How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Outlook (Windows, Mac, and Mobile)

Dark mode has become a popular feature across apps and operating systems, and Microsoft Outlook is no exception. Whether you’re working late at night or just prefer a darker interface, enabling dark mode can reduce eye strain and give your inbox a sleek look.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable dark mode in Microsoft Outlook across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Let’s get started!

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Windows

Outlook for Windows lets you easily switch between light and dark modes. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open Outlook
   Launch the Outlook desktop app on your Windows PC.
2. Go to File
   Click on the File tab in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Open Options
   Scroll down the menu and select Options. This will open a new window with various settings.
4. Select Office Theme
   In the General tab (which should open by default), look for the Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office section.
5. Choose Dark Mode
   Next to Office Theme, click the drop-down menu and select Black. This is the dark mode option for Outlook and other Microsoft Office apps.
6. Turn on Dark Reading Pane (Optional)
   If you want your reading pane (where you view emails) to also appear dark, make sure the option Never change the message background color is unchecked.
7. Click OK
   Click OK to save your settings. Your Outlook interface will now be in dark mode.

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Mac

For Mac users, enabling dark mode in Outlook can be done through the app’s settings or by syncing it with your macOS system theme. Here’s how:

1. Open Outlook
   Launch the Microsoft Outlook app on your Mac.
2. Check for System-Wide Dark Mode
   Outlook for Mac follows the system’s dark mode settings by default. To enable system-wide dark mode:

• Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
• Select General.
• Under Appearance, choose Dark. This will switch all compatible apps, including Outlook, to dark mode.

1. Manually Enable Dark Mode in Outlook
   If you only want to enable dark mode in Outlook (without affecting other apps):

• Open Outlook and click on the Outlook menu at the top.
• Select Preferences, then General.
• Under Appearance, choose Dark Mode. This will apply the dark theme to just Outlook.

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Mobile (iOS and Android)

For Outlook on mobile devices, dark mode is easy to enable in both the iOS and Android apps. Here’s how to do it:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad):

1. Open the Outlook App
   Launch the Outlook app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to Settings
   Tap on your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen, then scroll down and select Settings (represented by a gear icon).
3. Find the Appearance Option
   Scroll down and tap Appearance.
4. Choose Dark Mode
   You’ll have three options:

• Light: The standard bright mode.
• Dark: Enables dark mode.
• System Default: This option syncs Outlook’s theme with your iOS system theme. Choose Dark to enable dark mode.

On Android:

1. Open the Outlook App
   Launch the Outlook app on your Android device.
2. Go to Settings
   Tap on your profile icon (located in the top-left corner), then tap the gear icon for Settings.
3. Select Theme
   Scroll down to the Preferences section and select Theme.
4. Choose Dark Mode
   You’ll see three options:

• Light: The default light theme.
• Dark: Enables dark mode.
• System Default: Syncs Outlook’s theme with your Android’s system settings. Tap Dark to turn on dark mode.

No matter which platform you’re using—Windows, Mac, or mobile—switching to dark mode in Microsoft Outlook is simple and can make your email experience more comfortable, especially in low-light environments.

Now that you know how to enable dark mode in Outlook, go ahead and give your inbox a new look!