Dark mode is finally rolling out to Gmail for Android

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What you need to know

  • Google is rolling out dark mode to Gmail for Android via a server-side update.
  • You'll be able to choose between three options: Light, Dark, and System default.
  • The update may not be available for everyone just yet.

Google teased dark mode for Gmail on the Android 10 site, and the update is now rolling out. As noted by several users on Reddit (via 9to5Google), Gmail is picking up the dark theme following the latest update.

You'll need to be on the latest 2019.08.18.267044774 build to see the change, but it may be a while before everyone gets the option as the dark theme option is an additional server-side flag that needs to be enabled. The interface is similar to what we've seen from other Google apps: you get three options for themes, including Light, Dark, and System default. The theme option itself is listed at the top in the general settings, and the dark mode has a dark gray color scheme with red accent colors.

Don't see the theme option just yet? Make sure you're on the latest build (opens in new tab), and wait for the server-side change to go live.

Android 10: Everything you need to know

Harish Jonnalagadda
Harish Jonnalagadda

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor overseeing Asia at Android Central. He leads the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, contributing to reviews, features, and buying guides. He also writes about storage servers, audio products, and the semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.
11 Comments
  • This was the one thing from Ice Cream Sandwich that I did miss. I hated the arrival of material design, when it made everything so white.
  • Awesome, now for the play store.
  • Finally! But Already been using Samsung email app with dark mode for years now. Hate being blinded by Google's bright white everything apps..
  • outlook looks better on dark mode 😍
  • Is it only for Android 10?
  • I've been using Blue Mail app and recently with Android Pie One UI the Samsung email app due to that horrible blazing white of Google apps.
  • Finally is right! That dark widget was such a tease! Staged rollout is stupid and frustrating though.
  • Have the correct build, but no dark mode yet. Now if they will only extend the shaded love to the Home app...
  • With Dark mode enabled, good search results are hard to read. A shame.
  • Probably stick with my Huawei mail has had dark version for years and works well so far
  • I mean really! How long does it take for Google to flip the damn switch. I've had Gmail app version 2019.08.18.267044774 on my phone since the update was released and I still don't have the dark them option in my settings yet. This is RIDICULOUS! While I can understand they want to ensure there are no issues, there are only so many Pixel phones and they are all the same, so WTF!? If they keep this slow roll-out crap going, they might just get associated with Samsung's roll-out policy! Flip the damn switch already Google!