Contents
- For iOS and Android Users
- Alternative Mobile Method
- Pro Tip: Sync with Your Device Settings
- Benefits of Dark Mode in Messenger
- Activating Dark Mode on Desktop
- Turn Dark Mode On or Off on Messenger
- On a Computer:
- On an Android Device:
- On iPhone/iPad:
- Alternative Method (If Dark Mode Toggle is Not Visible)
- How to Disable Dark Mode
- What are the Benefits of using Dark Mode?
- What are the downsides of using Dark Mode?
- Can I edit the messages I sent on Messenger?
- Can I change the color of my messages on Messenger?
- Can I change the color of Active status on Messenger?
- Share this:
Quick answer: Current versions of Messenger no longer have a separate in-app dark-mode switch — Messenger follows your device’s system theme. Turn on dark mode for your phone (iPhone: Settings → Display & Brightness → Dark; Android: Settings → Display → Dark theme) and Messenger switches automatically. If your app version still shows the toggle, open Menu (☰) → Settings → Dark mode and choose On or System. Here’s how on every device.

For iOS and Android Users
Enabling Dark Mode in Messenger is remarkably straightforward. From your Chats screen, simply tap the Menu option, then navigate to Settings. Within the Settings menu, locate and tap “Dark mode,” then select either “On” or “Off” based on your preference.
Facebook offers an intelligent system integration option—if you select “System” in the Dark Mode settings, Messenger will automatically follow your device’s overall theme settings, switching between light and dark modes based on your phone’s configuration.
Alternative Mobile Method
For quicker access, many users find it convenient to tap their profile picture within the Messenger app, then look for the dedicated ‘Dark mode’ switch that appears in the menu.
Pro Tip: Sync with Your Device Settings
The most seamless experience comes from setting Messenger to follow your system preferences. This way, when your iPhone or Android device automatically switches to Dark Mode at sunset (or based on your schedule), Messenger will follow suit without requiring manual adjustments.
Benefits of Dark Mode in Messenger
Dark Mode is a popular feature that enhances the user experience by reducing eye strain and conserving battery life, especially in low-light environments.
Facebook Messenger offers this feature, allowing users to switch from the default bright interface to a sleek, dark-themed look. Here are the benefits of dark mode in Facebook Messenger:
- Reduces Eye Strain: Dark Mode minimizes blue light exposure, making it easier on the eyes, especially at night.
- Conserve Battery Life: On OLED and AMOLED screens, Dark Mode significantly reduces battery consumption by dimming the display.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Many users prefer Dark Mode for its modern and stylish appearance.
- Improves Readability: Dark backgrounds with contrasting text can enhance text clarity and readability.
Activating Dark Mode on Desktop
Using Messenger on your computer? No problem! Facebook Messenger for PC supports Dark Mode too. Simply navigate to Settings within the Messenger desktop application, select the Dark Mode option, and activate it with a single click.
This desktop implementation is particularly valuable for those who use Messenger as their primary communication tool while working late or during evening hours at home.
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After the download, it will be automatically installed on your device. Always remember to keep your data connection turned on until the process is complete.
Turn Dark Mode On or Off on Messenger
Here is the step-by-step procedure on how to turn dark mode on or off on your Facebook Messenger app on various devices:
On a Computer:
- Open the Facebook Messenger desktop app or visit the official Facebook Messenger website.
- Log in to your account if you haven’t done so.
- Click on your profile picture, then click Preferences.
- Below Dark mode, click On or Off. [If you select Automatic, it will automatically adjust the display based on your device’s system preferences.]
On an Android Device:
- Open the Facebook Messenger App.
- Log in to your account if you haven’t done so.
- From Chats, tap the hamburger menu icon (☰), then tap Settings (⚙️).
- Tap Dark Mode, and then tap On or Off. [If you select System from here, this mode will be based on your device’s settings.]
Note: Dark mode is not currently available on Messenger Lite.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Open the Facebook Messenger App.
- Log in to your account if you haven’t done so.
- From Chats, tap the hamburger menu icon (☰), then tap Settings (⚙️).
- Tap Dark Mode, and then tap On or Off. [If you select System from here, this mode will be based on your device’s settings.]
RELATED: Facebook Dark Night Mode Settings

Alternative Method (If Dark Mode Toggle is Not Visible)
If the Dark Mode option doesn’t appear in settings, try the following:
- Update Messenger App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Facebook Messenger app by updating it via the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Restart the App: Close and reopen the Messenger app to refresh settings.
- Check Device Settings: Some devices have a system-wide Dark Mode setting that needs to be enabled first.
- Reinstall Messenger: Uninstall and reinstall the app to get the latest features.
How to Disable Dark Mode
If you wish to revert to the original light theme:
- Go to Profile Settings: Open Messenger and tap on your profile picture or menu, then tap Settings or Preferences.
- Find Dark Mode: Scroll to the Dark Mode tab.
- Turn Off Dark Mode: Tap the Off option to disable Dark Mode.
What are the Benefits of using Dark Mode?
- It works better in low-light environments, so you may use it at bedtime without waking up your partner or at the movies without disturbing others.
- The ‘blue light’ radiated by your phone, which can keep you up if you use it before bedtime, would be less.
- It uses less energy, leading to a longer battery life for your device.
- In low-light situations, it can help minimize eye strain and dryness.
- According to some experts, dark mode can assist people with photosensitivity or impaired vision.
What are the downsides of using Dark Mode?
- Light versus dark isn’t particularly good for visual fatigue; letters can appear washed out, which increases eye tiredness.
- Reading long chunks of content or text in dark mode might be difficult.
- Bright sunlight makes it hard to read light text in dark mode.
Can I edit the messages I sent on Messenger?
Yes, you can edit messages you send in a chat on Messenger for up to 15 minutes after they are sent. After 15 minutes have passed, you can still unsend the message.
To edit a message on Messenger:
- Tap and hold the message you want to edit.
- Tap Edit.
- Update your message in the text box, then tap Send.
- Your edited message will replace your original message in the chat.
Can I change the color of my messages on Messenger?
Yes, you can change the color/theme of your conversation on Messenger. Here’s how to do that:
On the Desktop App:
- Open the conversation for which you want to pick a color for.
- Click the three horizontal dots (…), then click Theme.
- Select a new theme for the conversation.
- Click Set Theme.
Desktop (Messenger):
- From Chats, open the conversation you want to pick a color for.
- Click the three horizontal dots (…), then click Customize Chat on the right.
- Click Change theme, then pick a color for the conversation.
- Click Save.
Please take note that you can only change the theme and color of messages sent from messenger.com on a computer or from the Messenger app on your phone. You can also request that the person who changed the message’s color return it to its original state.
Can I change the color of Active status on Messenger?
Yes, you can change the color of the dot (Active now) that indicates someone’s Active status to better suit your visual needs or preferences. To do that:
- Tap Menu (☰), then tap Settings (⚙️).
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Color filter.
- Select one of the options, which includes common types of color vision deficiencies. To turn off color filters, select Unfiltered.
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