How to Fix It When Facebook Dark Mode Is Gone

You might need to restart or update the app

By
Sandra Stafford
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Sandra Stafford
Writer
  • Fayetteville State University
Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets—tactical flashlights, blue light-blocking glasses, therapy lamps and more.
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Updated on August 13, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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What to Know

  • First, close Facebook app, then check for Facebook updates in App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
  • Next, on iOS: Open Facebook app > Menu > Settings & privacy > Dark Mode > tap On or System.
  • On Android: Open Facebook app > Menu > Settings & privacy > Dark Mode > On or Use system settings.

This article explains how to get Dark Mode back in the Facebook app. Instructions apply to iOS and Android.

How to Get Facebook Dark Mode Back on Your iOS Device

App updates can sometimes cause problems with existing features such as Dark Mode. Here's how to fix Dark Mode on iOS.

  1. If your iPhone or iPad has a home button, double-tap the Home button, then close the Facebook app. If your iPhone does not have a Home button, swipe up from the bottom to close the Facebook app.

  2. Go to the App Store.

  3. Tap your profile image.

  4. If you need to update Facebook, tap Update next to Facebook.

    Updating Facebook in iOS

  5. Restart your phone.

  6. Open the Facebook app tap the Menu icon (three lines).

  7. Go to Settings (gear).

  8. Under Preferences, select Dark Mode.

    Dark Mode settings in Facebook for iOS

  9. Turn Dark Mode On.

How to Get Facebook Dark Mode Back on Your Android Device

The process for fixing this issue on Android is similar.

  1. Force quit the app. Swipe the Facebook app off of the screen, or go to Settings > Apps > Facebook > Force Quit.

  2. Open the Google Play Store app.

  3. Tap your profile icon.

  4. Choose Manage apps & device.

    "Manage apps & devices" in Google Play

  5. Under Updates Available, select See Details if it appears.

  6. Tap Update beside Facebook if you need to update the app.

  7. Open the Facebook app and tap the Menu icon (three lines) .

    Updating Facebook and opening the More menu

  8. Go to Settings (gear).

  9. Under Preferences, tap Dark Mode.

  10. Tap On (or Use system settings if you've turned on Android Dark Mode).

    Dark Mode settings in Facebook

Why Is Facebook Dark Mode Not Working?

The Facebook app has its own version of Dark Mode in addition to an option to respect the current system settings. If it isn't working, there are a few possible causes:

  • You're using an old version of the app.
  • The app has glitched.
  • Dark Mode is turned off.
  • Dark Mode matches your system settings.
FAQ
  • Why did Facebook remove dark mode?

    Facebook has not removed support for dark mode. Some users have reported the feature missing, but it has always been a glitch that Facebook fixed with an update either on the server side or to the app itself.

  • How do I turn on dark mode on the Facebook website?

    First, click your profile picture in the upper-right corner. Then, go to Display & Accessibility. Dark mode is the first option; you can turn it on all the time or set it to match your system settings.

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