Auto Dark Mode - Catalina OS

Question

Auto Dark Mode - Catalina OS

I've tried to set up the new auto dark mode, but it isn't working. Right now, its 9:53pm and even my dynamic wallpaper shows it's night, but the appearance on my MacBook is still on light mode. And when I switch back to Dark Mode, only my menu bar is dark and apps like Safari and Settings are on light mode... Is there something I can do to fix this issue?..

This first picture shows the Auto Dark Mode; there is no difference between this mode and the Light Mode, they are the exact same thing...

This second picture shows the Dark Mode; only the menu bar at the bottom is dark, but the rest is on Light Mode

Posted on Oct 8, 2019 10:03 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Alessandro Cintoli

Level 1

107 points

Oct 12, 2019 12:05 AM in response to SnoopyGoldberg

Hi Snoopy!

I am probably saying something obvious, but did you check that the time zone is correct in your Time and Date control panel?

The auto dark mode reflects the day cycle in the time zone where the OS believes the computer is located. If you are, say, in Europe, but the time zone is incorrectly set to Pacific Daylight Saving Time, your computer will use the light mode at 9:53 PM because it is 12:53 PM in California.

Also, not all apps adapt to the Dark mode automatically. Some have to be set specifically for it.

Best regards,

Alessandro

Reply

Answer 2

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Oct 11, 2019 8:45 AM in response to SnoopyGoldberg

Greetings SnoopyGoldberg,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It seems like Dark Mode is not changing in the windows and apps, but is on the Dock and Menu bar. There are a couple things you can try that may be able to help. I would recommend you read these articles and use them to help troubleshoot the issue.

How to use Dark Mode on your Mac

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac

Please don't hesitate to let us know if the steps resolved your issue or if you need additional assistance.

Take care.

Reply

Answer 3

Nov 4, 2019 3:52 PM in response to SnoopyGoldberg

You have to have the "turn on until sunrise" box checked in Night Shift for Dark Mode to work automatically. It's absurd. But I tried a trick on my devices to see what would trigger Dark Mode and that's what did it. On my iPhone, I had to toggle the switch to manual in Night Shift for Night Shift to work. I think this is a *huge* bug, although what do I know. Why should we have to toggle switches or click boxes if we have the settings set to "from sunset to sunrise"? I don't think the systems on the phone or the computer understand sunset. Sunrise, no problem. Everything goes back to normal. But sunset? They just don't get it right, ever. And that's on Apple to fix. It must have something to do with the date/time, but for the life of me I have no idea how to fix it.

Reply

Answer 4

Oct 11, 2019 10:24 PM in response to chuck_3rd

Thank you for your help on trying to help me resolve this problem, and I tried all the steps by restarting all my login items and using safe mode, but it still doesn't work, all my apps are on light mode while my menu bar is on dark mode... Is there another way you can help me?

Reply

Answer 5

Oct 13, 2019 9:55 PM in response to Alessandro Cintoli

Again, still nothing. I went through both accounts on dark mode during the safe mode and my second test account works well with the modes, but my current account still shows light mode

Reply

Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

137,461 points

Nov 4, 2019 4:00 PM in response to Evetookabite

FWIW, Night Shift and Auto Dark Mode have nothing to do with each other. The settings of one has no effect on the other.

Reply

Answer 7

Oct 12, 2019 1:47 PM in response to Alessandro Cintoli

Well, I made sure that I'm in the Pacific Time Zone which is the time zone I use and it's set up properly... But now I tried to set up a new account again, and this time, it did work when I set up to dark mode when I opened safari it showed it in dark mode... So why is it working on the new account and not on my regular account?

Reply

Answer 8

Oct 12, 2019 1:55 PM in response to SnoopyGoldberg

I guess that the preferences on your regular account have been corrupted, then. Can you try a safe mode restart and see if the problem disappears?

To restart your Mac in safe mode, keep the shift key pressed until the Apple logo appears.

Reply

Auto Dark Mode - Catalina OS

Similar questions