# How To Turn off Dark Mode on Google | Capterra > Are you tired of dark mode on Google? Read this explainer on how to turn it off. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/turn-off-dark-mode-google --- IT & Software Development # How To Turn off Dark Mode on Google Edited by: Lindsay Page Lindsay PageEditor Content Editor Experience I have been an editor at Capterra for three years, specializing in editing data-driven research and tech trends reports for small a... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/lindsay-page/) and written by: Scott Recker - Guest Contributor Scott Recker - Guest ContributorAuthor Scott Recker is a writer and journalist specializing in tech and business trends. He is a frequent contributor to business resources including Capterra. [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/scott-recker/) Published October 18, 2023 4 min read Table of Contents - [What is dark mode on Google?](#what-is-dark-mode-on-google) - [How to turn off dark mode on Google Search on desktop](#how-to-turn-off-dark-mode-on-google-search-on-desktop) - [How to turn off dark mode on Google Search on mobile](#how-to-turn-off-dark-mode-on-google-search-on-mobile) - [Why you might want to turn off dark mode on Google Chrome](#why-you-might-want-to-turn-off-dark-mode-on-google-chrome) - [Which color theme is right for me?](#which-color-theme-is-right-for-me) - [What to do after turning off dark mode on Google Chrome](#what-to-do-after-turning-off-dark-mode-on-google-chrome) ## Learn how to turn off the dark theme on Google with this step-by-step guide. Dark mode is an option for PCs and mobile devices, but it can also be used on Google Search and other applications. Some users may prefer the darker color scheme but others may find it difficult on their eyes. If Google Search is in dark mode, but you're not sure how to turn it off, we have you covered. We’ll walk you through the process of how to turn off dark mode on Google Search, and some things to consider when doing so, no matter which web browser you're using. Whether you want to turn off dark mode while using Google Chrome or other browsers like Microsoft’s Windows or Apple’s Safari, the process on a desktop is the same. ## What is dark mode on Google? Dark mode refers to the background tone of the window that is being used. Dark mode is a light-on-dark color scheme that features a black background and is often recommended to be used at night, because it’s designed to reduce the strain on eyes in low-light conditions. It’s typically not used in bright environments, especially outdoors, because the contrast between the black background and glaring light can be harsh. When dark mode is toggled off, Google Search will divert back to its standard setting, featuring a bright white background. ## How to turn off dark mode on Google Search on desktop  ### Step 1: Open Google Search First, open a window to Google Search. _Google Search on desktop. Source: Author_ ### Step 2: Click the settings icon Now click the “Settings” tab in the lower right-hand corner. A menu with seven options will then pop up. _Click the "Settings" icon in the lower right-hand corner. Source: Author_ ### Step 3: Toggle dark theme option On the new menu, click the bottom option, which reads “Dark theme: On.” Selecting that option will toggle dark mode to off, instantly switching the Google Search background to white. _Click the "Dark theme: On" option on the menu. Source: Author_ ### Or try this additional method to turn off dark mode in desktop Chrome There’s also an additional way to turn off dark mode. Pull up that same “Settings” menu, select “Search settings” and when a new screen pops up, choose “Other settings” from a two-option menu in the upper left-hand corner. Under the “Desktop” list of options, select “Dark theme” which will pull up three options for you to select from: on, off, or device default. Then click save. _The menu via "Other settings." Source: Author_ ## How to turn off dark mode on Google Search on mobile On mobile devices, the process of turning off dark mode on Google is similar to the desktop method only with slight differences. ### Step 1: Pull up Google Search On your smartphone, use any browser to pull up Google Search. _Google Search on mobile. Source: Author_ ### Step 2: Click the icon with three horizontal lines Look for the hamburger icon (the three horizontal lines) in the upper left-hand corner. This is where the mobile process differs from desktop. _The mobile menu after clicking the icon. Source: Author_ ### Step 3: Toggle dark theme option Click “Dark theme: On” on the menu, which will toggle off the dark theme. _Google Search after dark theme is turned off. Source: Author_ ### Or you can follow the same alt method from above Pull up that same “Settings” menu, select “Search settings” and when a new screen pops up, choose “Other settings” from a two-option menu in the upper left-hand corner. Under the “Mobile” list of options, select “Dark theme” which will pull up three options for you to select from: on, off, or device default. Then click save. ### There's also the scroll down method From the Google Search home screen, just scroll to the bottom of the screen, and click  “Dark theme: On” at the very bottom of the page. ## Why you might want to turn off dark mode on Google Chrome Dark mode on Google can help reduce eye strain, be a great option for nighttime and be a preference for some. For others, it might not be as aesthetically pleasing and make the screen harder to read. Some users also feel like there are color inconsistencies and optimization issues within dark mode. ## Which color theme is right for me? The main thing to consider is your personal preference. Try out both the light and dark themes at various times of the day to decide what works for you. The only aspect that matters is what works for you personally. ## What to do after turning off dark mode on Google Chrome Google and its numerous programs are customizable, so if there’s a display aspect bothering you, there’s likely a way to adjust the settings. New to using Google and background themes and need more guidance? You may be interested in: 1. [How To Search in Google Sheets: A Comprehensive Guide](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-search-in-google-sheets/) 2. [How To Add a Dropdown List in Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-add-drop-down-list-in-google-sheets/) 3. [How To Enable Dark Mode on Mac](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-make-mac-dark-mode/) ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Authors [### Lindsay Page](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/lindsay-page/) Lindsay Page has been an editor at Capterra for three years. She specializes in editing data-driven research and tech trends reports for small and midsize businesses. She has more than a decade of experience writing and editing for a variety of industries, with expertise in cybersecurity, corporate and securities regulation, and finance. She has been a writer, editor, senior editor, and associate director. [### Scott Recker - Guest Contributor](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/scott-recker/) Scott Recker is a writer and journalist specializing in tech and business trends. He is a frequent contributor to business resources including Capterra. ### RELATED READING - [Help Desk Software for IT Support: Features and Benefits 1,300+ Users Value](https://www.capterra.com/resources/it-help-desk-software-features-benefits/) - [AI in Talent Management Software: The Bridge Between Recruiting and Retention](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-talent-management-software/) - [Switching Accounting Software: Common Risks to Avoid in 2026](https://www.capterra.com/resources/switching-accounting-software-problems-risks/) - [Why Projects Fail, and What Actually Helps Teams Fix Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/4-steps-to-completely-recover-from-project-failure/) - [Checklist for SMBs: How to Choose the Right Customer Service Help Desk Software for Your Business Size](https://www.capterra.com/resources/choosing-customer-support-help-desk-software/) - [E‑Filing Taxes as a Small Business: Where Software Adds Value and When It’s Necessary](https://www.capterra.com/resources/efile-tax-software-small-business-guidelines/) - [How To Choose a Manufacturing Software With Confidence: Insights From Real Buyers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/manufacturing-software-buyer-insights-report/) - [What is CRM Software and What Does a CRM System Do?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/) - [Payroll Software vs. HR Software: What’s the Difference](https://www.capterra.com/resources/payroll-vs-hr-software-difference/)