WhatsApp finally has dark mode

Let the darkness take over.
 By 
Rachel Kraus
 on 
WhatsApp finally has dark mode
Let the darkness on your international chat app mimic the darkness in your soul. Credit: whatsapp / facebook

The only fitting display for our times is darkness, and WhatsApp has finally caught on.

On Tuesday, Facebook-owned WhatsApp announced that it was rolling out dark mode for iOS and Android. If you have made the right and correct choice and set your operating display settings to dark mode, WhatsApp will mimic that setting within the app, too. It looks pretty sweet.

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Sasha is too busy to respond, even in dark mode. Credit: screenshot: Rachel kraus / mashable

iOS 13 and Android 10 users who update WhatsApp to its latest version should have access to the change. Android 9 users can enable dark mode by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme, and then selecting "Dark."


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I, along with another Mashable reporter, had to update our apps twice before seeing the macabre makeover in the app. The update became available Tuesday but might not show up for all users immediately. WhatsApp says it is "rolling out in the coming days."

WhatsApp says it debuted dark mode because it was one of the most requested features from users. It's "designed to reduce eye strain" and prevent phones from awkwardly lighting up in dark spaces.

Topics WhatsApp

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Rachel Kraus

Rachel Kraus is a Mashable Tech Reporter specializing in health and wellness. She is an LA native, NYU j-school graduate, and writes cultural commentary across the internetz.

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