Google Docs has a fresh, dark new look on iPhone – and you can try it now

Google Docs
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Whether you're interested in saving your eyes or saving your phone's battery, there's a lot to love about dark modes in apps. Google is well aware of the popularity of darker hues and has been gradually rolling out the option to many of its apps and services.

Earlier in the year, it was G Suite users who were treated to the arrival of a dark theme. On Android, the option landed in Google Docs, Google Sheets and Slides – and now iOS users are getting the same treatment.

It was back in July that Google started to roll out a dark theme for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android, and this process is now complete. For Android users, these apps will now respect system-wide dark mode settings, but can also be manually configured to use dark mode.

Google says of the option: "Dark theme will intelligently adjust the product interface and user-generated content in ways that can make it more usable in low-light environments and save battery life."

Google Docs dark mode on iPhone

(Image credit: Google)

Dial up the darkness

Now, with little fanfare, Google is bringing the same dark theme to Docs, Sheets and Slides on iOS. Just as on Android, the dark option can be enabled manually, but it will also be automatically enabled if dark mode is selected in iOS itself.

To take advantage of the dark theme, you'll first have to make sure you have installed the latest versions of Google Docs, Sheets and Slides from the App Store. You can change the theme manually by heading to 'Menu > Settings > Theme'.

Google also shares a tip for checking how documents will look for collaborators and viewers who are using the light these. Just click the three-dot 'More' menu and toggle the 'View in light theme' option. 

Via Android Central

Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson
Freelance writer

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.


Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.


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