In recent years, dark mode has become popular across smartphones, computers, and apps, transforming the standard bright screen into a sleek, dark-themed interface. Originally introduced to enhance readability in low-light environments, dark mode has quickly gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Not only does it provide a visually pleasing experience, but it also offers potential health and energy-saving advantages.
This blog will explore how dark mode can help conserve battery life, especially on certain types of screens, and the other benefits it brings to users. We’ll also cover tips on activating dark mode on various devices and ways to maximise your battery life using this feature.
How to Enable Dark Mode on Different Devices
Enable Dark Mode On Android
- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
- Display Settings: Scroll down and tap on Display.
- Dark Theme: Look for the Dark Theme or Dark Mode option and toggle it on.
- Schedule (Optional): Some devices allow scheduling in dark mode. Tap on Dark Mode Schedule to set a custom time or allow it to turn on automatically at sunset.
Enable Dark Mode On iOS (iPhone and iPad)
- Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Display & Brightness: Tap on Display & Brightness.
- Select Dark Mode: Under Appearance, select Dark to enable dark mode.
- Automatic Schedule (Optional): Toggle Automatic if you want dark mode to turn on at sunset or set a custom schedule.
Enable Dark Mode on Windows Desktop
- Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings menu.
- Personalisation: Click on Personalisation and then select Colors from the left sidebar.
- Choose Your Mode: Under Choose your colour, select Dark to activate dark mode across Windows and supported apps.
- App-Specific Dark Mode: Some apps (like Microsoft Office) have individual dark mode settings. If you want them all to be in dark mode, check each app’s settings.
Enable Dark Mode on macOS (Mac Computers)
- Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
- General Settings: Click on General.
- Select Dark Mode: Under Appearance, select Dark to enable dark mode across macOS and compatible apps.
- Auto-Schedule (Optional): Choose Auto to switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day.
Benefits of Using Dark Mode Beyond Battery Saving
Extended Battery Life on OLED Screens
Dark mode is particularly beneficial for devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, as it significantly reduces battery usage. On these screens, individual pixels light up, and when dark mode is enabled, fewer pixels need to be illuminated, especially in darker areas. This targeted lighting approach conserves more energy, helping your battery last longer.
Reduced Eye Strain
Using dark mode can be gentler on the eyes, especially in low-light environments. Bright screens can cause eye strain and fatigue, but dark mode reduces screen glare, making viewing and reading content more comfortable for extended periods.
Less Blue Light Exposure
Dark mode emits less blue light, which disrupts sleep patterns when exposed to it before bedtime. By reducing blue light exposure, dark mode can help prevent sleep disturbances, making it a healthier option for night-time device usage.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Many users find dark mode visually appealing and sophisticated. It adds a sleek, modern look to apps and interfaces, creating a focused environment free from the distractions of a bright background, which can be especially beneficial in professional settings.
Lower Heat Generation
Reduced power consumption means that devices generate less heat when dark mode is enabled. This contributes to a more comfortable user experience and can benefit the device by lowering the strain on components, which may contribute to a longer lifespan.
Tips to Maximize Battery Life with Dark Mode
Using dark mode is a great start for conserving battery life, but combining it with additional power-saving strategies can further extend your device’s battery. Here are some effective tips:
- Lower Screen Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness is one of the easiest ways to save battery life. Combined with dark mode, it can significantly reduce battery drain, especially on OLED and AMOLED screens.
- Enable Adaptive Brightness: Many devices have an Adaptive Brightness or Auto-Brightness feature that adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient light. Keeping this on can prevent the screen from being unnecessarily bright, saving power.
- Reduce Screen Timeout Duration: Set your screen timeout to a shorter duration. The shorter your screen stays on when inactive, the less power it consumes. Combine this with dark mode to further save battery during idle times.
- Turn on Battery Saver Mode: Most devices have a Battery Saver or Power Saving mode that restricts background processes and optimises performance. Turning this on alongside dark mode can further help reduce power consumption, especially when the battery is running low.
- Customise App Settings for Dark Mode: Many apps now have dark mode settings. Enable dark mode in high-usage apps like messaging platforms, social media, and browsers. This will conserve battery while using these apps for extended periods.
- Use Black Wallpapers and Themes: Dark wallpapers consume less power, particularly on OLED and AMOLED screens. Choose dark themes and wallpapers to complement dark mode, further reducing power usage.
- Minimise Background App Refresh: Limiting background activity helps conserve battery. Go to settings and restrict background app refresh for apps that don’t need constant updates. This step, combined with dark mode, helps extend battery life, especially when multitasking.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications: Frequent notifications can light up your screen unnecessarily. Reduce the number of active notifications, especially for non-essential apps, to avoid excessive screen wake-ups.
Comparisons of Battery Consumption With and Without Dark Mode
When comparing battery consumption with and without dark mode. It shows significant savings, as dark mode reduces power usage by turning off individual pixels for dark or black areas. The below video test indicates that dark mode can save 8% more battery life than lighter mode.
Conclusion
Dark mode offers numerous benefits for battery life, particularly on OLED and AMOLED screens, while also enhancing user comfort by reducing eye strain and blue light exposure. Its sleek aesthetic appeal provides a visually pleasing experience that many users find modern and focused. Beyond just battery savings, the dark mode also helps extend the device lifespan by lowering heat generation and overall power usage. With so many functional advantages, trying dark mode can be a simple yet effective way to improve your device’s performance and daily usage experience. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!
