With the recent rollout of Android QPR2 in early December, Google has introduced a range of exciting features tailored specifically for its Pixel phone users. Among these enhancements is a much-anticipated addition: the Expanded Dark Mode, which allows users to enforce a dark theme across most applications, even those that lack native dark mode support.
How to enable Expanded dark mode on Android
Step 1: Make sure your Pixel is compatible
To begin, ensure that your device is compatible. The Expanded Dark Mode feature is available on all Pixel models that have received the Android QPR2 update, including:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro/10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Step 2: Install the December update
Next, ensure your Pixel is running the latest December update. Navigate to Settings > About Phone > Build number to check for a version number starting with BP4A.251205.006. If your device is not updated, go to Settings > System > Software updates > System update and select Check for update to download and install it.
Step 3: Toggle Expanded dark mode
To activate the Expanded Dark Mode, head to Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme and switch from the Standard to the Expanded dark mode. Ensure that the Use dark theme option is enabled or set to automatically switch on and off according to your preference.
It darkens most apps, but not all of them
Google promotes this feature as an enhancement for accessibility and readability rather than a workaround for developers who neglect to implement dark themes. While it offers a solution for users who prefer a darker interface, it’s important to note that it may not work flawlessly across all applications. In practice, the effectiveness of the Expanded Dark Mode varies, particularly with apps that heavily rely on graphics or web elements.
For instance, while the feature successfully transformed the UI of the Transavia app into a more user-friendly dark theme, it struggled with applications like Amazon and certain banking apps, likely due to their reliance on web wrappers. Similarly, mapping applications such as Citymapper and IDF Mobilités showed limited improvement, as their maps remained bright and unaltered, creating a stark contrast with the darkened interface.
Despite these limitations, the Expanded Dark Mode is a significant improvement over the previous color inversion toggle found in Accessibility settings, which often resulted in a confusing and visually unappealing interface. It also outperforms the Override force-dark option in Developer settings, as it tends to work on a broader range of applications.
After testing this feature, users may find it beneficial depending on their app preferences. However, for those whose frequently used applications are heavily graphic-based, returning to the Standard Dark Mode might be the more visually coherent choice. Ultimately, the Expanded Dark Mode invites users to explore its capabilities and see how it enhances their experience across various applications.
