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How to Make Snapchat Black: A Dark Mode Deep Dive

Want to ditch the blinding white light and embrace the sleek, eye-friendly world of Snapchat dark mode? You’re not alone! Millions crave a darker interface, especially for late-night snapping. Here’s the straight dope on how to get it done:

The easiest and official method to enable Snapchat’s dark mode is through the in-app settings. Unfortunately, this option isn’t universally available. It’s primarily offered on iOS devices and a growing number of Android phones. If you’re lucky enough to have it, simply navigate to your Snapchat settings, find the “App Appearance” option (usually under “My Account”), and choose “Always Dark”. If you don’t see the “App Appearance” option, you might need to explore alternative methods, which we’ll cover shortly.

Dark Side, Ahoy! Official Methods Explained

Let’s break down the official method in glorious detail:

iOS Users: The Golden Ticket

For iPhone users, enabling Snapchat’s dark mode is usually straightforward, if your app is up to date.

Open Snapchat: Launch the app on your iPhone. Obvious, I know, but gotta be thorough!
Tap Your Profile Icon: Locate your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen and tap it.
Access Settings: In your profile, tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
Find App Appearance: Scroll down (it’s often under the “My Account” section) until you find the “App Appearance” option. If you don’t see it, keep reading – we’ll tackle that later.
Choose “Always Dark”: Tap “App Appearance” and select “Always Dark”. Snapchat will instantly switch to dark mode. You might also see options for “Match System” (which makes Snapchat follow your phone’s overall theme) and “Always Light”.

Android Users: A Fragmented Landscape

Android users face a slightly more complex situation. While Snapchat is rolling out dark mode to Android, availability varies depending on your phone’s manufacturer, Android version, and even your Snapchat version.

Open Snapchat: You know the drill.
Tap Your Profile Icon: Same as iOS. Top-left corner.
Access Settings: Gear icon, top-right corner.
Search for “App Appearance”: As with iOS, look for the “App Appearance” option within the settings menu, usually under “My Account”.
Choose “Always Dark”: If the option is there, select “Always Dark”.

If you don’t see “App Appearance,” don’t despair! It simply means your device or Snapchat version hasn’t yet received the official update. This is where the next section comes in handy.

Workarounds and “Creative Solutions”

So, what if Snapchat is stubbornly refusing to offer you dark mode? Time for some… resourceful approaches.

System-Wide Dark Mode (Android Only – Sometimes!)

Many modern Android devices offer a system-wide dark mode that can force some apps, including Snapchat, into a darker theme. This is a “hit or miss” strategy, as it depends on how Snapchat is coded to interact with the system.

Access Your Phone’s Settings: Open your Android device’s settings app.
Find Display Settings: Look for options like “Display,” “Theme,” or “Dark Mode” (the wording varies by manufacturer).
Enable Dark Mode: Toggle the dark mode switch to the “on” position.

If you’re lucky, Snapchat will follow suit and adopt a dark theme. If not, you’re back to square one, but it’s worth a shot!

Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution!)

There are third-party apps that claim to force dark mode on apps that don’t natively support it. However, use these with extreme caution! Snapchat’s terms of service explicitly prohibit the use of unauthorized third-party apps. Using them could potentially lead to your account being suspended or banned. Furthermore, some of these apps may contain malware or compromise your privacy. We strongly advise against using them.

Themeing Engines (For Advanced Users)

For those with rooted Android devices and a penchant for tinkering, themeing engines like Substratum offer advanced customization options, including forcing a dark theme on Snapchat. This is definitely not for beginners and requires a deep understanding of Android customization. Proceed at your own risk!

The Future of Dark Mode

It’s important to remember that Snapchat is actively rolling out dark mode to more users. The best advice is to keep your app updated and be patient. Eventually, the official option should reach your device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a comprehensive FAQ section to address all your dark mode desires:

Why don’t I see the “App Appearance” option in my Snapchat settings? This usually means your device or Snapchat version hasn’t received the official dark mode update. Keep your app updated and be patient.
Will enabling system-wide dark mode on my Android phone automatically make Snapchat dark? Sometimes, but not always. It depends on how Snapchat is coded to respond to the system’s theme.
Are third-party apps that force dark mode safe to use with Snapchat? No! Snapchat’s terms of service prohibit the use of unauthorized third-party apps. Using them could lead to your account being suspended or banned. Furthermore, they pose a security risk.
I updated Snapchat, but I still don’t have dark mode. What gives? Even with updates, Snapchat rolls out features in phases. It might take time for dark mode to reach your specific device, region, or account.
Does Snapchat dark mode drain my battery less than the light mode? Potentially, yes. Dark mode uses less power on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, as black pixels are essentially turned off.
Is Snapchat dark mode available on desktop or the web version? As of now, Snapchat dark mode is not officially available on desktop or the web version.
Can I revert back to light mode after enabling dark mode? Yes! Simply go back to Settings > App Appearance and choose “Always Light” or “Match System”.
Does Snapchat Plus offer any exclusive dark mode options? No, Snapchat Plus does not offer any exclusive dark mode options beyond what is available to standard users.
Will using a VPN help me get dark mode faster? Unlikely. Snapchat’s feature rollout isn’t typically tied to geographical location in a way that a VPN would circumvent.
I have an older Android phone. Will I ever get dark mode on Snapchat? It’s possible, but less likely. Snapchat prioritizes updates for newer devices. However, continue to update your app regularly; you never know!
Is there a way to suggest features to Snapchat, like dark mode for the web version? Yes! You can provide feedback and suggestions to Snapchat through their support channels or social media platforms. While there’s no guarantee they’ll implement your suggestion, it’s worth a try.
I accidentally tapped “Match System” and now my Snapchat is sometimes light and sometimes dark. How do I fix it? Just go back to Settings > App Appearance and choose “Always Dark” if you want dark mode to be permanently enabled, or “Always Light” for the opposite.