Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps

How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger

Jan 11, 2019 12:53 AM
Sep 19, 2019 09:44 PM
Mobile phone screen displaying a chat interface in dark mode.

Facebook has a new dark mode for Messenger, and it's a true OLED black theme. It's was hidden away in earlier versions and you needed to either run a root hack or send a moon emoji to activate it — but now, you can enable dark mode by toggling a simple switch in Facebook Messenger's settings.

Enabling Dark Mode

To begin, make sure you're running the latest version of Facebook Messenger (version 210.0.0.24.97 or higher). You can update the app by heading to your phone's respective app store, or you can tap one of the links below and select "Update."

  • Update Facebook Messenger: Android (free) | iOS (free)

Now, open Messenger and tap either the silhouette icon or your profile picture in the top-left corner of the main screen to open the app's settings. From there, just enable the "Dark Mode" toggle switch towards the top of the menu — it's as simple as that!

Chats tab in a messaging app with an arrow pointing to the icon.
Gadget Hacks app interface showing settings and user options.
Chats tab in a messaging app with an arrow pointing to the icon.
Gadget Hacks app interface showing settings and user options.

Once enabled, it's a true black dark mode, so you'll save battery life on phones with OLED screens like the iPhone XS or Galaxy S10. The theme was a work in progress previously, but now, it seems to be complete. So no more issues where there's black text overlaid on a black background — instead, it's a fully functional true dark mode for Messenger.

How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger
How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger
How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger
How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger
How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger
How to Activate Dark Mode in Facebook Messenger

It's worth noting that Messenger's dark mode operates separately from the system-wide dark mode toggles on Android 10 and iOS 13. And if you're using Smart Invert to fill in the dark mode gaps on your iPhone, know that it will turn Messenger white again if the app's dark mode is enabled.

Cover image and screenshots by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks

You already know how to use your phone. With our newsletter, we'll show you how to master it. Each week, we explore features, hidden tools, and advanced settings that give you more control over iOS and Android than most users even know exists.

Sign up for Gadget Hacks Weekly and start unlocking your phone's full potential.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!