Dark mode changes your reading view from dark text on a light background to light text on a dark background. On supported Kindle devices, it can make reading in low light more comfortable and reduce light spill if you are reading next to someone else. Let’s look at the steps to turn on dark mode on the Kindle eReader, the Kindle app, or an Amazon Fire tablet.
What Is Dark Mode on Kindle?
Dark mode changes the page appearance so the background is dark and the text is light. On some Kindle devices, this is a built-in display option. On Kindle apps and Fire tablets, dark mode may depend on your reading settings, your device theme, or both.
Which Kindle Devices Support Dark Mode?
Amazon says you can toggle Dark Mode from Quick Settings on supported Kindle devices, including Kindle (9th generation and newer), Kindle Paperwhite (9th generation and newer), and Kindle Scribe. On some devices, you may also see this option under Screen and brightness. Support and menus can vary by model, so if you do not see Dark Mode on your device, it may not support it.
How to Turn On Dark Mode on a Kindle eReader
On supported Kindle eReaders, the fastest way is usually through Quick Settings.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings
- Look for Dark Mode and turn it on
If you do not see it there, try this path instead:
- Go to Settings
- Select Screen and brightness
- Select Appearance or Color Style
- Choose Dark or your preferred mode
For more details see Amazon help: Use Your Kindle E-Reader in Dark Mode
How to Turn On Dark Mode in the Kindle App
In the Kindle app, dark mode can come from two places: the app’s page color settings and your phone or tablet’s system-wide dark mode.
- Open a Kindle book
- Tap the screen to open reading controls
- Tap Aa to open reading settings
- Look for Page Color or a similar appearance option
- Select a dark page color if it is available
Amazon also notes that Kindle reading apps can follow your device’s own dark mode setting, so the appearance may change based on your phone or tablet theme. Amazon help: Accessible Reading Options for Kindle Reading Apps
How to Use Dark Mode on an Amazon Fire Tablet
Fire tablets are a little different. Inside the Kindle app, try changing the book’s page color first. If you want a stronger high-contrast effect across the whole tablet, Amazon also offers accessibility settings such as Color Inversion.
- Open a book in the Kindle app
- Tap the screen, then tap Aa
- Check for Page Color or theme options
- If needed, open Settings > Accessibility on your Fire tablet and look for Color Inversion or related vision settings
- Lower screen brightness from Quick Settings if you want a softer screen at night
Keep in mind that Color Inversion affects the whole tablet, not just the Kindle app, so it is not the same as Kindle’s normal reading dark mode.
Why Dark Mode May Look Different Across Devices
Dark mode is not identical across all Kindle devices and apps. Some devices offer a true Dark Mode toggle, while others offer page color changes inside the app. Fire tablets may also use accessibility features that affect the full screen. If your books or reading position are not matching across devices, check your Kindle Library and sync your content, but remember that syncing does not make every device support the same display features.
Troubleshooting Dark Mode on Kindle
- If you do not see a Dark Mode option, your device may not support it
- If the Kindle app looks different from your Kindle eReader, that is normal because app controls and device controls are different
- If the display does not update right away, close the book and reopen it
- If your library or reading progress looks out of sync, manually sync your device or app
You can also sync directly from many Kindle devices and apps through the menu or settings.
Final Tip
Once dark mode is on, open a few different books and test what feels best for your eyes. Some readers prefer dark mode for nighttime reading, while others only use it in certain rooms or on certain devices. If you want something new to try, browse free Kindle books and test dark mode on a few different genres.
