Turn on iTunes Dark Mode. Mac and Windows (2023)

Have you ever opened iTunes in the middle of the night, only to regret it a few seconds later after you’re greeted with blinding light?

The majority of computer users today prefer working late at night. However, most programs have a bright or light interface that can cause eye strain and insomnia. Because of this, developers are hard at work in releasing “dark mode” features for users.

Just like most programs, the default background of iTunes is white. This can cause a lot of health issues concerning your eyes and sleep pattern. 

Thankfully, dark mode is now available on Windows 10/11 and macOS Mojave or later. Enabling the default computer background settings to dark mode will automatically enable iTunes Dark Mode.

In this article, learn more about the benefits of iTunes Dark Mode and how you can enable it on your Windows or Mac computer. Once you are done, check out how to play iTunes on Alexa.

 

Table of Contents

What is iTunes Dark Mode?

While iTunes doesn’t have a built-in dark mode, users can change the default white interface to a darker one by changing the operating system’s app mode. This will change the computer’s programs to have a grey or black windows.

Because iTunes dark mode is tied to the PC’s operating system, the feature is only available on Windows 10/11 and macOS Mojave or later.

 

What are the advantages of iTunes Dark Mode?

iTunes dark mode is useful for working late at night or in dark rooms.  It will allow you to use iTunes for a long time without straining your eyes or causing insomnia.

Dark Mode encourages visual ergonomics by minimizing eye strain and glare, while allowing screens to adjust to the room’s light conditions. This will ensure comfort at night or in low-light settings.

Pros & Cons
  • Minimizes blue light and glare
  • Avoids eye strain and improves readability in low-light environments
  • Prevents insomnia
  • Saves battery life on LED or AMOLED screens
Cons
  • May cause eye strain due washed-out appearance in bright light settings
  • Longer text may be difficult to read

 

How to Enable iTunes Dark Mode on Windows

iTunes dark mode is only available on Windows 10 and 11 computers, so you’ll need to update your PC if you have a lower OS. 

To update your computer to Windows 10 or 11, make sure your computer meets these minimum requirements. Otherwise, you will need to get a newer PC that can support Windows 10/11:

Processor
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
Graphics card
DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
RAM
1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit

2 GB for 64-bit 

Hard drive space
16 GB for 32-bit OS

32 GB for 64-bit OS

Display
800×600

 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable iTunes Dark Mode on Windows:

  1. Open Settings with “Windows Key + I.”
  2. Navigate to the Personalization section, and click on Colors on the sidebar.
  3. On Windows 10, find “Choose your default mode.” If you have installed Windows 11, find “Choose your Mode.” Select Dark under this section.
  4. If you want to change your OS to have an overall dark theme, select Dark under “Choose your default Windows Mode.”
  5. Close settings then relaunch iTunes.

 

How to Enable iTunes Dark Mode on Mac

iTunes dark mode is only available on macOS Mojave, so you’ll need to update your PC if you have an older OS. 

macOS Mojave is only compatible with these Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)

You also need at least 2GB of memory and 12.5GB of available storage.

Otherwise, you will need to get a newer Macbook that can support Mojave:

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable iTunes Dark Mode on Mac:

  1. Click the Apple icon then select System Preferences.
  2. Under General, find the Appearance section and select Dark.
  3. Close settings then relaunch iTunes.

Did you know that Spotify also has a dark mode? If you would like to give it a try, please check out our article which goes into how to get Spotify on a Macbook.

 

iTunes Dark Mode FAQ

How do I disable iTunes Dark Mode?

Windows

To disable iTunes dark mode on Windows, change back Default App Mode to ‘Light.’

Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Under Choose your default app mode, select ‘Light.’

Exit settings, and relaunch iTunes.

Mac

To disable iTunes dark mode on Mac, change back Appearance to ‘Light.’

Click the Apple logo > System Preferences > General. Under Appearance, select ‘Light.’

Exit System Preferences, and relaunch iTunes.

What to do if iTunes Dark Mode option isn’t available?

If iTunes Dark mode isn’t available on your PC, there are two possible reasons:

  • Your operating system is not updated: For Windows users, your operating system should be updated to Windows 10 or 11. For Mac users, your operating system should be updated to macOS Mojave or newer.
  • Your iTunes is not updated: To manually check for updates, choose Help > Check for Updates. You can also set iTunes to automatically check for new updates weekly, choose Edit > Preferences > Advanced, then select Check for new software updates automatically.
  • Your operating system is not supported: Are you on a Chromebook? iTunes is not officially supported, but we have a guide which explains How To Download iTunes on your Chromebook.

What if iTunes Dark Mode doesn’t work?

If iTunes dark mode keeps resetting or has a lot of bugs, you can try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Review the steps on how to switch to dark mode and check if you’ve followed all the steps carefully. 
  • Close the iTunes window and restart your computer.
  • Uninstall iTunes and reinstall with the latest version.
  • Check if there are other desktop or app themes installed on your computer.
  • Check if an antivirus program is interrupting the changes made.

 

Conclusion

Default light mode app settings can cause eye strain, insomnia, and headaches due to glare and low readability in low light environments. 

While iTunes doesn’t have built-in settings for switching between light mode and dark mode, newer operating systems in Windows and Mac computers allow users to adjust app mode for select programs, including iTunes.

Windows 10 and 11 users can change iTunes to dark mode by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Colors, and setting default app mode to Dark.

Meanwhile, macOS Mojave users or later can change iTunes to dark mode by navigating to System Preferences > General and setting Appearance to Dark.

Dark mode settings were designed to improve visual ergonomics and enhance comfort for those who have a habit of using the computer late at night.