Facebook has started publicly testing dark mode for both its iOS and Android apps. However, only a select number of users can currently access the feature.
The Facebook App Finally Goes Dark
Facebook has already rolled out dark mode for its desktop site and has even added a dark mode to Messenger. Dark mode was also made available on WhatsApp in March 2020.
That said, it’s about time that Facebook adds the luxury of a nighttime-friendly interface to its app.
App researcher, Jane Manchun Wong, discovered that dark mode is coming to the Facebook app. She announced her findings in a Tweet.
Facebook is publicly testing Dark Mode! 🌙
You asked it, I chatted with Facebook’s @alexvoica about it and here’s a video made in collaboration with Facebook! pic.twitter.com/TGjdTXDxoP
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) October 30, 2020
Wong confirmed the test with Alexandru Voica, Facebook’s communications manager. She also included a video made in collaboration with Facebook that shows off the app’s darker look.
Unfortunately, not every user has access to the dark mode test, and there’s no word on which users get the feature first—it seems to be rolled out at random.
How to Enable Dark Mode on the Facebook App
The only way to find out if you have access to dark mode on the Facebook app is to try to enable it. To see if you can turn on the feature, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Ensure that you have the latest version of Facebook installed.
- Click the three bars in the top right corner of the screen.
- Head to Settings & Privacy.
- Tap on Dark Mode.
If you’re part of the dark mode test, you’ll see Dark Mode listed under the Settings & Privacy page. You’ll find this button between Your Time on Facebook and App Language.
Upon selecting Dark Mode, you’ll be presented with a few options. The app gives you the option to turn dark mode on or off at any time.
You also have the option of having Facebook automatically turn dark mode on/off based on your phone’s settings. In other words, when your phone goes dark, so does the Facebook app.
And if you don’t see dark mode listed just yet, you (hopefully) won’t have to wait much longer. The feature will likely roll out to all users in the coming weeks or months, which means you’ll be able to enjoy dark mode very soon.
It’s Better Late Than Never
Facebook already released dark mode for its desktop site, Messenger, Facebook Lite, and WhatsApp, so it’s a bit confusing as to why the tech giant waited so long to add it to the Facebook app. After all, even the Facebook-owned Instagram has a dark mode.
But despite the long wait, at least the feature is actually coming to the Facebook app.