Introduction
It can be tempting to check your Gmail on your iPhone or iPad one last time after you lay down to go to bed. However, the bright background of the Gmail app is incredibly bad for your eyes in a dark environment. To help address this, Google rolled out an update for the Gmail iOS app in late 2019 that adds a dark mode feature, which will make checking your email easy on your eyes no matter what lighting environment you’re in. In this article I’ll show you how to turn on dark mode in the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Turn On Gmail App Dark Mode on iPhone or iPad
- Tap to launch the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad. Your Gmail home screen appears.
- Tap the “Menu” icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Scroll down the menu, and then tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Theme” in the Settings menu. The Theme screen appears.
- Tap to place a check mark next to “Dark,” and then tap the arrow in the upper left corner of the screen to navigate back to the Settings screen, where you’ll see dark mode is now applied. Dark mode will now be applied in all areas in the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad.
5 Reasons to Turn on Dark Mode in Gmail App on iPhone or iPad
1. Eases Eye Strain
Imagine staring at your bright screen during a late-night email check. It’s glaring, right? That’s where dark mode shines. By reversing the color scheme, dark mode reduces the light emitted by your device screen. It swaps the bright white background for a softer, darker shade. This is especially beneficial in low-light conditions. Your eyes don’t have to adjust as much to the stark brightness of a white screen. This reduces eye strain significantly. Whether you’re catching up on emails in bed or responding to urgent messages before sleep, dark mode makes the experience less taxing on your eyes.
2. Saves Battery Life
Every iPhone or iPad user values battery life. Switching to dark mode can help extend it. Here’s how: devices with OLED or AMOLED screens (like some newer iPhones) display dark colors by turning off parts of the screen. Dark mode takes advantage of this by displaying more dark pixels, which means less power consumption. The result? Your device lasts longer between charges. This is particularly useful for heavy users who depend on their devices for productivity and communication throughout the day. By enabling dark mode, you’re not just choosing a color theme; you’re optimizing your device’s energy usage.
3. Reduces Screen Glare
Glare can be a real pain, particularly if you’re using your device outdoors or in brightly lit settings. Dark mode reduces the luminance emitted by your screen, which in turn minimizes glare. This makes it easier to read your emails without squinting or finding a shady spot. It’s a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who likes lounging by a sunny window. With dark mode, you can enjoy a comfortable viewing experience regardless of your surroundings. This can also contribute to reduced eye strain, making your email management tasks less of a chore.
4. Enhances Focus
Dark mode isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about clarity and focus. By highlighting text against a dark background, this mode helps to make content stand out. It reduces the peripheral distractions on the screen, so you can concentrate on the message itself. This is particularly helpful when dealing with lengthy or complex emails. Your attention is naturally drawn to the brightly colored elements, like text and images, making it easier to digest important information. Whether you’re sifting through a cluttered inbox or composing a critical response, dark mode helps you focus on what matters without extra visual noise.
5. Offers Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s face it: dark mode looks sleek and modern. It provides a visual break from the typical bright and busy interfaces we see on most apps. For many users, this fresh look is a welcome change. It lends an air of sophistication to your device, aligning with many users’ personal styles. Aesthetic appeal might seem like a superficial reason to switch modes, but enjoying the user interface can enhance your overall experience using the app. If you feel good about your tools, you’re more likely to use them effectively and with pleasure. Dark mode offers that touch of elegance that can make managing your emails a more enjoyable task.
