Where to find color settings in most apps
Most apps let you change colors through their settings menu, but the exact location varies by app and device. On phones and tablets, look for a gear icon, three horizontal lines (called a menu), or your name at the top or bottom of the app. On computers, check the app's main menu bar or look for "Preferences" or "Settings" in the top menu.
Some apps call color changes "Themes" or "Appearance" instead of "Colors". If you cannot find a dedicated color section, search the settings menu using keywords like "theme", "dark mode", "accent color", or "background". Many apps also let you change colors through their account settings on the web version, which sometimes syncs to your phone or computer app.
Key Takeaways
- Most apps store color settings in a menu labeled Settings, Preferences, Appearance, or Themes — usually accessed through a gear icon or three-line menu.
- Dark mode and light mode are the most common color options, though many apps now let you pick accent colors, text colors, and background colors separately.
- Some apps sync color changes across devices if you are signed into the same account, while others store settings only on that specific device.
- If an app does not offer built-in color changes, your phone or computer's system-wide dark mode or accessibility settings may still affect how the app looks.
Dark mode and light mode settings
Dark mode switches the app's background to black or dark gray and text to white or light gray. Light mode keeps the traditional white background with dark text. Most apps let you choose between these two, and many add a third option called "Auto" or "System" that matches your phone or computer's overall dark mode setting.
To turn on dark mode in an app, open Settings or Preferences, look for "Appearance" or "Theme", and select "Dark". On iPhones and iPads, you can also set dark mode to turn on automatically at sunset or at a time you choose. On Android phones, the same option exists in most apps. On Windows and Mac computers, dark mode is usually a system-wide setting that apps can follow, but some apps have their own dark mode toggle that overrides the system setting.
Changing accent colors and text colors
Beyond dark and light mode, many apps let you pick specific colors for buttons, links, highlights, and text. These are often called "Accent Color", "Primary Color", or "Highlight Color". Open the app's Settings or Appearance menu and look for a color picker — usually a row of colored circles or squares you can tap or click.
Some apps let you change text size and color separately from the background. If you use a screen reader or have low vision, look for "Accessibility" or "Contrast" settings in the app's menu. These often include options to increase text size, change text color to white on black, or add bold outlines to make text easier to read. These settings usually override the app's default colors.
How to change colors on specific apps
Gmail and Google apps: Tap your profile picture in the top right, select "Manage your Google Account", go to the "Appearance" tab, and choose Light, Dark, or System Default. This change syncs across Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and other Google apps on all your devices.
Microsoft apps (Outlook, Word, Excel): On Windows, go to File > Options > General and look for "Office Theme". On Mac, go to the app name > Preferences > General. On phones, open Settings within the app and look for "Theme" or "Appearance".
Discord: Tap your profile picture at the bottom, select "User Settings", go to "Appearance", and choose Light or Dark. You can also pick an accent color from a palette of preset options.
Slack: Click your profile picture in the top left, select "Preferences", go to "Sidebar", and choose a theme. Slack offers several built-in color schemes, and some workspaces let admins set custom colors that apply to all members.
Social media apps (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X): Most do not offer custom color changes, but they follow your phone's system dark mode setting. On iPhone, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and choose Dark. On Android, go to Settings > Display and turn on Dark Theme. The app will automatically switch.
When your phone or computer settings override app colors
Your device's system-wide dark mode can affect apps even if they do not have their own color settings. On iPhones and iPads, turning on Dark Mode in Settings > Display & Brightness makes most apps switch to dark colors automatically. On Android phones, enabling Dark Theme in Settings > Display does the same for compatible apps.
On Windows computers, going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Dark" tells most apps to use dark mode. On Mac computers, go to System Preferences > General and choose "Dark" to apply dark mode system-wide. Some apps ignore these system settings and stick to their own colors, but most modern apps respect them.
If an app looks wrong after you change your system's dark mode, the app may have a bug or may not support dark mode yet. In that case, check the app's own Settings menu to see if you can override the system setting with a manual choice.
Syncing color changes across devices
If you use the same app on your phone, tablet, and computer, color changes may or may not sync depending on the app. Apps that require you to sign in — like Gmail, Slack, Discord, or Outlook — usually sync your color choices across all devices. Apps that do not require an account, like many note-taking or calculator apps, store settings only on that device.
To check whether an app syncs settings, sign into your account on a second device, open the app, and see if your color choice appears. If it does not, the app stores settings locally. You will need to change colors on each device separately. Some apps let you export or back up settings, but this is rare for color preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an app not have a dark mode option?
Older apps or apps with small development teams may not have built dark mode yet. You can still use your phone or computer's system dark mode, which will make the app appear darker even if it does not have its own setting. Some apps also let you change colors through accessibility settings even if they do not have a dedicated Appearance menu.
Can I change colors for just one app without affecting others?
Yes. Each app stores its own color settings separately, so changing colors in one app does not affect others. However, if you turn on your device's system-wide dark mode, it will apply to all compatible apps at once. To change only one app, use that app's own Settings menu instead of your device's system settings.
What if I change my system dark mode but an app stays light?
The app may not support system dark mode and may have its own dark mode toggle in its Settings menu. Open the app's Settings and look for "Appearance", "Theme", or "Dark Mode". If the app still does not have a dark mode option, it may not support it yet, and you may need to wait for an update.
Do color changes sync if I use the same app on my phone and computer?
Only if you sign into the same account in the app. Apps like Gmail, Outlook, and Slack sync color choices across devices when you are logged in. Apps that do not require an account store settings only on that device, so you will need to change colors separately on each one.
Can I create custom colors instead of using the app's presets?
Most apps offer only preset colors or themes, not custom color pickers. A few apps like Discord and some design tools let you pick from a wider palette, but true custom colors are rare. If you need more control, look for apps that specifically advertise customization, or check the app's settings to see what options are available.