How to Turn On Dark Mode in X (Twitter)

This guide shows you how to switch X (formerly Twitter) to dark mode on both mobile and desktop. You’ll learn the exact menu paths, the difference between the two dark themes, and how to fix it if the setting doesn’t stick.

What You’ll Need

• An X account (you must be logged in to change appearance settings)
• The X app (iOS or Android) or a web browser on your computer

Step-by-Step

On the X Mobile App (iPhone & Android)

1. Open the X app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This opens the side navigation menu.
2. Tap Settings and privacy at the bottom of the menu.
3. In the Settings menu, tap Display and languages.
4. Tap Display.
5. Under the Dark mode section, you’ll see two options: Dim and Lights out. Choose one:
   • Dim – a softer, dark gray background that’s easier on the eyes in low light.
   • Lights out – a pure black background, ideal for OLED screens and battery saving.
6. Tap your chosen option. The change applies immediately.

On the X Website (Desktop)

1. Go to x.com and log in to your account.
2. Click More in the left-hand navigation menu (the three-dot icon at the bottom of the menu).
3. Click Settings and privacy.
4. Click Accessibility, display and languages.
5. Click Display.
6. Under Dark mode, select either Dim or Lights out.
7. The theme changes instantly. You can also toggle Default to dark mode if you want the app to always open in dark mode, regardless of your device’s system setting.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing the wrong menu – On the app, it’s under “Display and languages” then “Display”. On the web, it’s under “Accessibility, display and languages” then “Display”. Don’t tap “Accessibility” alone.
• Confusing “Dim” with “Lights out” – Dim is a dark gray, not pure black. If you want true black, select “Lights out”.
• Not being logged in – You must be logged into your X account to see the Display settings. Guest mode doesn’t allow theme changes.
• Forgetting to update the app – Older versions of the X app may have a different menu structure. If you can’t find the option, update the app first.

Tips

• Use system default – If you enable “Default to dark mode” (on web) or set your phone’s system theme to dark, X will automatically switch to dark mode when your device does. This is handy for automatic day/night switching.
• Battery saving – On OLED screens (most modern phones), “Lights out” (pure black) uses less battery than “Dim” because black pixels are turned off.
• Quick toggle on web – On the desktop website, you can also click your profile icon in the bottom-left, then click the moon/sun icon to cycle between light, dim, and lights out themes without going into settings.
• Keyboard shortcut on web – Press Shift + D on the X website to quickly toggle between light and dark mode.

Troubleshooting

• Dark mode won’t turn on – If you select dark mode but nothing changes, try logging out and back in, or clearing your browser cache (web) or force-closing the app (mobile). If the issue persists, update the app or browser.
• Dark mode turns off by itself – This usually happens when “Default to dark mode” is off and your device’s system theme is set to light. Enable “Default to dark mode” in the Display settings to force dark mode regardless of system settings.
• Only part of the screen is dark – Some third-party widgets or browser extensions can override X’s theme. Disable any dark-mode extensions or browser themes that might interfere.
• Can’t find the Display option – If your app version is very old, the menu may be different. Update the X app from your app store. On the web, make sure you’re on x.com, not the old Twitter.com (though the old site may still work, it’s being phased out).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Dim and Lights out?

Dim is a dark gray background (#15202B), while Lights out is pure black (#000000). Lights out is better for OLED screens and battery life, but some people find Dim less harsh on the eyes.

Does dark mode save battery on my phone?

Yes, especially on OLED screens. With pure black pixels, the screen turns off those pixels, saving battery. On LCD screens, the savings are minimal.

Can I set dark mode to turn on automatically at night?

Yes, if you set your phone’s system theme to “Automatic” (sunset to sunrise) and enable “Default to dark mode” in X’s Display settings, X will follow your system’s schedule.

Why is my X app still light after I selected dark mode?

This can happen if the app hasn’t fully restarted. Force-close the app and reopen it. Also check that you haven’t accidentally selected “Dim” and are expecting “Lights out” – the change is subtle.

Does dark mode work on the web version?

Yes, the web version at x.com supports both Dim and Lights out. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + D to toggle quickly.

Will my dark mode setting sync across devices?

Yes, the setting is tied to your account, so if you enable dark mode on your phone, it will also be dark when you log in on another device or the web.

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