Table of Contents

Taming the Glare: How to Enable Dark Mode on Amazon (PC)

Enabling dark mode on Amazon’s PC interface is quite simple, though the process can vary slightly depending on which Amazon interface you’re using. For the Amazon website, you typically can’t directly enable a system-wide dark mode through Amazon’s settings. You would instead rely on your browser’s dark mode settings or a browser extension dedicated to forcing dark mode on websites. For the Amazon Kindle PC app, dark mode is typically toggled directly within the app’s settings. We’ll explore both avenues in detail below.

Embracing the Night: The Amazon Website and Browser-Based Dark Mode

Amazon’s website itself doesn’t offer a built-in dark mode toggle. However, fear not, fellow nocturnal shoppers! There are several effective workarounds to achieve a darker, more eye-friendly experience.

Utilizing Your Browser’s Built-in Dark Mode

Most modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge come equipped with a native dark mode feature. Activating this will force a dark theme on many websites, including Amazon. The effectiveness can vary, and sometimes elements might appear inverted or oddly colored, but it’s a good starting point.

Google Chrome:
1. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Appearance.
3. Under “Theme,” select “Dark“. Alternatively, you can set it to “System default” to match your operating system’s theme.
Mozilla Firefox:
1. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Options > General.
3. Under “Language and Appearance,” find the “Theme” section and choose “Dark“.
Microsoft Edge:
1. Click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Appearance.
3. Under “Overall appearance,” select “Dark” from the “Theme” dropdown.

Browser Extensions to the Rescue

If your browser’s built-in dark mode isn’t delivering the desired aesthetic, browser extensions are your allies. Numerous extensions are specifically designed to enable dark mode on websites, often offering more customization and control.

Dark Reader: A highly popular and versatile extension available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Dark Reader dynamically generates dark themes for websites, offering adjustable brightness, contrast, sepia, and grayscale. It’s known for its ability to intelligently handle images and avoid unwanted inversions.
- How to Use: Install Dark Reader from your browser’s extension store. Once installed, it will automatically apply a dark theme to websites you visit. You can then click the Dark Reader icon in your browser toolbar to access its settings and fine-tune the appearance.
Night Eye: Another robust option, Night Eye offers similar features to Dark Reader but with a slightly different approach to theme generation. It also includes a free plan with limited features.
- How to Use: Install Night Eye from your browser’s extension store. After installation, click the Night Eye icon to customize the dark mode settings for individual websites.
Carefully Choose Your Extension: Always be mindful of the permissions requested by browser extensions. Stick to reputable extensions with positive reviews and a proven track record of privacy.

A Word of Caution About Forced Dark Mode

While effective, remember that forcing dark mode on a website not designed for it can sometimes lead to unexpected visual glitches or readability issues. Be prepared to experiment with different extensions and settings to find the configuration that works best for you.

Immersed in the Shadows: Dark Mode in the Amazon Kindle PC App

The Amazon Kindle app for PC offers a much simpler and more direct route to dark mode. Unlike the website, the Kindle app usually includes a built-in toggle for switching between light and dark themes.

Enabling Dark Mode in the Kindle App

The precise location of the dark mode setting might vary slightly depending on the version of the Kindle app you have installed, but the general principle remains the same.

Open the Amazon Kindle app on your PC.
Locate the “Settings” or “Options” menu. This is often found in the top menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc.) or as an icon (usually three horizontal lines or a gear icon) within the app’s interface.
Look for a setting related to “Appearance,” “Theme,” or “Color Scheme.”
You should find an option to switch between “Light Mode” and “Dark Mode.” Select “Dark Mode.”
The app’s interface should immediately switch to a darker color scheme.

Troubleshooting Kindle App Dark Mode

If you’re having trouble finding or enabling dark mode in the Kindle app, try the following:

Ensure you have the latest version of the Kindle app installed. Outdated versions might lack the dark mode feature.
Restart the Kindle app. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor glitches.
Check your operating system’s display settings. If your operating system is set to a light theme, it might override the Kindle app’s dark mode setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why doesn’t Amazon have a built-in dark mode on its website?

Amazon hasn’t officially stated a reason, but it likely involves a combination of factors, including website design complexity, testing across different browsers and devices, and potentially prioritizing other features. Implementing a consistent and visually appealing dark mode across Amazon’s vast website is a significant undertaking.

2. Will forcing dark mode on Amazon affect other websites?

It depends on the method you use. Browser-level dark mode will affect all websites, while browser extensions like Dark Reader typically allow you to enable or disable dark mode on a per-website basis.

3. Is dark mode better for my eyes?

Dark mode can reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. It emits less blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns. However, the benefits vary from person to person.

4. Can I schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically?

Yes, some browser extensions like Dark Reader offer scheduling options, allowing you to automatically switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

5. Does dark mode save battery life on PCs?

On PCs with OLED or AMOLED displays, dark mode can indeed save battery life because these displays only illuminate individual pixels that are actively displaying content. Black pixels are essentially turned off, consuming no power. However, on traditional LCD monitors, the backlight is always on, so the battery savings are minimal, if any.

6. My Amazon images look strange in dark mode. What can I do?

This is a common issue with forced dark mode. Try adjusting the settings of your browser extension. Many extensions allow you to exclude images from being affected by the dark mode filter or to adjust the image brightness and contrast.

7. Are there any official statements from Amazon about implementing a native dark mode?

As of the current date, Amazon has not made any official announcements regarding the implementation of a native dark mode on its website. However, user demand and the increasing popularity of dark mode across the web suggest that it’s a feature they may consider in the future.

8. Is there a difference between “dark mode” and “night mode”?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but “dark mode” typically refers to a general interface theme with darker colors, while “night mode” might specifically focus on reducing blue light emissions to improve sleep quality.

9. I’m using the Amazon app on my Android/iOS device. How do I enable dark mode there?

The Amazon shopping app on mobile devices typically offers a dedicated dark mode setting within the app’s settings menu. Look for “Theme” or “Appearance” options.

10. Which browser extension is the best for Amazon dark mode?

The “best” extension is subjective and depends on your preferences. Dark Reader is widely praised for its customization options and intelligent handling of website elements. Night Eye is another strong contender. Experiment with a few options to find the one that works best for you.

11. Will using dark mode slow down my browser or computer?

Generally, no. Browser extensions might consume a small amount of system resources, but the impact is usually negligible on modern computers. If you experience performance issues, try disabling extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

12. What about the Amazon Prime Video website? Can I enable dark mode there?

Similar to the main Amazon website, the Amazon Prime Video website doesn’t have a built-in dark mode. You can use browser-level dark mode or browser extensions to force a dark theme. However, some users have reported issues with the video player’s controls appearing incorrectly in dark mode. Experiment to see what works best for you.