Update, March 05, 2020: Darkmode for Whatsapp is finally live, both on Android and iOS. Users of both operating systems can activate the new feature with immediate effect or in a few days, as in the official one Whatsapp blog means (via Heise):
- If you use Android 10 or iOS 13, you can activate dark mode directly in the system settings.
- Users with Android 9 and older can switch on the function shortly via the WhatsApp settings under »Chats -> Design -> Dark«.
- Facebook leaves open whether the dark mode will also be available for smartphones with iOS 12 or older.
Original message, January 23, 2020: Whatsapp takes a little more time than the competition to introduce new features, but now users can finally enjoy a dedicated dark mode. The new feature is out loud TheVerge for the time being, however, only as part of the Android beta in Version 2.20.13.
On Dark mode offers numerous advantages: it puts less strain on the eyes in dark surroundings and at the same time protects the battery of smartphones with OLED displays, which have to display fewer bright areas.
Four different modes allow individual configuration
If you have installed the beta version 2.20.13 of Whatsapp, you can activate the dark mode via the settings in the »Chats« menu. There the messenger offers a choice between four different variants:
- Light Theme: the normal bright interface in white and green
- Dark theme: the dark version in midnight blue colors (chat appears in dark green)
- System default: Whatsapp automatically adjusts the setting to the selected mode of the system settings. If you have activated the Dark Mode in Android Q, Whatsapp automatically changes to the Dark theme with this variant.
- Set by Battery Saver: Whatsapp automatically switches between dark theme and light theme, taking into account the energy saving settings.
By the way: Facebook usually limits the places in the Whatsapp beta program, so that new users may no longer be able to download the beta version from the Play Store. Alternatively poses Wabetainfo an APK version available for download – but here applies: Download at your own risk!
If you are not sure, you can also wait for the release of Dark Mode in the Whatsapp live version. However, Facebook has not yet announced when the new feature will be officially released for all users appears.
