How to enable dark mode on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To enable dark mode on a Mac, navigate to 'System Preferences', select 'General', and then choose 'Dark' under the Appearance section. This setting applies to the entire system and compatible applications.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before enabling dark mode, ensure your Mac meets the following requirements:
  • •macOS Mojave (10.14) or later is required for dark mode functionality.
  • •Administrator access may be necessary to change system settings.
  • •No additional software is required, but ensure your system is updated to the latest version of macOS.
  • •Backup important data using Time Machine or another backup solution in case of unexpected issues.

Method 1: Using System Preferences

This is the primary method for enabling dark mode and is suitable for most users.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'System Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: Click on 'General'.
  • •Step 4: In the Appearance section, select 'Dark'.
  • •Step 5: Close the System Preferences window. Your Mac should now be in dark mode.
  • •Step 6: To verify, check the menu bar and application windows; they should reflect the dark theme.
  • •Step 7: If it doesn't work, restart your Mac and try again.

For macOS Ventura (13) and later

In macOS Ventura and later, you can also set dark mode to turn on automatically based on the time of day.
  • •Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 from the primary method.
  • •Step 2: In the Appearance section, select 'Auto' to enable automatic switching between light and dark modes based on the time.

For macOS Monterey (12) and earlier

The steps are similar, but the automatic feature is not available in earlier versions.
  • •Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 from the primary method.
  • •Step 2: Select 'Dark' to enable dark mode manually.

Method 2: Using Terminal Command

For advanced users, dark mode can also be enabled via the Terminal, which may be useful for scripting or automation.
  • •Step 1: Open 'Terminal' from Applications > Utilities.
  • •Step 2: Type the command: `defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleInterfaceStyle -string 'Dark'` and press Enter.
  • •Step 3: Restart your Mac or log out and back in to see the changes.
  • •Step 4: To verify, check the appearance of the menu bar and applications.
  • •Step 5: If it doesn't work, ensure you have the correct permissions and try the command again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues when enabling dark mode, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Dark mode not available' - Solution: Ensure your macOS version is 10.14 or later.
  • •Issue: Dark mode not applying to all apps - Fix: Some applications may not support dark mode; check for updates or use alternatives.
  • •Problem: Dark mode keeps reverting to light - Workaround: Check for conflicting settings in Accessibility or third-party applications that may override system preferences.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your dark mode experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + Control + T - Toggles dark mode on and off (requires third-party software).
  • •Command line: `defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleInterfaceStyle -string 'Light'` - Use this command to switch back to light mode.
  • •Hidden feature: Night Shift - Access via System Preferences > Displays > Night Shift to reduce blue light during evening hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best experience, regularly update your macOS to ensure compatibility with dark mode and other features.