Google has finally released a dark mode for Gmail (better late than never)

Gmail
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google has finally begun rolling out a dark mode for its Gmail app, over a week after the release of Android 10 with its system-wide dark mode.

The company had intended to convert all its first-party apps ahead of the release, but a couple weren't quite ready when the new OS was released on September 3 – namely Gmail and the Google Play Store, which remained stubbornly white.

Now, as XDA Developers reports, the latest Gmail release (2019.08.18.267044774) has a fully-functioning dark mode that turns the app's background a pleasing dark gray color (though some might find the stark white text a little hard on the eyes).

You've got mail

We got a small glimpse of Gmail's dark mode two weeks ago, when the app received an update that made the splash screen and home screen widget black if you were using dark mode on Android Pie.

However, the dark mode being rolled out now is only available for Android 10 – it won't appear if you're using Pie, even after your Gmail app is updated.

The Play Store is now the only significant holdout, and may be taking longer to convert due to the complexity of its icon-heavy interface. We imagine it might take quite some time to get it looking presentable.

TOPICS
Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years and is an SCA-certified barista, so whether you want to invest in some smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.

Latest in Phones
Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW
The iPhone 16e’s 5G performance seemingly has the iPhone 16’s beat
The Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a’s AI has a RAM problem
Tim Cook
The EU wants Apple to open iOS to competitors and this is the mother of all bad ideas
The Google Wallet app with a mode for kids shown on-screen.
Google Wallet’s new kid-friendly payment system is a win for parents
Google Pixel 9a
Google is delaying the Pixel 9a to fix a mystery “component quality issue”
The bottom left corner of an Android phone, showing the Phone, Messages, Google icons and Google Search bar
Google Messages remote delete will soon save you from texting embarrassment – and here's how it works
Latest in News
Boston Dynamics all electric Altas
This robot can do a cartwheel better than me and now I'm freaking out – but in a good way
A image of Saros character Arjun
Housemarque’s boss is surprisingly positive about Sony’s acquisition – and it’s good news for Saros
Oura Ring 4
One of Apple's top health execs is ditching the company for Oura, and I've never been more convinced smart rings are the future
Nvidia logo
Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti could be delayed to mid-April and RTX 5060 to mid-May – is AMD starting to look like a clear winner in the battle of Blackwell vs RDNA 4 GPUs?
The A Minecraft Movie Meal from McDonald's.
McDonald's reveals A Minecraft Movie meal with a bizarre set of collectibles and the most sinister sounding sauce ever
Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW
The iPhone 16e’s 5G performance seemingly has the iPhone 16’s beat