Introduction:
WhatsApp has finally introduced the long-awaited dark mode feature for Android beta users. The feature has been made available exclusively to Android beta users, and there has been no official rollout yet. However, users can access it on any device by signing up for the beta program. This article will discuss enabling dark mode on WhatsApp for Android beta users.
How to Enable Dark Mode on WhatsApp:
To access the dark theme feature on WhatsApp, a user needs to update their WhatsApp version to the 2.20.13 Android beta update. While the feature can be accessed through previous updates, WhatsApp enables features in the latest updates as they do not contain bugs and offer improvements. If a user cannot access the feature despite updating to the recent version of WhatsApp, they must back up their chat history and reinstall WhatsApp. Users have to wait for the official rollout if the feature is still unavailable despite the reinstallation.
Following are the steps to enable dark mode on your device:
- Open the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to Settings by tapping on the three-dot menu on WhatsApp.
- Upon tapping on Settings, choose Chats, and there you will get an option to pick the theme from Dark, Light, and System Default.
- Select Dark to enter the dark mode.
- You can return to the normal mode by following the same procedure and selecting Light instead of Dark.
Advantages of Using Dark Mode:
Reduces Eye Strain:
Dark mode reduces eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. The bright screen of smartphones can cause eye strain, leading to headaches, fatigue, and other eye problems. By using dark mode, users can reduce the amount of blue light emitted by their devices, which can help prevent eye strain and improve sleep quality.
Saves Battery Life:
The dark mode also helps save the phone’s battery life, using less energy than the usual bright mode. When users enable dark mode on their smartphones, the screen displays fewer bright pixels, which means that the phone’s battery has to work less to light up the screen. As a result, users can use their smartphones longer without worrying about battery life.
Improves Readability:
The dark mode also improves readability, especially in low-light conditions. The high contrast between text and background makes reading text on the screen easier. Moreover, dark mode is also beneficial for people with visual impairments, as it reduces glare and makes reading text on the screen easier.
Reduces Blue Light Exposure:
Exposure to blue light can cause eye strain, headaches, and sleep disturbances. The blue light emitted by the smartphone’s screen can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. By using dark mode, users can reduce their exposure to blue light, which can help improve their sleep quality.
Reduces Light Pollution:
Light pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, as it can cause various health problems, including sleep disturbances, obesity, and depression. By using dark mode, users can reduce the amount of light pollution emitted by their devices, which can help improve their health and well-being.
Potential Disadvantages of Dark Mode:
While dark mode offers several benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages.
- Reduced Color Accuracy: The colors displayed on the screen may not be as accurate in dark and bright modes. This is because the contrast between the text and the background is higher in dark mode, which can affect the user’s color perception. While this may not concern most users, it can be an issue for professionals who require color accuracy, such as graphic designers and photographers.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Dark mode may not suit everyone, as some users may find it difficult to read text on a dark background. This can be particularly true for people with certain visual impairments or color blindness. In such cases, it is recommended to switch back to bright mode.
- App Compatibility: Not all apps are compatible with dark mode. While WhatsApp has made it available for Android beta users, several apps still do not support dark mode. As a result, users may have to switch back to the bright mode when using such apps, which can be inconvenient.
- Not Supported on All Devices: Dark mode may not be supported on all devices. Older devices may not have the hardware or software capabilities to support dark mode. As a result, users may have to upgrade their devices to use dark mode, which can be costly.
Conclusion:
The dark mode is a feature that smartphone users have eagerly awaited, and WhatsApp has finally made it available to Android beta users. The feature offers several benefits, including reduced eye strain, improved readability, and reduced exposure to blue light. Moreover, the dark mode also helps save the phone’s battery life and reduce light pollution. While there has been no official rollout of the feature, users can access it by signing up for the beta program. By enabling dark mode on their smartphones, users can enjoy a better user experience and improve their health and well-being.