How to Enable Dark Mode on Your PlayStation App: A Complete Guide

The PlayStation app is a vital tool for any PlayStation gamer, allowing you to stay connected with friends, manage your downloads, and access the PlayStation Store on the go. However, staring at a bright screen in a dimly lit environment can be straining on the eyes. Fortunately, the PlayStation app offers a dark mode option to alleviate this issue. Let’s explore how to enable it.

How to Enable Dark Mode

Making your PlayStation app darker is a straightforward process, depending on your device’s operating system and the app version. Here’s a detailed guide for both Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad):

On Android:

1. System-Wide Dark Mode: If your Android device is running Android 10 or later, the PlayStation app will likely automatically adopt the system’s dark mode setting. To enable system-wide dark mode:

   • Go to your phone’s Settings.
   • Find Display.
   • Look for options like Dark Theme, Dark Mode, or Night Mode.
   • Toggle the switch to enable dark mode.
   • Restart the PlayStation app. It should now be in dark mode.

2. In-App Dark Mode (If Available): Some older versions of the PlayStation app or certain Android versions may have an in-app dark mode toggle. To check for this:

   • Open the PlayStation app.
   • Tap on your profile icon (usually located in the top right or bottom navigation bar).
   • Look for a Settings or App Settings option.
   • Within Settings, search for a Theme or Appearance section.
   • If available, select Dark or Dark Mode.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. System-Wide Dark Mode: Just like on Android, iOS also has a system-wide dark mode. The PlayStation app should automatically switch to dark mode when this is enabled. To enable system-wide dark mode:

   • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap on Display & Brightness.
   • Under Appearance, choose Dark.
   • Restart the PlayStation app.

2. Control Center Shortcut: You can quickly toggle dark mode on and off from the Control Center:

   • Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhones with a Home button) to open the Control Center.
   • If the Dark Mode button is visible, tap it to toggle dark mode on or off. If it’s not there, you may need to add it in Settings > Control Center.

3. Scheduled Dark Mode: You can also schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically:

   • Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
   • Tap on Automatic.
   • Choose Options and select either Sunset to Sunrise or Custom Schedule to set your preferred timings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PlayStation App Dark Mode

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand and troubleshoot dark mode on the PlayStation app:

General Questions

1. Why doesn’t my PlayStation app automatically switch to dark mode when I enable it on my phone?

This can be due to several reasons:

• App Version: Ensure you have the latest version of the PlayStation app installed from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Older versions might not support automatic dark mode switching.
• Operating System Version: Your phone’s operating system may be too old to support system-wide dark mode. You need Android 10 or later or iOS 13 or later for this feature to work.
• App Glitch: Sometimes, the app might have a temporary glitch. Try restarting the app or even your phone.
• In-App Setting Override: Double-check if there’s an in-app setting that’s overriding the system setting. Look for a theme option within the app’s settings.

2. Is there a way to make the PlayStation app permanently dark regardless of my system settings?

Unfortunately, if the app relies on the system’s dark mode settings, you cannot permanently force it into dark mode while keeping your system in light mode. However, some apps have an independent toggle within the app settings. So, explore the app’s settings to check if this option is available.

3. Can I use dark mode on the PlayStation app on my PlayStation console itself?

No, the dark mode setting only applies to the mobile PlayStation app on your phone or tablet, not the PlayStation console’s user interface.

4. Does dark mode save battery life on my phone?

Yes, dark mode can potentially save battery life, especially on phones with OLED or AMOLED screens. These screens consume less power when displaying dark colors. However, the battery savings may not be significant, depending on your phone’s screen technology and usage patterns.

5. Will the dark mode affect my game streaming experience within the PlayStation app?

No, the dark mode setting primarily affects the app’s user interface. It should not affect your game streaming or remote play experience. The game itself will display its own graphics and colors, independent of the app’s theme.

Troubleshooting

6. I’ve enabled dark mode on my Android, but the PlayStation app is still showing in light mode. What should I do?

Try these steps:

• Force Stop and Restart: Force stop the PlayStation app in your phone’s settings (Apps > PlayStation App > Force Stop) and then reopen it.
• Clear Cache: Clear the app’s cache (Apps > PlayStation App > Storage > Clear Cache). Note that clearing data will require you to sign in again.
• Reinstall the App: Uninstall the PlayStation app and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
• Check for Updates: Make sure your Android OS is updated to the latest version.

7. The dark mode in the PlayStation app looks different from other apps on my iPhone. Why is that?

This is likely due to the app’s specific implementation of dark mode. Some apps use a true black color for the background, while others use a dark gray. The PlayStation app might use a dark gray, which can make it appear less “dark” compared to other apps.

8. I can’t find the dark mode option in the PlayStation app’s settings on my iPhone. Where is it?

If you can’t find a separate dark mode toggle in the PlayStation app’s settings, it’s likely relying entirely on the system-wide dark mode setting. Ensure that dark mode is enabled in your iPhone’s Settings > Display & Brightness.

9. My PlayStation app suddenly switched back to light mode even though I have dark mode enabled on my phone. What happened?

This could be a temporary glitch or a conflict with another app. Try restarting your phone and the PlayStation app. You may also check if any recent app updates might have affected the dark mode setting.

10. I enabled scheduled dark mode on my iPhone, but the PlayStation app doesn’t seem to follow the schedule. Why?

Ensure that the PlayStation app is configured to respect the system-wide dark mode setting. If it has an independent theme setting, make sure it’s set to “System Default” or “Auto” so it follows the scheduled changes.

Advanced Questions

11. Can I customize the color scheme of the PlayStation app’s dark mode (e.g., change the accent colors)?

No, the PlayStation app does not offer customization options for its dark mode color scheme. You are limited to the default dark mode implementation provided by the app.

12. Does the PlayStation app support a light mode or theme separate from my phone’s system settings?

The current version of the PlayStation app primarily relies on the system-wide light or dark mode settings on your phone. If the phone is in light mode, the app will be in light mode; if the phone is in dark mode, the app will be in dark mode. Always check the app setting to ensure it relies on the system’s setting.

13. Will enabling dark mode reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the PlayStation app?

Yes, dark mode generally reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. While not all blue light is eliminated, using darker colors can help minimize eye strain, especially in low-light conditions.

14. Are there any third-party apps or tweaks that can force dark mode on the PlayStation app if it doesn’t support it natively?

While some third-party apps claim to force dark mode on apps that don’t natively support it, their effectiveness and safety can vary. Using such apps might void your device’s warranty or compromise its security. Proceed with caution and research thoroughly before using any third-party app.

15. Where can I provide feedback to PlayStation about dark mode improvements or feature requests?

You can provide feedback to PlayStation through their official website or social media channels. Look for customer support or feedback sections on the PlayStation website, or reach out to them on platforms like Twitter or Facebook.

By following these steps and FAQs, you should be able to successfully enable and troubleshoot dark mode on your PlayStation app, providing a more comfortable viewing experience, especially during late-night gaming sessions. Enjoy!