android and iOS devices. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to effortlessly switch your Snapchat theme.
If you have any thoughts on this article or any questions that you’d like to ask, feel free to share them in the comments section below.
