How to turn on dark mode on a Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-turn-on-dark-mode-on-a-mac/ · Checked 4 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

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

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)

App

System Settings

Real screenshots

4 of 4 steps

Checked

4 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.

   Done

3. 

   Choose Dark

   The whole system changes straight away.

   Done

4. 

   Or choose Auto

   With Auto, the Mac uses the light look during the day and the dark look after sunset.

   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.

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.

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).