How to Schedule Dark Mode to Activate at Sunset on Android

Dark mode was introduced as a native feature in Android 10, with Google allowing users to easily turn the feature on and off from their device’s Settings. Some phone models, though, have taken the feature to the next level.

Pixels, as well as some Samsung smartphones and devices running Android 11, now allow users to schedule when dark mode comes into effect. This means you could set the mode to turn on automatically at sunset and then disable at the first sign of dawn in the morning.

Alternatively, owners of devices running Android 10 can also take advantage of this functionality, although activating the scheduling mode is a bit more elaborate in this case. This article shows you how you can take advantage of this handy option if you have a smartphone with Android 10 and above.

Also read:How to Enable Dark Mode for All Apps on Android

How to Schedule Dark Mode on a Pixel Phone

The option to schedule dark mode has been around on the Pixel since Android 10. To turn on the option, you will need to access Settings on your phone.

1. Tap on Display.

2. Select Dark theme.

3.Tap Schedule.

4. There are two options here. The first, “Turns on at custom time,” allows you to select the start and end time dark theme will be in effect. The second option is “Turns on from sunset to sunrise.” It works without the need for you to select the exact hours.

If you feel like you want to turn on dark mode ahead of schedule, there’s an easy way to do that. Add the Dark theme to your phone’s Quick Action tiles.

1. Pull down the Notification shade and tap on the pen icon in the left corner.

2. The action will reveal an extended list of Quick Action tiles.

3. Scroll down until you find the “Hold and Drag to Add Tiles” section. You should be able to see the “Dark theme” tile.

4. Drag and drop it in the upper part of the screen.

5. Next, tap the back arrow in the top left. You should be able to see your “Dark theme” toggle in Quick Action.

If you need dark mode before sunset, turn it on (and then off again) to enable or disable it.

How to Set Up Dark Mode Scheduling on a Samsung Device

With Samsung phones, you need to have a device running One UI 2 and up to be able to schedule dark mode.

1. Open Settings on your Samsung device.

2. Go to “Display -> Dark mode” settings.

3. Toggle on the “Turn on as scheduled” option.

4. Select one of the two options available for you. The first one instructs your device to switch to dark mode from sunset to sunrise, while the second one lets you set up a custom schedule. This is similar to what the Pixels offer.

How to Schedule Dark Mode an any Device with Android 10

What if you don’t have a Pixel, Samsung, or device running Android 11? You can still set up dark mode scheduling, although you’ll need a few things to be able to do so:

• The number one requirement is to have a device running Android 10.
• Get the Automatic Dark Theme for Android 10 app from the Google Play Store.
• Set up ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your computer.

You need to install ADB on your PC before getting started with this tutorial. For instructions on installing ADB, check out our previous article which explains the process in detail.

Once ADB is all set up, it’s time to connect your smartphone with your PC via a USB cable. You should have USB debugging enabled on your Android; change the USB mode to “File transfer.” (Note that not all OMEs require this.) Now you are ready to proceed.

1. Open the Automatic Dark Theme for Android 10 app on your phone.

2. On your PC, open a Command Prompt window. To do so, navigate to the “platform-tools” directory on your computer. Next, hold Shift while right-clicking within the folder. Select the “Open command window here” option or “Open Powershell window here.”

3. Run the following commands (dependent on the option that shows up):

Windows 10 Command Prompt:

adb shell pm grant com.cannic.apps.automaticdarktheme android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

Windows 10 PowerShell:

.\adb shell pm grant com.cannic.apps.automaticdarktheme android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

4. Go back to the app and enable it by toggling on the option at top. Next, set the time you want the dark theme to go into effect. You can opt for the “Sunrise and sunset” option.

Dark mode is a handy tool when it comes to saving precious battery life on your device. If you’re looking for more tips on how you can conserve your phone’s juice, then perhaps you’d like to learn how to stop Android apps running in the background. Alternatively, check out our list of top apps that notify you when your Android battery is full.