LinkedIn dark mode has become a game-changer for professionals who spend hours networking, job hunting, and building their personal brand on FidForward Talent. If you’re tired of the bright white interface burning your eyes during late-night job searches or just prefer a sleeker look while scrolling through your feed, dark mode offers a welcome alternative. This guide covers everything from enabling dark mode to optimizing your profile for both viewing experiences, with plenty of practical tips along the way.
LinkedIn dark mode is a display option that transforms the platform’s interface from its traditional light background to a darker theme with light text. Launched in September 2021, as reported by CNET, it gives users the choice to browse LinkedIn with white text on a dark background instead of the standard black text on white.
This isn’t just about looks – dark mode offers real benefits:
By 2024, dark mode has become the preferred choice for millions of LinkedIn users who appreciate both its practical benefits and stylish appearance.
Ironically, dark mode isn’t new at all – it’s actually a return to computing’s roots. In the 1970s, early computer screens used cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) that naturally displayed light text on dark backgrounds because technology couldn’t efficiently illuminate entire screens without burning out.
As technology evolved and color TVs became common, interfaces shifted to white backgrounds that mimicked paper. This approach, called skeuomorphism, made digital interfaces feel more familiar to users transitioning from the physical world.
The modern dark mode revolution kicked off around 2019, when Google and Apple both announced dark themes for their mobile operating systems. From there, the feature quickly spread to major platforms, with LinkedIn finally joining the party in 2021 after three years of user requests.
Turning on dark mode is simple, though the exact steps differ slightly depending on your device. Let’s walk through the process for each platform:
Step 1: Log into your LinkedIn account in any web browser Step 2: Click your profile picture in the top-right corner Step 3: Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu Step 4: In the left sidebar, click “Account preferences” Step 5: Scroll down to find “Display” section Step 6: Click “Change” next to “Dark mode” Step 7: Choose one of three options:
Step 1: Open the LinkedIn app on your iPhone Step 2: Tap your profile photo in the top-left corner Step 3: Tap “Settings” Step 4: Select “Account preferences” Step 5: Find and tap “Dark mode” in the Display section Step 6: Choose your preferred option (Dark mode, Light mode, or Device settings)
Step 1: Launch the LinkedIn app on your Android device Step 2: Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner Step 3: Tap “Settings” Step 4: Go to “Account preferences” Step 5: Tap “Dark mode” Step 6: Select your preference from the three options provided
Pro tip: If you don’t see the dark mode option, make sure your app is updated to the latest version. LinkedIn occasionally rolls out features gradually by region, so it might take time to appear for some users.
Dark mode isn’t just a trendy feature – it offers several practical advantages that can improve your LinkedIn experience:
Dark mode significantly reduces digital eye strain, especially in low-light environments. The light text on dark background creates less screen glare, making extended browsing sessions more comfortable. This is particularly helpful for:
If you use LinkedIn on a mobile device with an OLED or AMOLED display, dark mode can significantly extend your battery life. Unlike LCD screens, OLED displays can turn off individual pixels when displaying black, using less power overall.
According to research by Google, phones with OLED displays used up to three times less energy in dark mode – potentially saving 63% of battery power. That’s a huge difference if you’re a heavy LinkedIn user on the go!
Dark mode can help you focus better on content by reducing visual distractions. According to Apple’s design guidelines, dark mode makes important content more visible while UI elements become less intrusive.
This subtle shift helps you concentrate on what matters:
Blue light from screens has been linked to sleep disruption when viewed before bedtime. Dark mode helps reduce blue light exposure, potentially allowing for better sleep if you tend to check LinkedIn before turning in.
For users with light sensitivity or certain visual conditions, dark mode can make LinkedIn more accessible and comfortable to use. The reduced brightness and improved contrast help many users browse without discomfort.
Note: Dark mode isn’t universally better for everyone. People with astigmatism might actually find it harder to read white text on dark backgrounds, as the pupil dilates and can make text appear blurry.
Not sure which mode is right for you? Consider these key differences:
| Feature | Light Mode | Dark Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Eye strain in bright environments | Better | Worse |
| Eye strain in dark environments | Worse | Better |
| Battery life on OLED screens | Higher drain | Lower drain (up to 63% less) |
| Text readability | Better for lengthy reading | Better for quick scanning |
| Visual appearance of photos | More natural colors | More vibrant contrasts |
| Logo visibility | Optimal | May require adjustments |
| Sleep impact if used before bed | More blue light | Less blue light |
| Professional appearance | Traditional | Modern, tech-forward |
Once you’ve enabled dark mode (or even if you haven’t), remember that other users might view your profile in either mode. Here’s how to ensure your profile looks great regardless of display settings:
Your profile picture is crucial for making a good first impression. Here’s how to make it work well in both modes:
Pro tip: Ask a colleague to view your profile in dark mode from their account to see exactly how others will see you.
Your LinkedIn banner (background image) can look dramatically different between display modes:
For business pages or personal brands with logos, visibility in dark mode requires special attention:
Use this simple checklist to ensure your profile looks professional in both light and dark modes:
This five-minute check can prevent potential issues with how others perceive your professional brand.
Several external tools can help ensure your LinkedIn content looks great in dark mode:
If you regularly post content on LinkedIn, consider these tips for dark mode compatibility:
Dark mode isn’t just a visual preference—it affects how your personal brand is perceived. A study by Salesforce found that users make faster and more accurate decisions with graphics in dark mode, though they reported finding light mode more visually pleasing.
For tech professionals, designers, and digital marketers, embracing dark mode compatibility signals that you’re current with digital trends. For more traditional fields like finance or legal services, ensuring your content works equally well in both modes demonstrates attention to detail and user experience.
As we continue through 2024, LinkedIn’s dark mode is evolving beyond simple color inversion. Future enhancements will likely include:
Dark mode is moving toward more refined aesthetics with:
Look for improved usability through:
LinkedIn may soon offer more personalization:
If dark mode isn’t available, try:
No – dark mode only changes how YOU see LinkedIn, not how others view your profile. However, others might be using dark mode to view your content, which is why optimizing for both modes matters.
Yes, dark mode support has been extended to most LinkedIn products, including Recruiter. If you don’t see it, check for updates or contact LinkedIn support.
No, dark mode is a display preference that doesn’t impact how LinkedIn tracks engagement with your content or profile.
LinkedIn dark mode offers significant benefits for professionals who spend considerable time networking, job hunting, and building their personal brand online. From reduced eye strain and battery savings to improved focus and aesthetics, dark mode provides a more comfortable and personalized experience.
Whether you’re a night owl who prefers working in low light, someone concerned about digital eye strain, or simply someone who appreciates the sleek, modern look, LinkedIn dark mode has something valuable to offer nearly everyone in the professional world.
By understanding how to enable this feature across your devices and optimize your presence for both display modes, you’ll ensure your professional brand remains effective and appealing regardless of how others choose to view the platform.
Give dark mode a try – your eyes (and your phone battery) will thank you!
