How to turn on dark mode on a Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-turn-on-dark-mode-on-a-mac/ · Checked October 2026 · MacBook Neo · macOS 27.0.1

3 of 4 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS 27.0.1 (MacBook Neo)

App

System Settings

Real screenshots

3 of 4 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose System Settings.

   Done

2. 

   Click Appearance

   It is in the list on the left. On our MacBook Neo it sits between Accessibility and Desktop & Dock.

   Done

3. 

   Choose Dark

   Click Dark, the middle option in the Appearance row at the top, between Light and Auto.

   On our MacBook Neo the same page also has Liquid Glass and Theme settings below; you do not need those for dark mode.

   Done

4. 

   Or choose Auto

   Click Auto, the last option on the right of the Appearance row, to let the Mac switch between light and dark by itself.

   On our MacBook Neo the order is Light, Dark, Auto.

   Done

What we saw on our device

• Click Appearance: On our MacBook Neo it sits between Accessibility and Desktop & Dock.
• Choose Dark: On our MacBook Neo the same page also has Liquid Glass and Theme settings below; you do not need those for dark mode.
• Or choose Auto: On our MacBook Neo the order is Light, Dark, Auto.

If you do not see this option

• Appearance is not in the list Type Appearance into the Search field at the top of the System Settings sidebar and click the result.
• You changed the icons but windows are still light On our MacBook Neo, Icon & widget style (Default, Dark, Clear, Tinted) is a separate setting further down the page. Dark mode is set in the Appearance row at the top.
• There is no Appearance in the list On macOS Monterey and earlier the setting is in System Preferences, General, Appearance.

If this does not work

• Auto has not switched yet Apple says Auto switches between light and dark by itself through the day. Choose Dark if you want it dark all the time. Source: Use a light or dark appearance on your Mac
• One app stays light Some apps have their own setting, such as Mail under Mail, Settings, Viewing.
• A website stays light Websites turn dark only if they support it.

About this guide

Dark mode gives the menu bar, windows and most apps a dark background with light text. Many people find it easier on the eyes at night.

Screenshots: MacBook Neo, macOS 27.0.1, dark mode.

Good to know

The quick way: open Control Centre in the menu bar, click Display and click Dark Mode.

Some apps have their own setting. In Mail, you can keep messages on a light background under Mail, Settings, Viewing.

Websites turn dark only if they support it.

Dark mode does not reduce blue light. For a warmer screen at night, see how to turn on Night Shift.

In short: Apple menu, System Settings, Appearance, Dark (or Auto).