Twitter was one of the first to use dark mode. It gave users two options: “dim” (dark blue) and “lights out” (true black). These choices helped people use the app in a way that suited their eyes and phone type. This step was a great example of how to make apps dark mode in a smart way.
Instagram also did a great job. Its dark mode app keeps its brand look while still being easy on the eyes. This shows how UX/UI design can mix brand colors and good design. It looks nice, feels smooth, and is easier to read.
These good dark mode apps share some key things. First, they keep the brand style. Next, they are easy to read. And most of all, they show how UI design keeps getting better. In today’s Mobile App Development, dark mode is no longer just a “cool” feature. It is now a must-have for style and use.
Dark mode is on the rise. In fact, more than 80% of phone users in the UK now use dark mode. That is a big number! It has changed how we think about app design. And it’s also changed how we build for both iOS and Android.
So, this guide will show you how to do it. We’ll go over tricks, tips, and ideas. You’ll learn how to build clean, smart dark mode apps for iOS and Android. No matter if you’re just starting or have years of app work, this is for you. In today’s world, knowing how to make apps dark mode is key to happy users.
Understanding Dark Mode
Let’s start with what dark mode is. It’s a screen style. It uses dark shades as the base and light text on top. That means the screen is easier on your eyes. Bright screens in low light can hurt. But dark mode helps with that.
As mobile apps grow, more users ask for dark mode. So now, if you make apps, you need to know how to do it. Both iOS and Android apps need this. It’s now a big part of strong UX/UI design.
Dark mode is also good for phones with OLED screens. Why? Because it saves power. That’s one more reason it has become a big deal in today’s UI design trends.
Great dark mode apps share a few key things:
- They use dark backgrounds that make the screen calm but still bold.
- They pick light colors that help you read text with no strain.
- They lower brightness but keep the content clear and neat.
- They make sure every screen, tab, and menu looks the same.
In short, if you want to learn how to make apps dark mode, now is the best time. Maybe you’re new to this. Or maybe you’ve made a few dark apps already. Either way, these ideas will help.
What are the Pros and Cons of Dark Mode?
Dark mode looks cool. But it’s not just about looks. It can help users too. Still, it’s not perfect. So, we need to look at both the good and the bad sides. If you’re working on mobile apps or want to learn more about UX/UI design, this is key. Many users now expect dark mode. That’s why it matters in mobile app design and for better user care.
Benefits
Using dark mode isn’t just a fun choice. It’s smart. Many designers now add it as a must-have. And as UI design grows, dark mode is part of the new normal. Now, we will look at some of the benefits of dark mode.
Easier on the eyes and less strain
Dark mode helps your eyes. It makes screens softer to look at. This works great in dim rooms. In mobile app design, this keeps users happy. That means fewer people leave the app fast. And more people stay longer. If you learn how to make apps dark mode ready, you help users switch themes fast. This also cuts down on eye stress.
Saves battery on OLED or AMOLED screens
Dark mode can save power. This is big if the screen is OLED. When black shows, the screen uses less power. That means the phone lasts longer. So, dark mode helps the phone and the planet. This is why many in Mobile App Development like it. It also fits well with many UX/UI design goals. If you want to know how to make apps dark mode, battery savings are a huge plus.
Lowers blue light, which may ease eye pain
Too much screen time can hurt your eyes. Blue light is one big cause. But dark mode can fix that. It cuts the blue light and makes the app easy to look at. This helps the eyes rest. That’s why dark thre now a big part of good UI design. Many in mobile app development use them for health-focused apps. This is also true for apps made for kids or young users.
It may help sleep by cutting melatonin loss.
A lot of people use apps at night. So, it’s smart to think about sleep. Blue light can stop melatonin, which helps us sleep. But dark mode cuts that risk. So, people can use apps and still sleep well later. If you’re learning how to make apps dark mode friendly, this is a strong reason to use it. In today’s app world, users love apps that care about their health. And happy users leave good reviews.
Looks sleek, and users like it
The dark mode is sharp and stylish. A lot of users like how it looks. Right now, many UI/UX trends focus on color choices. And dark themes are a big deal. If you’re working in mobile app design, dark mode is not just “nice to have.” It’s a must. Also, it helps build Mobile App Development plans that give users more ways to change the look they want.
Limitations
The above discusses the benefits and shows what a good dark mode app should offer. It’s not just about looks. It’s about how easy the app is to use, too. Now, we will look at some of the Limitations of dark mode.
May be hard to read in bright light
Dark mode has limits, too. One big issue is sunlight. In bright places, light themes are easier to read. So, UI design must give both choices. This helps users pick what works best. For teams in mobile app development, it’s key to use clear fonts and strong contrast in both modes.
Adds more steps in design and code
Making dark and light themes is not simple. It takes more work. You have to check each screen part in both modes. This makes the mobile app design step longer. If you’re learning how to make apps dark mode ready, you need to test colors, shapes, and text. You must be sure everything works well in both themes.
May cause color and access issues
Bad color choices can cause real problems. Some users may not see things well. A good dark mode app has to stay clear. It should also meet access rules. So, you must pick colors that all users can see. That includes people with color issues. This is why good color skills and smart UI design choices matter. If you’re in mobile app development, this is a must-know.
Needs more testing on many screens and lights
Dark mode must work on all screens. That means phones, tabs, and more. It also must work in light and dark places. So, you need to test a lot. This takes more time in the app development path. But it’s worth it. A top app needs to look right everywhere. A full dark mode setup shows that you know how to make apps dark mode ready. It also proves your Mobile App Development skills are top-notch.
Dark mode isn’t just for style. It helps users. It follows new UX/UI design ideas, too. When you know both sides—the pros and the cons—you can plan better. Your apps will be smart, easy to use, and nice to look at. No matter if you’re a small team or a big firm, learning how to make apps dark mode ready is a smart move in mobile app development.
What are the Design Principles for Dark Mode?
Using dark mode the right way is a must today. It is a big part of making good apps. But it takes more than just switching colors. You need to follow strong design rules. You also need to think about how users see and feel your app. If you want to learn how to make apps dark mode-friendly, start with these tips.
Avoid Pure Black Backgrounds
It might feel right to use pure black (#000000) as your app’s background. But that’s not a good idea. It can cause too much contrast. And that can hurt your eyes, especially if you look at it for a long time.
When you use dark mode in mobile apps, too much contrast can make text hard to read. It also makes it hard to focus. That’s why most app designers don’t use pure black.
Instead, many use a dark gray like #121212. This is what Google’s Material Design suggests. It feels softer on the eyes. It also helps save battery on OLED screens. That’s good news for users who care about phone life.
If your team builds mobile apps, avoid pure black. It keeps your app comfy to look at. It also helps your app look neat and clean. It also fits well with smart UX and UI design rules.
Use Desaturated Colors
In dark mode, colors pop more than usual. That might sound cool at first. But bright colors can tire your eyes fast. So, it’s better to tone them down a bit.
Designers call these “desaturating” colors. That means making them a little duller but still clear. This keeps your app easy to read. It also stops colors from stealing the show.
When you use soft colors, your app looks calm and smooth. It won’t feel harsh or loud. And that’s very important if you’re building your app for users first.
Bright colors can mess up the whole look. Soft ones do the opposite. They help the whole design work better. That’s why people who know how to make apps dark mode-ready always keep color in check.
Also, soft color palettes help more people use your app. That’s a key part of good UI and UX design. It fits right in with apps that care about all users.
In today’s app world, every small detail counts. Color control is one of the most important ones. It helps your app stay easy to use and nice to look at.
Maintain Accessibility Standards
Making apps for everyone is not a choice. It’s a must. So, even in dark mode, your app has to be easy for all to use. That’s what accessibility means.
The WCAG rules say your text should have the right contrast. Small text needs at least 4.5:1. Big text needs at least 3:1. That means light text on dark backgrounds must stand out just enough—not too little, not too much.
When you design a mobile app, think about:
- How clear your text looks on each screen
- How easy it is to spot buttons and links
- How much contrast do you give to the main parts
- How you use shapes and symbols—not just color—for signs and steps
It also helps to use tools. For example, use a contrast checker. Or test your app for people who are color blind. And don’t stop there. Test your app on real phones and in real light, too.
For app makers, this is a key step. If you want your app to be dark mode-friendly, you need to test it. And you need to test it often.
Big, bold text. Clear signs. Easy-to-spot areas. These all make your app friendly to people with low vision or trouble seeing color.
By doing this, you follow good UX and UI rules. And you build apps that welcome more people. That’s a big win.
What are the Steps to Implement Dark Mode?
The steps to add dark mode depend on the platform you’re using. Android and iOS have different rules. So, it’s smart to build your dark mode plan to fit each one. It doesn’t matter if you are learning how to make apps dark mode or just adding it to an app that already exists. These steps will help you build dark mode in a clear and smart way.
For iOS Apps
To build dark mode in iOS, you need to understand the tools Apple gives you. Apple has its own set of styles and features. These tools help your app switch between light and dark smoothly. So, let’s look at them one by one.
Semantic Colors
Apple uses something called semantic colors. These are not fixed colors like red, blue, or green. Instead, they change based on the system theme. If the phone is in dark mode, the colors change to fit. This is great because you don’t have to write a lot of new code. Also, your app will look the same across all screens. If you’re learning how to make apps dark mode, using semantic colors is a smart choice. It helps your design stay clean and clear.
System Colors
iOS gives you nine built-in system colors. These colors know when to switch between light and dark modes. This makes your life easier because you don’t have to create new code to change them. Using these is a best practice in mobile app design. It saves time and keeps your design simple. Every mobile app development project can use this to make switching between themes fast and smooth.
Vibrancy and Blur Effects
Apple also has special effects for dark and light screens. There are four types of blur and eight types of vibrancy effects. These help your design look neat and easy to read. For example, if you use overlays or pop-ups, these effects keep the focus on what matters.
Also, in dark mode, iOS uses extra vibrancy for things like text and lines. These help people read better and stay focused. If you’re wondering how to make apps dark mode without breaking your layout, these small effects can really help. They keep your content clear while still looking good.
SF Symbols Integration
Apple has over 1,500 built-in icons called SF Symbols. These icons change automatically based on the screen mode. So, if your app is in dark mode, the icons will switch colors too. This saves you time and effort when building the app. You won’t need to add new images or designs. These icons make your dark mode app look more polished and stay easy to use.
For Android Apps
Now, let’s talk about Android. Android uses Google’s Material Design rules. These rules help app developers follow the same look and feel. They make sure your app is readable, neat, and easy to use in both light and dark modes. So, let’s see how Android handles this.
Material Design Guidelines
Google’s Material Design gives clear steps for using dark themes. They focus on soft background colors, layers, and clear text. These parts are key in UX/UI design. They make sure your app looks clean and works well. If you are trying to figure out how to make apps dark mode friendly, these tips help you avoid mistakes and save time.
Accessibility-Compliant Color Combinations
Google’s system also makes sure your colors are easy to read. The background and text must have enough contrast. This helps everyone read better, even in low light or for users with eye problems. You should pick colors that pass contrast rules. This isn’t just a nice feature—it’s a must. Every mobile app design should include this for a better user experience.
Adding these colors helps your dark mode app work in all kinds of places. Whether users are in bright light or dark rooms, the screen will still look clear. For any mobile app development plan, always test these color combos to make sure they work for everyone.
Implementation Approach
Now, let’s look at the steps for building dark mode in Android. These are the main things you’ll need to do:
- Creating separate resource files: Make two sets of layout files—one for dark mode and one for light mode. This makes it easy to update and support both themes. It also helps your app grow over time.
- Extending from DayNight Themes: Use Theme.AppCompat.DayNight from Google’s AppCompat library. This theme handles the switching for you. You don’t need to write a lot of new code. It’s very helpful when you’re learning how to make apps dark mode ready.
- Using Theme Attributes: Never hard-code your colors. Instead, use color tags like ?attr/colorPrimary or ?attr/colorBackground. This way, your app will follow the system settings. It also makes your app look good, no matter the theme. It’s a smart move in any mobile app design and saves work in the long run.
- Testing Across Devices: Android comes in many shapes and sizes. So, test your app on different phones and tablets. You should check different screen sizes, software versions, and brands. This helps you catch bugs early. It also means your dark mode will look great for everyone, no matter what device they use.
These steps give you a complete guide to building dark mode in iOS and Android apps. No matter if you’re adding a new feature or fixing an old one, learning how to make apps dark mode will help your app feel modern and user-friendly.
Conclusion
Dark mode is not just a trend anymore. In 2025, it’s a must-have for every mobile app. If your app doesn’t offer dark mode, you may fall behind. And that can hurt your app’s growth in big ways.
In today’s world, users want choice. They want comfort. So, if your app doesn’t have a dark theme, they might stop using it. They may even leave bad reviews. That’s not all. A poor design can hurt how people see your brand. And once that happens, it’s hard to fix.
But don’t worry—there’s a smart way forward.
Here at Linkitsoft, we know how to build dark mode the right way. Our team makes dark mode for iOS and Android apps. We make sure it looks good and feels smooth. And what’s more—we follow top UI/UX design rules, too.
Still not sure if dark mode is worth it? Let’s talk results.
We’ve worked with many brands before. They came to us with problems—old looks, hard-to-read screens, or apps that just didn’t feel right. But after we stepped in? Things changed. Their users were happy. They stayed longer. They clicked more. And they told their friends.
So yes—good dark mode design works. And yes—it can boost your app.
You don’t have to guess how to make your app dark mode ready. We know the steps. We’ve done it many times. We don’t cut corners. We don’t risk your brand’s image.
And the best part? We don’t just help with new apps. We also upgrade old ones. So, if you already have an app, that’s okay. We’ll make it better. We’ll help you add dark mode the right way—without slowing it down.
Right now, your users expect more. They want apps that care for their eyes. They want apps that save battery. They want apps that look fresh and feel fast.
So why wait?
Let Linkitsoft help. We bring the tools. We bring the skill. You bring the vision.
And together? We’ll build an app that shines—even in the dark.
Reach out to us today. Because your users are already waiting for tomorrow’s app. Let’s not keep them waiting.
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