How to use Chrome Dark mode on your Mac: The easy way no one told you about
I’m sad to say there’s no real Chrome Dark mode. Yep, it’s 2025, and somehow, Google still hasn’t added a proper Dark mode toggle to Chrome. But don’t worry — there are ways to get that sleek, eye-friendly look on your Mac. I’ll break it down.
How to enable Dark mode in Chrome on Mac
In its infinite wisdom, Google has not given Chrome a simple Dark mode switch. You can't just toggle a button to dim your Chrome screen. But Google doesn't feel too concerned about this design flaw, and you shouldn't either.
There are a few easy and reliable ways to give Chrome a Darker, more eye-friendly vibe on your Mac:
- You can use the system-wide route through macOS
- Dip into themes
- Use incognito mode
- Lean on a Chrome extension
Themes can get you close to a Dark mode for Chrome, but there’s just nothing officially labeled as a Dark mode. Here are four ways to switch to Dark mode in Chrome.
Enable Dark mode in System Settings
Google Chrome adheres to the Mac’s system settings, so switching to the Dark mode across your system will turn Chrome a bit Darker.
Here’s how to do it:
- In your Mac’s menu bar, click the Apple icon > System Settings.
- Click Appearance.
- Click Dark under the Appearance section.
This will turn your entire macOS system Dark and give Chrome a totally Darker shade:
Enable Dark mode using One Switch
Managing modes with lots of steps is not what I want to do with my workflow. Instead, I prefer One Switch for Mac, the app that quickly and easily manages Dark mode (and other settings) for your Mac.
One Switch lives in your menu bar and has really simple toggles for things like Dark mode, pairing headphones via Bluetooth, turning on night shift, and cleaning up your desktop (hiding and showing files and folders) in a pinch. It’s perfect for those who like Dark mode for Chrome but don’t want their whole system to remain Dark all the time. You can turn on Dark mode in One Switch, use Chrome, and then turn it off when you’re done.
Setting up a Dark mode with Chrome flags
In Chrome, there are flags (settings, really) that can turn tons of features on and off. One of those features is the Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents, which is actually pretty awesome.
To do so:
- In Chrome, type chrome://flags into the URL field and press Return.
- Search for Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents.
- Click Default next to it > Enabled.
- Then relaunch Chrome, and the entire web will be Dark.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Chrome have a Dark mode?” the answer is that it does via flags.
Dark mode Chrome extensions
There are plenty of great Chrome extensions for turning on Dark mode, but we're not always fans of using a Dark mode Chrome extension. They can be gateways for hackers to run code on your device without you knowing it.
Sometimes, extensions can mess with your computer’s memory, and just uninstalling them through Chrome doesn’t always clean up all the extra files they leave behind. That’s where CleanMyMac comes in. It helps you manage your extensions and all the junk that goes along with them. So when you remove an extension, you’re making sure it’s totally gone for good.
If you want to make sure your Mac is safe and sound:
- Install and open CleanMyMac.
- Run Smart Care, so your Mac will be cleaned of junk and suspicious files.
Is Incognito mode a real Dark Mode alternative?
Browsing Chrome in Incognito mode is a quick way to view Dark mode. The window turns Dark, and the toolbar gets that moody gray look that gives your eyes a moment to breathe.
Keep in mind, Incognito mode is really just a way to browse the web without any of your history appearing in Chrome. It doesn’t dim websites or shift text colors. The content you see is still just as bright — white pages, bright visuals. So if you’re hoping for a full Dark experience to ease strain during a late-night scroll, Incognito mode won’t cut it.
Using it each time is cumbersome. You have to go to Chrome > File > New Incognito Window, or the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + N. It’s a bit of a pain, and not advisable for everyday use.
Easy ways to switch Dark mode on Mac
Don't let the hassle of digging through system settings discourage you from using Dark mode. While Chrome doesn't have a proper switch, there are smarter tools that simplify the whole thing.
For instance, One Switch lets you flip Dark mode on and off with a simple menu. No clicking through layers of settings. You can even schedule Dark mode to turn on automatically at sunset if you’re working late.
CleanMyMac isn't just a powerhouse for cleaning junk and speeding up your Mac. The system toggles, including Dark mode, give you quick access to control settings. Both of these tools are available on Setapp, the world’s best suite of apps for your Mac.
You can try both One Switch and CleanMyMac during a seven-day trial of Setapp. In addition to these two apps, you’ll gain unlimited access to Setapp’s 260+ apps with a wide range of uses; I’m sure you’ll love them.
FAQ
How do I turn on Dark mode in Chrome on my Mac?
Chrome doesn’t have its Dark mode switch, but your Mac’s system theme can make it go Dark. Go to System Settings > Appearance, then choose Dark. Chrome’s interface will match. For a quicker switch between modes, use One Switch, which lets you switch to the Dark mode with one click from the menu bar.
How do I use Dark mode on my Mac?
To use Dark mode on my Mac, go to System Settings > Appearance and click Dark. This changes the look of macOS system-wide, including supported apps like Chrome, Safari, Mail, and Finder. You can also set it to Auto to switch between Light and Dark based on the time of day. Alternatively, use One Switch to switch between modes with one click from the menu bar.
How do I force Chrome to Dark mode?
If you want Chrome to display websites in Dark mode, you can get a Chrome extension, change to dark theme on your Mac’s settings, or simply use One Switch to switch between modes from the menu bar.
How do I change Chrome to Dark mode on Apple?
To change Chrome to Dark mode on Mac, you need to change the mode on your entire Mac system. Go to System Settings > Appearance and click Dark. For a more authentic experience, pair that with a Dark theme from the Chrome Web Store or use a Dark mode extension to cover websites too.