How to enable dark theme in Android 9: all methods for different smartphones

Dark mode in Android 9 Pie has become one of the most popular features - it not only reduces eye strain in the evening, but also saves battery power on devices with AMOLED screens. However, not all users know that in “pure” Android 9 this option is hidden deep in the settings or is completely absent on some manufacturers’ firmware. In this article, we will look at all the working methods for activating the dark theme, including hidden functions, ADB commands and third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the implementation of the dark mode in Android 9 is different from later versions (Android 10+), where the function has become system-wide. Here you will have to either use workarounds or be content with partially dimming the interface. We tested all methods on devices Samsung Galaxy S9, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and Google Pixel 3 —the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

If your smartphone runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Resurrection Remix), some methods may not work. In this case, we recommend that you refer to the documentation for the specific assembly - often advanced theme settings are already built in there.

1. Built-in dark theme in Android 9: where to look?

In “pure” Android 9 Pie (for example, on Google Pixel or Nexus) the dark mode is implemented through the function Battery Saver (Battery Saver). When activated, the system automatically switches the interface to a dark palette, but with a number of limitations:

• 🔋 Works only when the charge level is below 15% (or a configured threshold)
• 📱 Does not darken all system applications (for example, Settings remain light)
• 🔄 Disables when charging is connected

To force this mode on:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Saver
2. Activate the switch Enable now
3. For permanent operation, set Enable automatically to the value Always (if available)

Please note: this method does not affect third-party applications. To darken them, you will need to use separate settings in each of them (for example, in YouTube or Chrome) or special utilities.

2. Dark theme on Samsung with One UI (Android 9)

Devices Samsung based on One UI 1.0 (Android 9) received their own implementation of dark mode, but with significant flaws. Unlike newer versions, here the function is called Night mode and works unstable:

• 🌙 Dims only system applications (Messages, Phone, Contact)
• 🎨 Does not affect Settings i Quick panels
• 🔄 Can be reset after reboot

Enabling instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Display enabled Settings → Display
2. Select Night mode (Night Mode)
3. Activate the switch and set up a schedule (or select Always on)

On Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ i Note 9 this method works more stable than on budget models (for example, Galaxy A6 2018), where the dark theme can be displayed fragmentarily if, after activation, part of the interface. remained light, try restarting the device.

3. The dark theme on Xiaomi (MIUI 10/11) with Android 9

Xiaomi in firmware MIUI 10/11 based on Android 9 offered its own interpretation of the dark mode - Dark mode (Dark Mode). Unlike Samsung, here the function is more thoughtful, but with nuances:

• 🖤 Completely darkens system applications and Settings
• 📱 Does not affect Quick settings i Notification panel
• 🔧 Requires manual configuration for each application

Activation occurs as follows:

1. Open Settings → Display → Dark Mode
2. Select Enable or set up a schedule
3. For third-party applications (for example WhatsApp) enable dimming in their own settings

Update MIUI to the latest version|Check model compatibility (does not work on Redmi 5A)|Disable automatic brightness|Back up settings-->

On POCO F1 and Redmi Note 7 dark theme works stably, but on older devices (for example, Redmi 6 Prothere may be artifacts such as "broken" darkened elements. If after activation the interface begins to slow down, try clearing the system cache in Settings → Applications →. All applications → Settings → Storage.

4. Hidden settings: ADB commands to force it on

If your device does not support the dark theme at the firmware level, you can try to enable it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). data-i="134">, but requires connection to a PC and USB debugging enabled. Android 9, but requires connection to a PC and USB debugging enabled.

Warning: incorrect use of ADB can lead to system malfunctions. On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, most Samsung) this method will not work without OEM unlocking.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers
2. Connect the device to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 2

3. To disable use:

   adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 1

This command forces dark mode to turn on at the system level, but the effect may be incomplete. For example, on Huawei P20 Pro only the notification panel is darkened, and on LG G7 ThinQ system applications are also darkened. The result depends on the customization of the firmware by the manufacturer.

5. Third-party applications for the dark theme

If the built-in methods do not work, you can use third-party utilities. The best options for Android 9:

The simplest option is Dark Mode iz Google PlayIt works as a filter that imposes dark. film over the interface. Minus: the application does not darken system menus, but only user content. For a full dark theme you will need Substratum, but it requires root access or a patched bootloader.

On Meizu i Flyme OS (Android 9) the dark theme is enabled via Settings → Display → Themes, but the choice is limited to preset styles. To expand the capabilities, you will have to install custom themes through Flyme Account.

6. Problems and solutions: why does the dark theme not work?

If after all the manipulations the dark mode is not activated, check the following points:

• 🔄 Restarting the device — sometimes changes are applied only after a reboot
• 📱 Firmware update — on some devices (for example, Motorola Moto G6) dark theme appeared only in security patches
• 🛠️ Reset settings — if themes were previously used through Substratum, they may conflict with the system function

adb shell pm enable com.sonyericsson.themeservice

On devices with MediaTek processors (for example, Realme 2 Pro), the dark theme often does not work correctly due to manufacturer optimizations. In this case, only updating to Android 10+ or using custom firmware will help.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Alcatel 3V), forcing the dark theme via ADB causes the system launcher to crash. Before experiments, create a backup via Settings → System → Backup.

7. Alternative methods: root and custom firmware

If none of the methods worked, there are two radical options left:

1. Getting root access and installing the module Dark Mode Enforcer via Magisk. This will forcefully darken all applications, but will deprive you of the ability to use banking applications and some games (for example, Pokémon GO).
2. Installing custom firmware like LineageOS 16 (based on Android 9) with a built-in dark theme. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

On OnePlus 6/6T s OxygenOS the dark theme appears only after updating to Android 10. In version 9 it can be emulated via Substratum, but this will require disabling bootloader signature verification (dm-verity).

⚠️ Attention: Using root or custom firmware on devices with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S9) will lead to a flag trigger KNOX 0x1, which will block access to Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

Frequently asked questions

Trigger: Time (18:00)
Action: Enable Battery Saving
Limitation: Charge level > 20%