Tired of squinting at a blindingly bright screen during your late-night Amazon hunts? That stark white background can be a real strain on your eyes. The good news is that there’s an easy fix to that problem, enabling Amazon Dark Mode.
But how to set Amazon dark mode? To set Amazon Dark Mode, open the Amazon app, tap the menu icon, go to Settings > Display or Appearance, and select the Dark theme. This switches the app to dark mode instantly.
This simple switch is kinder to your eyes, can give your phone’s battery a boost, and frankly, it just looks cooler. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything in dark mode. We’ll show you the simple steps to turn on the dark theme for the Amazon app (on both iPhone and Android), the website on your computer, and even for Prime Video and your Kindle app.
Does Amazon Really Have Dark Mode?
Dark mode has become a popular feature in many apps. It changes the background to a dark color with light text. This can be easier on your eyes, especially in a dark room. Many people want to know if Amazon has this feature.
The answer is yes, but it is a bit complicated. Amazon has been slowly adding dark mode to its different services. The Amazon shopping app for your phone was one of the first to get it. However, the Amazon website that you use on your computer still does not have an official dark mode.
It is also important to know that different Amazon services work differently. The Amazon shopping app, Amazon Prime Video, and the Amazon Kindle app all have their own settings for dark mode. For example, the shopping app needs you to turn on a setting, while Prime Video often has a dark look by default. The Kindle app has special dark mode settings just for reading.
So, while Amazon is catching up with the dark mode trend, how you get it depends on what device and service you are using. The next sections will give you the exact steps for each one.
How to Set Amazon Dark Mode on iPhone (iOS App)
Getting dark mode on the Amazon app for your iPhone is pretty simple. Most of the time, the app will automatically match your iPhone’s system settings. If your whole phone is in dark mode, the Amazon app should be too.
Here is how to set your iPhone to dark mode, which will also change the Amazon app:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings. Look for the gray gear icon on your home screen and tap it.
- Go to “Display & Brightness.” You will need to scroll down a little to find this option. Tap on it.
- Choose “Dark.” At the top of the screen, you will see two options: “Light” and “Dark.” Tap on “Dark” to switch your entire phone to dark mode.
Once you do this, open the Amazon app. It should now have a dark background.
Notes on iOS System-Wide Dark Mode:
The great thing about iPhones is that this one setting can change many of your apps to dark mode at once. This is called a system-wide setting. The Amazon app is built to follow this rule, so you do not have to find a separate switch inside the app itself.
Troubleshooting:
- Update your app: If the dark mode is not working, make sure you have the latest version of the Amazon app from the App Store.
- Check your iOS version: This feature works best on newer versions of iOS (iOS 13 and later). If your phone is very old, you might not be able to use dark mode.
- A different way for some iPhones: Some users have found another way to turn on dark mode just for the Amazon app. You can go to Settings > Accessibility > Per-App Settings, add the Amazon app, and then choose “Smart Invert.” This can be a good option if you do not want your whole phone to be in dark mode.
The easiest way is to use your iPhone’s main dark mode setting. It is a simple and quick way to make your late-night shopping easier on your eyes.
How to Set Amazon Dark Mode on Android App
Just like with the iPhone, getting dark mode on the Amazon app for your Android phone is easy. The app is designed to follow your phone’s main settings. If you set your Android phone to dark theme, the Amazon app will usually follow along.
Here is a simple guide to turn on dark mode for the Amazon app on Android:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open the Amazon app on your Android phone.
- Tap the menu icon. This is usually three horizontal lines in the corner of the screen.
- Find “Settings.” You will likely need to scroll down the menu to see this. Tap on it.
- Look for “Display” or “Appearance.” Inside settings, you should see an option to change how the app looks.
- Choose the “Dark” theme. You will see options for light and dark themes. Select “Dark” to make the change.
Syncing with Your System's Dark Theme:
For phones with Android 10 or newer, you can set a system-wide dark theme. The Amazon app will then change automatically. To do this, go to your phone’s Settings > Display and turn on the “Dark theme” option.
Troubleshooting:
- Update the app: If you cannot find the dark mode setting, your app might be old. Go to the Google Play Store and update the Amazon app.
- Clear the cache: Sometimes, old data can cause problems. You can try clearing the app’s cache in your phone’s settings under “Apps.”
- Force dark mode: If the setting still does not appear, some Android phones have a “Force dark mode” option in the “Developer options.” This can make apps that do not have a dark mode turn dark.
How to Enable Amazon Dark Mode on the Website (Desktop)
When you are shopping on your computer, you might want a dark mode for the Amazon website. Unfortunately, Amazon does not have an official dark mode for its website yet. But do not worry, there are still ways to get a dark theme.
Here are a few workarounds to make the Amazon website dark on your desktop computer:
1. Browser Extensions:
This is the easiest and most popular way. Browser extensions are small programs you can add to your web browser to give it new features. There are several extensions made specifically for creating a dark mode on websites.
- Dark Reader: This is one of the most well-known extensions. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It does a great job of turning any website dark, including Amazon.
- Midnight Lizard: This is another great option that gives you a lot of control over the colors. You can choose different dark themes to find the one you like best.
- Turn Off the Lights: While this extension is mainly for watching videos, it also has a “Night Mode” feature that can make websites dark.
How to Use an Extension:
- Go to your browser’s extension store (like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons).
- Search for the extension you want, for example, “Dark Reader.”
- Click “Add to [Your Browser]” and follow the instructions.
- Once it is installed, go to the Amazon website, and it should automatically be in dark mode.
Extension Comparison:
| Extension | Price | Customization |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Reader | Free (donations accepted | High |
| Midnight Lizard | Free | High |
| Turn Off the Lights | Free | Medium |
2. Browser's Built-In Dark Mode:
Some web browsers, like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, have an experimental feature to force dark mode on all websites.
- For Chrome: Type chrome://flags in the address bar, search for “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents,” and enable it.
- For Edge: The steps are very similar. Type edge://flags and search for the same setting.
This method can sometimes make websites look a little strange because it is not a perfect solution. Pictures might look inverted, or some text might be hard to read.
3. CSS Tweaks for Developers:
If you know a little bit about coding, you can use browser extensions like Stylus to apply your own dark theme using CSS. This gives you the most control but is also the most complicated method.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. For most people, a browser extension like Dark Reader is the best and simplest choice. It gives you a great dark mode experience on Amazon’s website with just a few clicks.
How Dark Mode Helps Your Battery
If your phone has an OLED or AMOLED screen, using dark mode can help your battery last longer.
These screens do not use power to show black pixels. Since dark mode has a lot of black, your screen uses less energy. This is a great bonus for shopping on the go.
Using dark mode on your phone isn’t just about style or reducing eye strain — it can also extend your battery life, especially if your device features an OLED or AMOLED screen. Here’s how it works:
Power-Saving Technology: OLED and AMOLED screens light up individual pixels, meaning black pixels are essentially “off” and don’t draw power. When you switch to dark mode, your screen uses less energy because more pixels are black or dark, reducing overall power consumption.
Optimized for Longer Use: If you’re someone who’s always on the go, whether for work or leisure, using dark mode while browsing, shopping, or scrolling through apps can be a game-changer. It helps preserve your battery for longer stretches of use, letting you keep up with your day without constantly needing to recharge.
Battery Efficiency: Depending on your screen brightness and usage patterns, switching to dark mode could give your phone a significant boost in battery longevity, especially during those long, busy days when you’re relying on your device.
Amazon Prime Video vs. Amazon Shopping App
When we talk about “Amazon,” it is important to remember that it is not just one thing. Amazon has many different apps and services, and they do not all look or work the same way.
This is especially true when it comes to dark mode. Let’s compare the Amazon Shopping app, Prime Video, and the Kindle app.
Amazon Prime Video:
If you have ever used Prime Video to watch movies or TV shows, you have probably noticed that it already has a dark look. The Prime Video app and website have a built-in dark interface by default. This is because a dark background is better for watching videos, as it makes the picture stand out and is easier on your eyes in a dark room. You do not need to turn on any special settings to get this dark theme.
Amazon Shopping App:
The Amazon Shopping app is different. Its default look is the bright white theme. To get dark mode, you need to go into the app’s settings and turn it on, or set your phone’s system to dark mode. This gives you the choice to use whichever theme you prefer for shopping.
Amazon Kindle App:
The Kindle app is unique because it has two different dark modes. First, there is a dark mode for the app itself. This changes the menus and your library to a dark theme. You can turn this on in the app’s settings.
Second, and more importantly, there is a dark mode for when you are reading a book. When you are reading, you can tap the “Aa” icon and choose a black background with white text. This is very popular for reading at night because it reduces glare.
Understanding these differences helps you know what to expect from each of Amazon’s services. Prime Video is dark from the start, the Shopping app lets you choose, and the Kindle app gives you dark mode for both browsing your library and reading your books.
Troubleshooting & Limitations
Sometimes, getting dark mode to work on Amazon can be tricky. If you are having trouble, here are some common problems and how to fix them.
When Dark Mode Doesn't Appear:
- Outdated App: The most common reason for dark mode not working is an old version of the Amazon app. Go to the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android) and check for updates.
- OS Compatibility: Dark mode features often need a newer operating system. For iPhones, you need iOS 13 or later. For Android, you need Android 10 or newer for the best experience.
- Check Your Settings: Double-check that you have enabled dark mode correctly, either in the app’s settings or in your phone’s main display settings.
Region-Based Rollout:
Sometimes, new features like dark mode are released in some countries before others. If you have tried everything and still do not see the option, it might not be available in your region yet. In this case, you may have to wait for a future update.
Extensions Conflicting with Amazon:
If you are using a browser extension for dark mode on the Amazon website, it might sometimes have problems. Amazon’s website is very complex, and updates to the site can break the extension. If this happens, try updating the extension or temporarily disabling it to see if that fixes the issue.
Accessibility Tips:
Dark mode is a great accessibility feature, but you can make it even better.
- Adjust Font Size: In your phone’s settings, you can make the text bigger or smaller. Combining a larger font size with dark mode can make reading product descriptions much easier.
- Increase Contrast: Some phones have an option to increase contrast. This can make the light text on a dark background even easier to see.
By checking these common issues, you can usually get your Amazon dark mode working smoothly. Remember that technology is always changing, so keeping your apps and phone updated is the best way to enjoy the latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about getting Amazon to go dark? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the simple, straightforward answers you’re looking for.
No, the official Amazon website does not have a built-in dark mode for PC. However, you can easily get a dark theme by using a free browser extension like Dark Reader or Midnight Lizard. These extensions work with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge to make the website dark.
Yes, there is! Amazon Prime Video uses a dark interface by default on its app and website. This is to make the viewing experience better, especially in low-light conditions. You do not need to turn on any special settings for it.
There could be a few reasons for this. First, make sure your Amazon app is updated to the latest version. Second, check if your phone’s operating system is up to date, as this feature works best on newer versions of iOS and Android. Finally, remember that the setting might be in your phone’s main display settings, not inside the Amazon app itself, as the app often syncs with your system’s theme.
Yes, it can save battery life, but only if your phone has an OLED or AMOLED screen. These screens turn off pixels to create black, using less power. On standard LCD screens, the battery savings are very small.
First, try updating the app and your phone’s operating system. If that doesn’t work, restarting your phone can solve simple glitches. For website issues, try updating or reinstalling your browser extension.
You cannot schedule it inside the Amazon app itself. However, you can schedule your phone’s system-wide dark mode to turn on at sunset or a specific time, and the Amazon app will change with it automatically.
Yes, it can, but it depends on your phone’s screen. If your phone has an OLED or AMOLED screen, dark mode can save a significant amount of battery. This is because these screens turn off the pixels to create black, which uses less power. If your phone has an LCD screen, the battery savings will be very small.
Final Takeaways
So, there you have it! Getting dark mode on Amazon is possible, but the method changes depending on whether you are using a phone, a computer, or a specific Amazon service.
To recap, the Amazon shopping app for both iPhone and Android has a dark mode that usually follows your phone’s system settings. Prime Video already has a dark look by default, and the Kindle app offers dark mode for both its menus and for reading books. For the Amazon website on your desktop, browser extensions are your best friends.
We encourage you to try out dark mode for a more comfortable shopping and streaming experience. It can reduce eye strain, make your battery last longer, and give your apps a cool, modern look.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and family. And be sure to check out our other guides on how to set Amazon dark mode for other popular apps.
