Enabling dark mode on YouTube isnโt just about aesthetics; it can be a real eye-saver, especially if youโre a night owl or youโre just trying to reduce glare. Fortunately, on an iPhone running iOS 17, the process is pretty straightforward. Once you follow a few simple steps, youโll be able to enjoy all your favorite videos with a cool, dark background that is easier on the eyes.
You can also check out this video about how to enable dark mode in YouTube on an iPhone for more on this subject.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Enable Dark Mode in YouTube on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, letโs quickly discuss what enabling dark mode will do for your YouTube experience. Not only does it switch the background from white to black and the text from black to white, but it also extends your battery life since darker pixels consume less power.
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your iPhone
Once youโve located the YouTube app on your iPhone, tap on it to open.
Opening the app is the first step in the process. Make sure youโre logged in to your YouTube account to proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture
Your profile picture is located in the top right corner of the screen. Give it a quick tap.
Tapping your profile picture will bring up the account menu, where you can access various settings and preferences.
Step 3: Select โSettingsโ
In the account menu, find and tap on the โSettingsโ option.
The โSettingsโ is where you can customize your YouTube experience, including turning on dark mode.
Step 4: Tap on โAppearanceโ
Scroll through the settings until you find the โAppearanceโ option, then tap on it.
The โAppearanceโ setting is where you can change how YouTube displays on your iPhone.
Step 5: Select โDark Themeโ
Under the โAppearanceโ settings, youโll see a few options. Tap on โDark Themeโ to enable it.
Once youโve selected โDark Theme,โ YouTube will instantly switch to dark mode. The change is immediate, and all pages within the app will display with a dark background and light text.
After completing these steps, youโll be able to enjoy YouTube in dark mode. Your eyes will thank you, especially during late-night video binges. Dark mode provides a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments, and it can help save your iPhoneโs battery life too.
Tips: Enhancing Your YouTube Experience on iPhone
- Remember that dark mode can be turned on and off at any time, so feel free to switch back if you find yourself in a brightly lit environment.
- If your iPhone supports iOS 13 or later, you can also enable system-wide dark mode, which will automatically apply dark mode to YouTube and other apps.
- For an even more immersive experience, consider pairing dark mode with YouTubeโs picture-in-picture feature, allowing you to watch videos while using other apps.
- Adjusting your screen brightness along with dark mode can further reduce eye strain and save battery life.
- Donโt forget to explore other YouTube settings, like playback speed and video quality, to customize your viewing experience to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch back to light mode on YouTube?
If you decide dark mode isnโt for you, simply follow the steps above but select โLight Themeโ instead of โDark Themeโ in Step 5.
Does dark mode affect battery life on my iPhone?
Yes, enabling dark mode can help conserve battery life, especially on iPhones with OLED screens, as darker pixels require less power.
Can I set YouTube to automatically switch between light and dark mode?
Currently, YouTube doesnโt offer an automatic switch based on time of day. However, if youโve set your iPhone to switch between light and dark modes automatically, YouTube will follow your system settings.
Is dark mode available on older versions of iOS?
Dark mode on YouTube is available on iOS 13 and later versions. If youโre using an older version of iOS, you may not have access to this feature.
Do I need to be signed in to my YouTube account to enable dark mode?
Yes, you need to be signed in to access the settings menu where the dark mode option is located.
Summary
- Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Select โSettings.โ
- Tap on โAppearance.โ
- Select โDark Theme.โ
Conclusion
Switching to dark mode on YouTube for iPhone users is a breeze, especially with iOS 17. Itโs a simple process that not only gives your app a sleek new look but also has practical benefits like reduced eye strain and potentially longer battery life. Remember, the world of YouTube is vast and full of hidden features waiting to be discovered. Whether youโre a content creator or a content consumer, taking the time to personalize your viewing experience can make a world of difference. So go ahead, give your eyes a break and switch to dark mode. Your late-night self will thank you, and who knows, you might just stumble upon more cool features like ios 17 how to enable dark mode in youtube on iPhone. Happy watching!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.