WhatsApp’s dark mode is a popular feature that changes the background from white to black and text from black to white, reducing glare and eye strain in low light environments. However, some users may wish to disable dark mode and revert to the original light theme. Here are the steps to get WhatsApp out of dark mode on both iOS and Android devices.
Check WhatsApp Settings
The first thing to check is WhatsApp’s settings. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Theme. Here you can toggle the Theme setting from Dark to Light. This will instantly change the look of WhatsApp from dark mode back to light mode.
Change iOS Display Settings
If changing the theme in WhatsApp does not work, iOS users can go to their main Display & Brightness settings to force light mode. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and choose the Light appearance option under Appearance. You can also set Options to Automatic to have WhatsApp follow your system-wide appearance setting.
Use Android Developer Options
On Android, enabling Developer Options allows you to switch your system theme to light mode which will carry over to WhatsApp. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer options. Then go back and open Developer Options > Appearance and change it to Light. WhatsApp should now inherit the light theme.
Troubleshoot Problems
Here are some steps to try if changing your system or WhatsApp theme does not successfully revert WhatsApp to light mode:
- Force close and reopen WhatsApp after changing themes
- Check that your device OS and WhatsApp are fully updated
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset connections
- Clear WhatsApp cache and data before changing themes
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
- Use a third party theme or font manager app
Why Does WhatsApp Have Dark Mode?
WhatsApp added a built-in dark theme option in 2019 across iOS and Android devices. Dark mode has become a popular trend across apps and operating systems. There are a few key reasons why using dark mode is beneficial:
- Reduces eye strain – Staring at bright white screens in low light causes eye fatigue. Dark mode flips this to black backgrounds with white text.
- Improves readability – Dark text on light backgrounds can glare. Light text on dark reduces glare.
- Saves battery life – Dark pixels require less power on OLED smartphone displays.
- Looks sleek – Many users think dark mode looks modern, stylish, and slick.
While dark mode is considered easier on the eyes in dim environments, others simply prefer the classic light mode. The important thing is having the option to choose.
Customizing WhatsApp Colors
Beyond light and dark mode, WhatsApp also provides additional color customization options:
- Chat wallpaper – Set custom wallpaper for your chats.
- Chat bubbles – Change chat bubble colors.
- Accent color – Choose accent color for notifications.
These color tweaks are available in both light and dark themes. With over 16 million colors to choose from, you can really personalize the WhatsApp experience.
Third Party Modifications
If the built-in WhatsApp customizations are not enough, there are apps that offer advanced modifications:
- Themer – Extensive visual customizations.
- GBWhatsApp – Additional features and options.
- WhatsApp Plus – Enhanced media sharing.
- WhatsApp Mix – Fully customizable colors.
However, these third party apps are not officially supported by WhatsApp and often break terms of service. Use at your own risk as they could be banned or unstable.
WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Linked devices allow you to customize WhatsApp’s look and feel across different platforms:
- Link desktop – Use WhatsApp Web on PC.
- Multi-device – Connect tablets and multiple phones.
- WhatsApp Portal – Access on Facebook Portal devices.
You can set dark mode on your phone while staying in light mode on linked devices. But custom chat wallpaper will sync across linked devices.
Customizing Notification Settings
Along with visual themes, you can also customize WhatsApp’s notifications:
- Notification tones – Set custom sounds for messages.
- Notification pop-ups – Show previews or just icons.
- Vibrate – Choose when to vibrate for new messages.
- Mute – Disable notifications for specific chats.
Custom notifications let you tailor WhatsApp to your habits and avoid distractions.
WhatsApp Business App
The WhatsApp Business app has additional configuration options:
- Business profiles – List business info and description.
- Quick replies – Send fast templated messages.
- Labels – Organize and tag conversations.
- Stats – View simple analytics.
Business accounts can still toggle between light and dark themes. But other customizations focus more on productivity tools.
Conclusion
Switching WhatsApp to light mode is simple through its in-app settings on iOS and Android. But occasionally system resets, updates, or bugs can cause inconsistent behavior. Be prepared to troubleshoot by tweaking device settings, resetting app data, or uninstalling updates. While dark mode is popular, customizing your color scheme ultimately comes down to personal preference for readability and style.