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How to get dark mode on Snapchat if you don t have app appearance?

How to get dark mode on Snapchat if you don t have app appearance?

Getting dark mode on Snapchat is possible even if you don’t have an option for app appearance settings. There are a few different methods you can try to enable a darker theme in Snapchat to reduce eye strain and battery usage on your device.

Using Android System Settings

If you are using an Android device, you may be able to force Snapchat into dark mode using your system settings. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Tap Display > Advanced.
  3. Toggle on “Dark theme” to enable system-wide dark mode.

Enabling the system dark theme will automatically switch many apps into their dark mode appearance if available, including Snapchat. This will make the backgrounds of Snapchat dark without having a dedicated theme option in the app itself.

Trying a Dark Mode App

Another option is to use a third party dark mode app that can override the appearance of other apps on your device. Here are some top options:

  • Darker – Open source app that allows enabling dark mode for individual apps.
  • Eclipse – Customizable dark mode manager for Android.
  • Dark Mode – Simple app to enable forced dark theme on Android.

To use one of these apps to put Snapchat into dark mode:

  1. Install and open the dark mode app.
  2. Look for Snapchat in the list of apps.
  3. Toggle dark mode on for Snapchat.

The app will overlay a dark theme on top of Snapchat without needing any in-app settings. This gives you an easy way to enable dark mode if it’s not already available.

Using Substratum Theme Manager

Substratum is an advanced theme manager for Android that requires root access. It allows creating complete custom themes for Android, including turning specific apps dark.

To use Substratum to theme Snapchat:

  1. Install Substratum and a compatible theme manager app.
  2. Download a Substratum theme for Snapchat that enables dark mode.
  3. Open the theme manager and apply the Snapchat dark theme.

This will overlay a custom dark style onto Snapchat without changing anything else on your device. The major downside is needing root access and increased complexity compared to other methods.

Using a Snapchat Mod

There are modded versions of Snapchat available that have extra features not in the official app, including built-in dark mode. Popular mods like Snapchat++ and Snapchat Phantom offer dark mode toggles.

To use a modded Snapchat app with dark mode:

  1. Uninstall the official Snapchat app.
  2. Download and install the modded .APK file.
  3. Open the modded Snapchat app.
  4. Enable dark mode by toggling it on in settings.

The main warnings around using modded apps are avoiding installing malware and the risk of bans. Only download reputable mods from trusted sources. Also, using mods violates Snapchat’s terms of service.

Adjusting Your Phone’s Screen Settings

Some Android phones have advanced display settings that let you change the color temperature and tint of the screen. Adjusting these can make Snapchat and other apps appear darker and reduce eye strain.

To adjust your screen settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Display on your phone.
  2. Look for options like “Night Light” or “Reading Mode.”
  3. Enable the setting and adjust the tint to be more reddish.

This makes your whole display warmer, not just Snapchat. But it can create a dark mode effect without changing the actual app. Just know it affects everything on your screen.

Using Samsung’s Auto Night Mode

If using a recent Samsung Galaxy device there is an Auto Night Mode that automatically changes your screen to darker, warmer colors at night:

  1. Go to Settings > Display > Screen mode.
  2. Tap on Auto night mode to enable it.

You can customize what time it activates and how dark the tint is. This will put Snapchat and all other apps into a makeshift dark mode from the set time until morning.

Adjusting Device Themes

Some Android devices from manufacturers like Oppo, Realme, OnePlus and Xiaomi have built-in themes you can use to change the look of the interface and stock apps.

To try applying a darker theme:

  1. Go to Settings > Themes on your device.
  2. Browse the theme options and select a dark or black theme.
  3. Apply it to enable the new look.

This will swap out white/bright backgrounds for darker colors on system screens and first-party apps. Snapchat may also inherit some of the darker shades to create a pseudo-dark mode.

Using a Dark Wallpaper

Setting a dark wallpaper can induce a darker appearance in many apps due to blur effects. The backgrounds of Snapchat will blend into a dark wallpaper for a faux-dark mode effect.

To set a dark wallpaper:

  1. Find a dark wallpaper you like from Wallpaper Apps or Google Images.
  2. Long press on the home screen and select Wallpaper.
  3. Choose the dark wallpaper and set it as home and lock screens.

The color scheme of Snapchat and other apps may shift slightly darker in response to match the wallpaper. This won’t make apps full black, but can mitigate bright white backgrounds.

Enabling Battery Saver

Battery saver modes on Android devices often tint screens darker and restrict background data. This can make Snapchat take on a faint darkened filter.

To enable battery saver:

  1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver.
  2. Toggle on Battery Saver and select options.

You likely won’t get a true dark mode, but Snapchat may dim slightly when battery saver mode is active. Just know it also affects device performance.

Using Android Lens Tools

Certain lens/filter apps for Android can also apply custom overlays and colors to other apps like Snapchat. They work similar to dark mode apps.

Some options to try include:

  • LensX – Open source lens app for screen tinting.
  • ScreenDim – Night Mode – Blue light filter and darkener.
  • Twilight – Night mode and filter app.

After installing one of these apps, you can select Snapchat and use the lens/filter settings to add a dark overlay over it for pseudo-dark mode effect.

Limitations

While these methods can simulate a form of dark mode in Snapchat, there are some limitations to note:

  • No true dark theme for UI elements like the official dark mode.
  • Color accuracy may be affected.
  • Performance impact on some methods that modify system settings.
  • Need to redo steps if updating Snapchat.

The only way to get a full native dark mode is if Snapchat officially releases the feature in an update. But the methods above can get you close until then.

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode for Snapchat is tricky without having an in-app option, but still possible through a few workarounds. System settings, third party apps, mods, screen adjustments, wallpapers, and lens tools can all approximate a dark theme in Snapchat to varying degrees.

Keep in mind performance impacts and visual inaccuracies when applying global changes like system themes. More targeted overlays from dark mode apps or lens tools likely provide the cleanest dark effect for Snapchat specifically.

Hopefully Snapchat themselves will launch a built-in dark mode in the future for the most seamless experience. But in the meantime the methods above should satisfy users who want to reduce eye strain and switch to a darker interface.