Dark mode on the Samsung Galaxy A25 is in Settings under Display

To turn dark mode on or off, open Settings, then tap Display. Look for the option labeled Dark mode or Dark theme — the exact wording depends on your Android version. Toggle it on to enable dark mode across your phone's system apps, or toggle it off to return to the standard light display.

The toggle switches immediately. You'll see the change right away in Settings and most system apps like Messages, Contacts, and Calendar. Third-party apps like Gmail, Instagram, or Chrome may have their own separate dark mode settings that don't automatically follow your system choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Dark mode is found in Settings > Display, where a single toggle turns it on or off for your entire phone.
  • The change takes effect immediately in system apps, though some third-party apps require their own dark mode setting.
  • You can schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically at sunset and sunrise, or at a time you choose.
  • Dark mode reduces battery drain on AMOLED screens by turning off pixels that would otherwise display white or bright colors.

How to schedule dark mode to turn on automatically

If you want dark mode to activate at a specific time without toggling it manually, you can set a schedule. In Settings > Display, look for Dark mode scheduling or Scheduled dark mode. Tap it and choose between Sunset to sunrise (which uses your location and time of year) or Custom schedule (which lets you pick exact times).

With a custom schedule, you can set dark mode to turn on at 8 p.m. and off at 7 a.m., for example. The phone will switch automatically at those times without you having to do anything. You can still toggle dark mode on or off manually at any time, even if a schedule is active.

What dark mode does to your display and battery

Dark mode changes the background of system apps and menus from white to black or dark gray, and text from dark to light. This is purely visual — it doesn't change how your phone works or what it can do.

On an AMOLED screen (which the Galaxy A25 has), dark mode can reduce battery drain because black pixels use less power than white ones. The difference is noticeable if you use your phone heavily, but it's not dramatic — you won't get hours of extra battery life. On older LCD screens, dark mode makes almost no difference to battery life.

Apps that don't follow your dark mode setting

Many third-party apps have their own dark mode toggle that overrides your system setting. Gmail, Chrome, Instagram, and Facebook are common examples. If you turn on system dark mode but an app still appears bright, that app has its own setting you need to change.

To find an app's dark mode setting, open the app, go to its settings or preferences (usually a gear icon or menu button), and search for "dark mode" or "theme". Some apps call it "appearance" or "display". Once you turn it on there, that app will stay in dark mode even if you later turn off system dark mode.

Turning off dark mode if it's stuck on

If dark mode is on and the toggle in Settings > Display appears grayed out or won't respond, restart your phone. Hold the power button until you see the power menu, then tap Restart. Wait for the phone to turn back on and try the toggle again.

If the toggle still won't work after a restart, check whether a scheduled dark mode is active. Go back to Settings > Display and look for the scheduling option — if it's turned on, the system may be preventing manual changes during scheduled hours. Turn off the schedule, then try the toggle again.

Dark mode and readability

Dark mode can be easier on the eyes in low light, but it's not universally better for everyone. Some people find dark text on a light background easier to read, especially if they have astigmatism or other vision conditions. If dark mode makes text harder to read, turn it off — there's no benefit to using it if it strains your eyes.

You can also adjust text size and contrast separately from dark mode. In Settings > Display, look for Font size and Bold fonts to make text larger or thicker without changing the overall theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dark mode save battery on the Galaxy A25?

Yes, but only moderately. The Galaxy A25 has an AMOLED screen, which uses less power to display black than white. If you use your phone for several hours a day, dark mode may add 10 to 15 percent to your battery life. The savings are smaller if you mostly use bright apps or spend time outdoors.

Can I use dark mode for some apps but not others?

Yes. Turn off system dark mode, then go into each app's individual settings and enable dark mode there. This way, Gmail and Chrome can be dark while Messages and your home screen stay light. Some apps don't offer a dark mode option at all.

Why does my phone show dark mode even though I turned it off?

An app's own dark mode setting overrides your system choice. Open that specific app's settings and look for a dark mode or theme toggle. You may also have a scheduled dark mode active — check Settings > Display for any active schedule and turn it off.

Can I set dark mode to turn on only at night?

Yes. In Settings > Display, find the dark mode scheduling option and choose Custom schedule. Set it to turn on at your preferred evening time (like 9 p.m.) and off in the morning (like 7 a.m.). The phone will switch automatically every day at those times.