Do your kids use Google Docs? Do you want to make your experience more comfortable and eye-soothing? If so, then you’re lucky to be here. You can enable Google Docs dark mode, which changes the white screen into a dark one and makes it more eye-friendly.
In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on activating dark mode on Google Docs on web and mobile devices( Android & iOS). Also, we’ll provide practical tips for enhancing the dark mode experience. So, keep learning!
What is Google Docs Dark Mode?
“Google Docs Dark Mode is a feature that, when enabled, switches your screen background to black or dark gray while maintaining light text.”
Dark mode is especially helpful for people who spend long hours working on Google Docs. This is because, if you use light mode, then the blue light of the screen causes your eye muscles to work hard to focus. Thus, it may cause eye strain, muscle fatigue, and even headaches.
Hence, I must say that working under dark mode is a great option if you don’t want to compromise your health. So feel free to explore it. Trust me! Dak mode personalizes the experience for Docs users while keeping everything untouched.
Benefits of Dark Mode for kids
In this digital era, learning goes beyond physical books; students have access to various online tools, one being Google Docs. We see kids reading, doing homework, or writing online on Google Docs. However, to improve your kids’ online experience, enabling Google Docs Dark Mode is a nice approach.
So, let’s have a look at its numerous advantages over brighter screens!
Eye strain reduction:
First of all, reading for a long time on bright screens, especially in a dim environment, can be very tiring. Keep in mind that the intense light means your pupils have to work to constrict repeatedly. On the opposite end, a dark screen background minimizes glare, thus reducing eye strain.
Improves focus:
Moreover, because of brighter screens, your kids may feel tired and lose concentration on their work. Thus, Dark Mode also reduces the chances of them getting distracted.
Enhanced comfort for the evenings:
For children who study or do their assignments in the evening, Dark Mode features are especially useful. It eliminates screen brightness, hence improving comfort. In addition, Dark Mode can help minimize a user’s screen glow distraction for other users within the vicinity.
Helps extend battery life:
Last but not least, tablet and phone users can also benefit from Dark Mode features, as it can enhance battery life. Thus, it also reduces the learning interruptions caused by low battery levels.
How to enable Google Docs Dark Mode on the web?
Now, after knowing various advantages of Google Docs dark mode, you might be wondering how to activate this on the web, right? Well! Stay calm, although Google Docs itself does not have built-in features of dark mode. Don’t worry! There are several approaches you can take.
Method 1: Enable Dark Mode using Chrome Settings
Step 1. Open Google Chrome on your computer and type chrome://flags in the search bar. This will take you to the experiments page, showing different options for customization.
Step 2. Now, you will see a search bar at the center of the screen. In that bar, search for “dark mode.”
Step 3. Here, you will see an option “Auto dark mode for web contents.” You just need to click on the box next to it. Then the drop-down menu appears, and from there, choose Enabled.
Step 4. To proceed, clicking on “Relaunch” at the bottom of the screen will be necessary. Thus, your browser will close and reopen.
After the above settings, when you open Google Docs, you will see the dark background, making your eyes feel comfortable.
Method 2: Use Browser extensions like Dark Reader
Another method to enable dark mode on Google Docs on your Windows is to add a browser extension. So, among all, Dark Reader is an extension that is very reputable, secure, and available at no cost. Moreover, you can get this extension on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Besides, it has an on and off button for dark mode, which is an extra feature.
Let’s have a look at a step-by-step guideline enabling you to add the Dark Reader browser extension!
Step 1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2. There, on the left side, search for “Dark Reader”.
Step 3. Now, you need to look for the Dark Reader extension in the results and press “Add to Chrome.”
Step 4. After this, you have to press “Add Extension” on the pop-up. Then, clicking on “confirm” will display the Dark Reader icon in the top right corner of the browser. From now on, dark mode will be turned on by default.
Step 5. Lastly, it is up to you if you want to tailor the brightness, contrast, and even the preferred font to your child’s liking.
How to enable Google Docs Dark Mode on mobiles?
However, if you are a mobile user and want to enable Google Docs dark mode. Then be happy, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, you can turn on dark mode on Google Docs with just a few steps.
So, let’s go through a comprehensive step-by-step process that will enable you to do so!
For Android users
Android phones have a built-in dark mode option on Google Docs. You just need to follow the guidelines mentioned below to activate it.
First of all, you need to open the Google Docs app. Thus, you will see a screen showing all the documents being saved in Google Drive.
Now, you need to tap on the three horizontal lines ( menu) in the upper left corner of the screen. Then a side menu will appear. From there, scroll to the bottom and click on “Settings.”
Under the settings menu, you have to look for “Theme” or “Choose Theme.”
Here, you will see three options: Light (default bright mode), Dark (eye-friendly dark mode), and System default (matches your phone’s current theme). You just need to select “Dark.”
That’s all! Your Google Docs app will now operate in dark mode with light text on a dark background.
For iPhone users
Unlike Android, Google Docs for the iPhone does not have a built-in dark mode feature. But worry not, it mirrors the iPhone’s global dark mode. So, to enable dark mode, follow these steps:
Take your iPhone and access its settings by clicking the gray gear icon on the home screen.
Now, under settings, find “Display & Brightness” and click on it.
Next, under the Appearance section, you will see two options, Light and Dark. You need to select “Dark”. Thus, this enables dark mode on your phone and all compatible apps.
In short, no matter if your child has an iPhone or an Android, turning on Google Docs dark mode is just a few taps away. Once set, the dark screen not only looks good but is a lot easier on the eyes while reading.
Empower your child’s learning experience while safeguarding them from online risks.
Tips for optimizing the dark mode experience
Although you can enable the dark mode feature on both web and mobile phones. However, you need to enhance the dark mode experience for your kids by adjusting some settings. For instance;
Change the font size and style:
First, you need to adjust the font size on Google Docs. This is because if the letters were small, then your kids would have to put too much strain on their eyes to see the words. So, make sure to adjust the font to a larger setting.
In addition, font styles that are cleaner and simpler, such as Arial or Calibri, improve the text’s legibility and clarity.
Evaluating your screen’s brightness:
Besides all, if your text is in dark mode, then you should also check your screen brightness. Even with dark mode, having your brightness setting overly high can be straining on your eyes.
Activate Dark during appropriate periods:
Circadian rhythm studies from Harvard Medical School show blue light exposure at night disrupts sleep. Dark mode reduces blue light emission by up to 60%. Likewise, try to use Dark Mode mostly at night when the light is dim in the environment.
Update all apps and extensions:
Last but not least, never forget to update your Chrome extensions like Dark Reader. This is because if you don’t update the app, you would lose features, better algorithms, and critical updates that would have enhanced your experience with dark mode.
Thus, we can say that if you properly use the dark mode by following the above-mentioned tips. Then, you could greatly decrease the strain and fatigue your eyes experience and make working on Google Docs more enjoyable.
Offering holistic screen time management and digital safety for your kids
Although activating dark mode on Google Docs is a helpful feature. As mentioned earlier, it certainly helps your eyes feel more relaxed during longer reading or writing sessions. However, if you truly want a safe and healthy digital environment for your kids, then you should look beyond eye comfort.
For instance, you should also focus on content safety, screen time management, and many more. That’s where parental controls would really help you.
Use of parental control tools
Parental control tools go far beyond simply adjusting screen brightness. They help monitor the use of devices. For example, you can manage the most accessed apps on your child’s device as well as the time spent on each.
Of all the available options, I would recommend using FlashGet Kids parental control app, which combines advanced monitoring features. These features help you keep updated about your kids’ digital activities by providing real-time alerts.
Let’s explore its more features!
- App usage monitoring: Owing to this app, you can check what kind of apps your kids have used. Also, you can see how much time your kids have spent on Google Docs or another platform.
- Screen time limits: Moreover, it also allows you to set screen time limits on app usage. For instance, you can restrict your kids from accessing non-essential apps like games during working or study hours.
- Keywords detection: Although it’s directly linked to Google Docs dark mode, owing to this feature, you can set inappropriate words as keywords on different apps. Thus, if kids try to use such words, you will get an instant alert. Thus, provide a safer digital environment for your kids.
- Screen mirroring: Also, you can screen mirror your kids’ devices, and thus you can see live what your kids are doing on their devices. Whether they are using Google Docs in working hours pr just scrolling social media.
To sum up, dark mode’s offering a break for the eyes doesn’t enhance the ability to monitor time spent on the screen. Therefore, comprehensive and effective parental control tools like FlashGet Kids are a great investment to help eliminate online distractions while giving peace of mind.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you can enable Google Docs Dark mode on both web and mobile phones by following the above-mentioned guidelines. This feature truly helps your kids stay focused, reduces eye strain, and also improves the battery life of mobile devices.
However, dark mode alone isn’t sufficient; you also need to monitor your kids’ screen time and ensure content safety. Thus, try using the FlashGet Kids parental control app. It would not only monitor the app usage, but also allow them to check whether they are using inappropriate content across apps. Thus, ensuring a safe and healthy digital space for them!
