Dark mode now rolling out to WhatsApp on Android and iOS

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Mar 5, 202011:11 PM

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WhatsApp is finally adding a native dark mode to its Android and iOS apps. The company announced today that “the most requested feature from people around the world” is now rolling out to Android and iOS devices over the next couple of days.

As one might expect, the new dark mode is meant to reduce eye strain in low light environments. The dark theme created by WhatsApp isn’t really black, but a special dark gray background and off-white color, which is supposed to lower the brightness of the screen and improve contrast and readability.

If you have an Android 9.0 Pie phone, you can enable the new dark mode after you updated WhatsApp by going to Settings / Chats / Theme and select Dark. For those lucky to own an Android 10 phone, the new dark mode can be enabled from the system settings instead.

The same goes for those using an iPhone, the new dark mode can be enabled from the system settings. As mentioned above, dark mode will make it to Android and iOS devices in the coming days on the latest version of the app, so sit tight until it becomes available for download.

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What this means

WhatsApp's introduction of dark mode, while a seemingly minor update, strategically enhances user comfort and engagement, particularly in low-light conditions. This proactive response to consumer feedback contrasts with more aggressive physical expansion strategies seen elsewhere, like Panpuri's 16-store Asian expansion or Chagee Holdings targeting Southeast Asia. By refining core user experience, WhatsApp aims to solidify its market position without the direct capital expenditure of new store openings, such as Tiffany & Co.'s Blue Box Cafe in Singapore. However, the move puts pressure on rival messaging apps that have not yet implemented such a highly desired feature, potentially shifting user preference. The key metric to watch will be user feedback and reported engagement duration over the next few months.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

When will users be able to access the new dark mode feature?

The company announced the new dark mode is rolling out to Android and iOS devices over the next couple of days. Users should sit tight until it becomes available for download on the latest app version.

What colour scheme has WhatsApp chosen for its dark mode?

The dark theme created by WhatsApp is not truly black. It features a special dark grey background paired with an off-white colour, designed to reduce screen brightness and enhance contrast and readability.

How do Android 9.0 Pie users enable the dark mode once it's available?

Android 9.0 Pie users can enable the new dark mode after updating WhatsApp. They need to go to Settings, then Chats, select Theme, and finally choose Dark from the options.

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