WhatsApp dark mode is almost ready, and could become available for beta testing any day now, but we already have a good idea how it will look and behave. So what exactly is it, and why is it a big deal?
WhatsApp dark mode is a new design for the messaging app, which will swap its current palette of light gray and green for shades of black, teal and midnight blue. It won't replace the current look completely, but will be available as an option for anyone who wants to use it.
Since the launch of Android 10 and iOS 13, both of which feature their own system-wide dark modes, developers have been rushing to create dark versions of their apps. Google Chrome, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter all have smart dark options available, but so far WhatsApp has remained pale and interesting. That all looks likely to change, though.
If you want to be the first to try dark mode for WhatsApp when it arrives, we recommend joining the beta program so you'll be able to test it before it rolls out worldwide. If you use an Android device, you can sign up and download the beta through the Google Play Store.
The beta program for iOS is currently full, but it could re-open at any time. If it does, you'll need to install TestFlight on your device, then sign up to join the program.
What WhatsApp dark mode will look like
According to WABetaInfo, which specializes in dissecting WhatsApp beta releases, there will be not one, but two WhatsApp dark modes to choose from.
Exploring the WhatsApp beta's install files reveals various assets labelled 'night mode', including these new black and dark teal message bubbles
You can't switch to WhatsApp dark mode yet (even if you're part of the beta program), but trawling through the app's installation files reveals various icons, wallpapers and other goodies that will be used when it's eventually released.
It originally looked like the new color scheme would be mainly dark blue/green rather than black or gray. Now, however, it seems the designers have switched tack slightly, and are now developing two different dark modes: one with a dark gray/blue background, and another with black.
It's possible that the black version is specifically optimized for AMOLED screens. Black pixels on these screens are actually turned off, which uses less power.
Two new dark wallpapers for WhatsApp
The app's splash screen is also expected to be darkened, which will avoid the problem some apps have where a person using dark mode is startled by an unexpected burst of white light.
WhatsApp's sticker and emoji menus have been updated with dark backgrounds, and developers have been hard at work adapting the app's signature message bubbles with a new look that will be used for both dark modes. There are also new wallpapers for both WhatsApp dark modes.
The app's install files include several new icons designed to stand out against darker backgrounds
How to activate WhatsApp dark mode
When WhatsApp dark mode finally arrives, it's likely that there will be several ways to activate it.
Most apps offer three options: light mode, dark mode, and system default. The first two options are pretty self-explanatory, and the third one means that if you have your phone set to light or dark mode, the app will respect that preference. This option might only work with phones running iOS 13 or Android 10.
It also looks like WhatsApp dark mode will activate automatically when you switch on your phone's power-saving mode. This makes a lot of sense, and is sometime we'd like to see other apps embrace.
When WhatsApp dark mode is coming
We don't yet know; WhatsApp's developers don't appear to be in any hurry to complete and release the app's dark modes, and have yet to reveal when the option will become available. It's possible that it might arrive in a major update at the same time as self-destructing messages, which will be deleted automatically after a certain period of time.
Based on leaked screengrabs, it looks as though you'll be able to set messages to be erased after a period between five minutes and an hour. Rival messaging apps Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Signal already offer a similar feature, so it's an overdue addition to WhatsApp.
Beta releases have also revealed a new option that will allow you to completely hide updates from muted contacts. Currently, if you mute a contact, their updates will appear grayed out, but still visible. When the new update rolls out, you'll be able to hide them fully, and only see them if you choose to.
When WhatsApp finally receives its dark makeover, we'll provide full instructions explaining how to activate it and start messaging in style.
Other ways to extend battery life in WhatsApp
One of the main reasons you might want to try dark mode for WhatsApp is to extend battery life, but there are other ways to make the app less power-hungry until the setting becomes available.
Enter the app's settings, select 'Chats' and tap 'Wallpaper', then choose 'Solid color' and select something darker than the standard pale gray background. This won't change the color of the message bubbles, menus and other interface elements, but Google's research has found that black pixels drain substantially less power than other colors.
It's not the same as an actual dark mode, but switching to a black wallpaper can help save a little battery life when you're using WhatsApp
By default, WhatsApp will download a lot of files in the background, which can really drain your phone's battery, so you can also conserve power by opening WhatsApp's settings and selecting 'Data and storage usage'.
Here. you can choose when media should be downloaded (when you're using mobile data, when you're connected to Wi-Fi, and when you're roaming). If you turn these off, videos and images sent in messages will only be downloaded when you tap them.
Activating your phone's own power-saving mode is another way to make it last longer between charges. Depending on which setting you choose, this may turn down the brightness of your screen, stop apps sending and receiving data when they run in the background, and limit CPU speed. It's up to you whether you're willing to take the performance hit in order to extend your battery life.
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