How to Add Dark Mode to Your WordPress Website (Easy Way)

Adding dark mode to WordPress websites has become a hot topic among our readers. 🌙

It’s not just about following trends. Research shows that dark mode can reduce eye strain for nighttime readers and potentially save battery life on mobile devices.

While many site owners assume it requires technical expertise, modern WordPress tools have made it much more accessible.💡

In this guide, we’ll share our proven way to add dark mode in WordPress. We’ve tested this solution across various themes and setups to ensure it’s reliable and easy to add.

Why Add Dark Mode to Your WordPress Website?

Adding dark mode to your WordPress website gives visitors another way to view your content, especially in low-light environments.

Many people prefer dark mode because it can make reading more comfortable at night and reduce the amount of bright light coming from their screens.

It’s also a popular feature on mobile devices, apps, and websites, making it a familiar experience for users. Here are some of the biggest benefits of adding dark mode to WordPress:

• Improve reading comfort: Dark backgrounds can be easier on the eyes, especially in dimly lit environments.
• Enhance accessibility: Dark mode provides an alternative viewing option for users with light sensitivity or certain visual impairments.
• Meet user preferences: Many visitors already use dark mode on their phones, tablets, and computers.
• Create a modern experience: Offering both light and dark modes gives users more control over how they browse your website.
• Potentially save battery life: On some devices with OLED screens, dark mode can reduce power consumption.

By adding a dark mode toggle to your website, visitors can switch between light and dark themes whenever they want without relying on browser extensions or device settings.

You can even enable dark mode in the WordPress admin area, which can make managing your website more comfortable during late-night work sessions.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to add dark mode to your WordPress website.

Tip: Want to use a dark color scheme, even when the visitor’s device is in normal or daytime mode? Then check out our list of the best dark themes for WordPress.

How to Add Dark Mode to Your WordPress Website

The easiest way to create a dark mode for your website is by using WP Dark Mode.

It is best for beginners and busy site owners who want to add a professional dark mode toggle without touching a single line of code. Its intuitive settings and automatic implementation make it exceptionally user-friendly.

You can learn more about it in our detailed WP Dark Mode review.

First, you’ll need to install and activate the free WP Dark Mode plugin. For more details, please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

Upon activation, visit the WP Dark Mode » Settings page from the WordPress dashboard and toggle the ‘Enable Frontend Dark Mode’ switch to ‘ON.’

Once you do that, you can also choose a default mode for your website frontend using the options provided, such as a dropdown or radio buttons.

After that, click the ‘Save Changes’ button to store your settings.

Next, switch to the ‘Customization’ tab to customize the switch layout, size, and position.

You can also change the color of the dark mode switch, but you will need the pro version of the plugin for that.

Once you are done, just click the ‘Save Changes’ button to store your settings. Now, visit your WordPress site to see the dark mode toggle in action.

You can also visit your website on your mobile or tablet. This lets you see that the dark mode works on mobile devices, too

Adding Dark Mode to Your WordPress Admin Area

You can change the admin color scheme in WordPress using the built-in settings. However, none of the default color schemes reduces the white light coming from the screen.

If you work late into the evening or suffer from eye strain, you can try adding dark mode to the WordPress admin area and the block editor.

To do that, visit the WP Dark Mode » Settings page and switch to the ‘Admin Panel Dark Mode’ tab from the left column.

Here, toggle the switch for the ‘Enable Admin Dashboard Dark Mode’ option to ‘ON’ and click the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Once you do that, you will notice that the dark mode switch has been at the top of your WordPress dashboard.

From here, you can toggle the switch to activate this mode whenever you like.

If you want to add a dark mode for the block editor as well, then you must toggle the ‘Block Editor Dark Mode’ switch to ‘ON’.

Then, click the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Now open a page or post in the content editor. You will notice a dark mode icon at the top. Click on it to open the dropdown menu and select the ‘Dark Mode’ option.

This is how your block editor will look in dark mode.

Video Tutorial

If you don’t like written instructions, then take a look at our video tutorial:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Mode in WordPress

Here are some questions that our readers have frequently asked before enabling dark mode in WordPress:

Does WordPress have night mode?

No, WordPress does not have a built-in night mode feature for the front end of your website. To add this functionality, you need to use a plugin like WP Dark Mode or install a specific dark theme.

How to change theme into dark mode?

The easiest way to change your current theme into dark mode is by installing a plugin that adds a toggle switch. Alternatively, you can navigate to Appearance » Themes and activate a theme that is designed with a dark color scheme.

What are the disadvantages of dark mode?

The main disadvantage is that dark mode can be difficult to read in bright, sunny environments. Additionally, standard logos or transparent images with dark elements may disappear or look distorted against a dark background.

Which color mode is best for eyes?

Dark mode is typically best for your eyes in low-light conditions because it reduces glare and screen flicker. However, light mode is often better for readability and text comprehension during the day or in well-lit rooms.

Can I customize the dark mode colors for my website’s content?

Yes, the WP Dark Mode Pro version offers extensive customization options, including multiple dark mode styles, custom CSS, and image/video dark mode features. This allows you to fine-tune the color scheme for your entire website content, not just the toggle switch, to match your brand.

What are some alternative dark mode plugins for WordPress?

While WP Dark Mode is highly recommended for its ease of use, other popular options include Dark Mode by WPPOOL (formerly Droit Dark Mode), Darklup Lite, and Go Dark. Each offers varying features for implementing dark mode on your WordPress site.

What percent of people use dark mode?

Studies indicate that a significant percentage of mobile users utilize or prefer dark mode on their devices. Supporting this mode on your website caters to a large segment of user preferences.

Is dark theme healthier for eyes?

Yes, a dark theme can be healthier for your eyes as it minimizes exposure to harsh blue light. This reduction in blue light can help prevent digital eye strain and may improve sleep quality if you use devices late at night.

We hope this article helped you learn how to add dark mode to your WordPress website. You may also want to see our guide on how to choose a perfect color scheme for your WordPress site or see our expert picks for the best WordPress theme builders to customize your site.

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