Do you enjoy YouTube but find it hard to focus on? If so, you should try YouTube's dark mode. Rather than having to struggle while watching videos, use dark mode to reduce eye strain and glare.

To turn on dark mode on YouTube, all it takes is a few simple steps based on your device.

Turning on YouTube's Dark Mode on Your Computer

YouTube dark theme computer

If you're accessing YouTube from your computer, it doesn't matter what system you're using. Simply follow the steps below once you've logged into your YouTube account:

  1. Click on your YouTube profile picture.
  2. Click on Appearance.
  3. Select Dark Theme or Use Device Theme (if your device has Dark Mode enabled).

After enabling dark mode, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, when you change this setting, it only impacts your current browser. So if you swap between browsers for any reason, you'll need to turn on dark mode there as well.

If you select the Use Device Theme setting, YouTube will change its appearance the moment your system does. So if you ever want to swap between themes, YouTube responds in tandem. This can either be done manually on your system or via the custom appearance settings.

If you're running Windows, Use Device Theme also allows for more control over a custom color appearance. For instance, you can keep your Windows system in light mode but run its apps in dark mode. YouTube, as a result, will stay in dark mode.

windows 10 YouTube dark mode theme

For those using macOS, rather than a custom feature, there's the option to select Auto. Auto allows you to change your appearance between light and dark over the course of the day. Similarly, YouTube will adjust as soon as your system switches over.

macOS auto dark theme

If you'd like to learn more, check out our article on everything you need to know about dark mode on Mac.

Enabling the YouTube App's Dark Mode on Android

If you want to turn on YouTube's dark mode on Android, how you approach it will depend on what version of Android you're running. So prior to enabling dark mode, it's helpful to know what version you have.

For those with Android 10 (or newer), try these steps:

  1. Press your YouTube profile picture.
  2. Tap on Settings.
  3. Press General.
  4. Tap on Appearance.
  5. Select Dark Theme or Use Device Theme (if your device has dark mode enabled).

If you're running below Android 10, it's a quicker process:

  1. Press your YouTube profile picture.
  2. Tap on Settings.
  3. Press General.
  4. Tap on Dark Theme to enable it.

For those using Android 10 (or above) that are interested in using their device's theme but need some help, check out our guide on how to use dark mode on Android.

Switching on the YouTube App's Dark Mode on iOS

iPad YouTube dark theme

Like with Android, iOS devices will feature a very similar set of steps to enable dark mode. Just follow these steps for iOS 13 (or later):

  1. Tap your YouTube profile picture.
  2. Tap on Settings.
  3. Toggle Dark Theme on.

For older iOS devices, there's one extra step:

  1. Tap your YouTube profile picture.
  2. Tap on Settings.
  3. Tap Appearance.
  4. Toggle Dark Theme on.

Make YouTube's Dark Mode Work for You

With YouTube, it's simple to turn on dark mode regardless of what device you're using. Plus, with the option to make YouTube recognize your device's theme, it's even easier to use dark mode whenever you need it. So whether you want manual or automatic control, you can keep YouTube ready for your watch style.