Google lets you switch between dark and light themes on Search, and the steps differ depending on whether you're on a computer or phone
Google Search itself has two main themes: a light theme (white background, dark text) and a dark theme (dark background, light text). On a computer, you can change this in your Google Account settings. On a phone or tablet, the theme usually follows your device's system setting — so if your phone is set to dark mode, Google Search will appear dark too. You can also override that on Android by changing the setting inside the Google app.
The theme you choose affects only how Google Search looks to you. It does not change your search history, your privacy settings, or anything about how Google stores your data. It is purely visual.
Key Takeaways
- On a computer, go to your Google Account settings, select "Appearance," and choose between Light theme, Dark theme, or System default.
- On an iPhone or iPad, Google Search follows your device's dark mode setting in iOS Settings — you cannot override it within Google itself.
- On Android, you can change the theme inside the Google app by opening the app menu, tapping "Settings," then "General," then toggling dark theme on or off.
- If you use Google Chrome as your browser, changing Chrome's theme is separate from changing Google Search's theme.
How to change the theme on a computer
Open Google Search in your web browser and sign into your Google Account if you are not already signed in. Look for your profile picture or initial in the top right corner of the page and click it. A menu will drop down with several options.
Click "Manage your Google Account." A new page will open with several tabs across the top. Click the tab labeled "Appearance." You will see three options: Light, Dark, and System default. Click whichever you prefer. Light gives you a white background. Dark gives you a dark background. System default means Google Search will match whatever theme your computer's operating system is currently using — so if you switch your Windows or Mac to dark mode, Google Search will switch too.
Your choice saves automatically. The next time you visit Google Search, it will display in the theme you selected.
How to change the theme on an Android phone or tablet
Open the Google app on your Android device. Tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings." Tap "General." You will see an option for "Dark theme" or "Theme." Tap it and choose from the available options, which usually include Light, Dark, and System default.
If you do not see this option, your version of the Google app may be older. You can update it through the Google Play Store. Open Play Store, search for "Google," and if an "Update" button appears, tap it.
Once you have made your choice, close the menu. Google Search will now display in the theme you selected the next time you use it.
How to change the theme on an iPhone or iPad
Google Search on iPhone and iPad does not have its own theme setting. Instead, it automatically follows the dark mode setting on your device itself. If your iPhone or iPad is set to dark mode, Google Search will appear dark. If it is set to light mode, Google Search will appear light.
To change this, go to your device's Settings app, tap "Display & Brightness," and choose either Light or Dark. You can also select "Automatic," which switches between light and dark based on the time of day. This change will affect Google Search and most other apps on your device.
The difference between Google Search theme and Chrome theme
If you use Google Chrome as your browser, you may notice Chrome also has a theme setting. Changing Chrome's theme is separate from changing Google Search's theme. Chrome's theme affects the browser itself — the address bar, buttons, and background. Google Search's theme affects only the Google Search page.
You can have Chrome set to dark mode while Google Search is set to light mode, or any other combination. They do not affect each other. If you want to change Chrome's theme, right-click anywhere on a new tab, select "Customize Chrome," and look for the theme options in the left sidebar.
What happens if you use Google on a shared computer
If multiple people use the same computer and each person has their own Google Account, each account can have its own theme preference. When you sign into your Google Account, your theme choice appears. When someone else signs into their account, their theme choice appears. The theme is tied to your account, not to the computer itself.
If you use Google Search without signing into an account, Google will use your browser's default theme or system theme, depending on your browser. You will not be able to save a personal theme preference unless you sign in.
Troubleshooting: theme not changing or reverting
If you changed your theme but it is not showing up, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then sign out and sign back into your Google Account. Sometimes stored data can interfere with theme settings.
If your theme keeps reverting to a different setting, check whether you have "System default" selected. If you do, your theme will change whenever your device's system theme changes. If you want a theme that stays the same regardless of your device settings, select either Light or Dark instead.
On mobile devices, if the theme is not changing, make sure you are using the latest version of the Google app. Older versions sometimes do not have full theme support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing Google's theme affect my search history or privacy?
No. Theme is purely visual. Changing it does not alter what Google records, how your data is stored, or your privacy settings. It only changes how the page looks to you.
Can I set different themes for Google Search and Gmail?
Yes. Gmail has its own theme setting separate from Google Search. You can set Gmail to dark mode and Google Search to light mode, or any combination. In Gmail, click the gear icon in the top right, select "Display density," and look for theme options.
Why does my Google Search theme change when I change my phone's dark mode?
If you have "System default" selected as your theme, Google Search will automatically match your phone's dark mode setting. To prevent this, open the Google app, go to Settings, and select either Light or Dark instead of System default.
Does the theme change affect how fast Google Search loads?
No. Dark mode and light mode load at the same speed. The theme is only a visual layer on top of the same page.
What if I cannot find the Appearance tab in my Google Account settings?
Make sure you are signed into your Google Account and viewing the full Account settings page, not a mobile-simplified version. If you are on a phone, try opening Google Account settings in a desktop browser instead. The Appearance tab may not show on all mobile browsers.