Google delivers dark theme to Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android and iOS

By Michael Allison
published

Dark Mode Google Docs Android
Dark Mode Google Docs Android (Image credit: Google)
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Update, September 28 (03:10 pm ET): The dark theme is now available on iOS

What you need to know

  • Google will start rolling out a dark theme for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android.
  • The new dark theme will work with Android 10's default theme settings alongside offering users a separate choice.
  • It's set to hit devices within the next two weeks.

Dark theme is one of the most requested user features for smartphone apps, and Google has been delivering. The company has now enabled the feature on the Android versions of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

The new update, when it rolls out, will work with Android 10's system-wide dark theme. It'll also have a discrete dark theme option so users can configure it separately if they're on an older version of Android — or just because.

Google explained on Monday via the G Suite Blog:

Dark theme will intelligently adjust the product interface and user-generated content in ways that can make it more usable in low-light environments and save battery life. Settings for Docs, Sheets, and Slides will adjust automatically when the Android system is set to use Dark theme. You can also turn dark mode on or off for Docs, Sheets, or Slides independently. If you do this, each app will always be in the selected theme regardless of the Android system settings."

The dark theme update should roll out to all users over the next two weeks. Google has also delivered dark themes for other productivity apps including Gmail, Google Tasks, Calendar, and Keep.

Update, September 28 (03:10 pm ET) — Google has made the dark theme available on iPhone as well

Google is also bringing the update to iOS, the company announced today. You'll be able to see this automatically if you're set to dark theme in iOS system settings, otherwise you can check Menu > Settings > Theme to enable it manually.

Google Docs App Icon

Google Docs

Google's new dark theme makes it more confortable to review and edit documents if you prefer a dark theme. You're not likely to be creating extensive files on mobile, but the reading experience is now much nicer on AMOLED screens.

1 Comment
  • And much like other Google dark themes, it's a sh*t Grey Theme instead of a proper Dark Theme.
    They keep copying stuff from Apple...they could also at least copy Apple's Dark Theme. 'cause it's far better done than Google's.