
Google Discover offers a tailored selection of articles tailored to your interests, conveniently available within the Google or Chrome app. For those who prefer a darker interface—especially in environments with lower lighting—enabling dark mode can significantly enhance the reading experience. If you’re uncertain about how to make this adjustment, follow our comprehensive guide below to seamlessly switch to dark mode.
Activating Dark Mode for Google Discover in the Google App
The Google Discover feed is integrated into both the Google and Chrome apps, accessible on both Android and iPhone devices. On specific Android devices such as Google Pixel phones, Discover is even more accessible via a simple left swipe on the main screen.
Note that while the Google app lacks a dedicated dark mode feature, you can activate dark mode by adjusting your phone’s theme settings.
For Android Devices
You can easily turn on dark mode on your Android phone using either the Quick Settings panel or the Settings app itself.
For a quick toggle, simply swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.

If you spot a Dark theme toggle, use it to switch modes. If it’s not visible, you might need to tap on the pencil icon to add it to your Quick Settings.
Alternatively, navigate through Settings > Display & touch to find the dark mode option.

Activate the Dark theme toggle and refresh your Google Discover feed to see the changes.

Additionally, you can schedule when dark mode should activate, ensuring your device seamlessly transitions from light to dark. Tap on the Dark theme toggle and then select Schedule to set timings such as Turn on from sunset to sunrise.

For iPhone Users
To enable dark mode on your iPhone, open Settings and select Display & brightness.

From here, toggle to Dark under the Appearance settings.

Now, when you access the Google app, your Discover feed will be displayed in dark mode. To set up a schedule, enable the Automatic option and select either Sunset to Sunrise or create a Custom Schedule.

Enabling Dark Mode for Google Discover via the Chrome App
You can also access your Google Discover feed by opening a new tab in the Chrome app. If you’re on Android, enabling dark mode for Discover directly within the Chrome app is simple.
Just tap the three dots located at the top-right corner of your display, and choose Settings.

Next, click on the Theme option under the Basics category.

Finally, switch to Dark mode.

For iPhone users, ensure that dark mode is enabled system-wide before using the Discover feed in Chrome.
Customizing the Google Discover Search Widget and Icon
While the Google app doesn’t feature an independent dark mode for Google Discover, you can personalize the widget and app icon to match your preferred theme. This widget enables easy access to Google Discover with a tap on the Google icon adjacent to the search bar.
Android Customization
To alter the widget to dark mode, launch the Google app and tap on your profile picture at the upper-right corner.

Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Next, select Customize Search widget.

Choose the Dark option, press the Add button, and confirm by tapping Add to home screen.

Check your home screen for the new dark-themed search bar—this can be applied independently even if the Google Discover app itself is set to light mode.

iPhone Customization
Open the Settings in the Google app on your iPhone and choose the Search widget option.

Proceed to select Widget theme.

Opt for the Dark theme option.

Once added to your iPhone’s home screen, the Google widget will now reflect a dark interface.

As a bonus, you can switch your Google app icon to a darker variant. Navigate through Settings -> Change app icon.

Select the Dark option to finalize the change.

Troubleshooting Dark Mode Issues in Google Discover
If you’re struggling with dark mode not activating in either the Google or Chrome app when viewing Discover, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Toggle your phone’s dark mode off and back on again.
- Close the Google or Chrome app fully and restart it.
- For Chrome, ensure that dark mode is enabled both in the app and at the system level.
- Check for any software updates that might be pending for your device.
- Clear the app cache by navigating to Settings -> Apps -> Google -> Storage & cache on Android. For iPhone users, tap the three dots in the lower-right corner and select Delete Browsing Data.
- If all else fails, try reinstalling the Google or Chrome app to reset settings.
By integrating dark mode, Google Discover can provide you with a more visually comfortable browsing experience, especially in dimly lit environments. For tips on fine-tuning your Google Search for enhanced results, be sure to explore our additional articles.
All images and screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is dark mode available for all Google apps?
Not all Google apps support dark mode natively. However, you can enable system-wide dark mode on your Android or iPhone, which will impact supported apps, including the Google and Chrome apps.
2. Can I customize Google Discover while using dark mode?
Yes! Even though Google Discover doesn’t have a dedicated dark mode option, you can customize the theme of its widget and app icon to reflect your preferences.
3. What should I do if dark mode can’t be enabled?
If dark mode isn’t activating, try rebooting or updating your device, toggling dark mode settings off and on, or clearing your app cache. If problems persist, reinstalling the affected app might help.
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