The modes and dark themes They are one of the best systems that exist for reducing visual fatigue if we spend a lot of time using an electronic device. On OLED screens, these issues also help to save batterybecause black pixels consume less energy. Within this context, one of the applications where this feature is most appreciated is the Google browser. Today we'll show you how use dark mode in Google Maps to get the most out of it both in navigation and when exploring the map.
Dark Mode and Google: little by little it is implemented in all apps, but not in the operating system
The history of Google with modes and dark themes It's a bit peculiar. Over the last few years, we've seen more and more users clamoring for a complete system-wide dark mode that would allow them to replace the light backgrounds usually opting for darker tones that are easier on the eyes. However, despite using the dark theme in previous versions of Android Nougat y Android OreoThis tool has not been fully implemented everywhere, although it has been implemented in some key areas of the system and in many proprietary applications.
In parallel, what was previously Material Design has evolved to become Material ThemeThe original idea is a bit of a departure, but Google's new design guidelines allow for greater flexibility. brand identity to each developer while maintaining visual consistency. Google has decided to opt for the white backgrounds in many of its applications, offering a common look that, at the same time, has allowed it to begin implementing dark modes more easily, both manually and automatically depending on the device's theme.
This approach has been seen in applications such as dark mode on YouTube o Android Messages, and even in the application of ContactsThe much-desired dark mode is being implemented gradually in many apps, while maintaining the ability to sync it with the system theme or activate and deactivate it independently.
The goal of an Android with total dark mode It's getting closer and closer. And, in its own way, you can also use the dark mode in Google Maps When navigating using your Android phone, and even when exploring the map without starting a route, we'll show you how it works, the differences between exploring and navigating, and the advantages it offers for your eyesight and battery life.
What is dark mode in Google Maps and what advantages does it have?
El dark mode In Google Maps, it's a customization option that allows you to change the color scheme The interface and map are rendered in dark tones. Instead of predominantly white backgrounds, a very dark gray or black background is used, with text elements and lines in light tones to maintain a good visual appeal. readability.
It's important to understand that Google Maps has two distinct areas where the dark theme is applied:
- map exploration: when you open the app to search for directions, see nearby places, check reviews, or simply move around the map without starting a route.
- Turn-by-turn navigation: when you start a route by car, on foot, by public transport or by bicycle and Google Maps shows turn-by-turn directions.
In each of these areas you can configure dark mode in a way independentThis allows you, for example, to have a dark interface while browsing and an automatic color scheme while navigating. Among the most notable benefits of the dark theme are:
- Greater visual comfortBy reducing the overall brightness of the screen, the Eye fatigueespecially in low-light environments, such as at night or inside a car.
- Less glareWhen using Google Maps at night, light backgrounds can cause annoying reflections. Dark mode mitigates these. glare and makes it more comfortable to use while driving.
- Reduction of dry eyesMaintaining lower brightness helps the eye blink more naturally, reducing the dryness and the feeling of tired eyes after long journeys.
- Improved perception in dark environmentsIn low-light conditions, less extreme contrasts between black and white help prevent the pupil from having to constrict excessively, which can reduce discomfort associated with visual problems such as astigmatism.
- Battery savingOn OLED screens, dark pixels consume less energy than light ones. Keeping Google Maps in dark mode can help. extend autonomyThis is especially useful on long trips or when you use your mobile phone as your main navigation device.
In addition to these benefits, the dark theme provides a more sophisticated aesthetic. sobriety and consistency for those who already use dark mode in the rest of the system and applications.
How to use dark mode in Google Maps for Android
First of all, let's clarify exactly what we mean in this section. Here we're talking about using the Dark mode in Google Maps while using navigationThat is, when you have already started a route and the application shows the step-by-step directions.
Default, This system activates automatically at night. Or when we pass through dimly lit areas, like a tunnel. Google Maps detects the lighting conditions and changes the color scheme to make it less distracting. This automatic method can be set to always be used, regardless of external conditions or time of day.
Similarly, by following these steps you can always use the light modeThis is especially useful if you prefer to keep the map with light backgrounds even when navigating at night. The idea is that you can adapt the app's behavior to your visual comfort and the characteristics of your device's screen.
To adjust the behavior of dark mode during navigation, follow this path within the application:
Opens Google Maps, expands the burger menu (or your profile menu, depending on the app version) and enter Settings. Go to Navigation settings and scroll down until you find the category of Map display. You will see three options for the Color schemeAutomatic, Day and Night.
Choose the option Nightlife to use dark mode in Google Maps at all times while navigating; or choose the option to Daytime to always use the light theme in navigation. If you keep the setting on AutomaticThe app itself will decide when to darken the map based on the time of day or lighting conditions. Once you select your preferred option, the change will be applied to the next route you start.
Although the exact way to access the settings may vary slightly depending on the app version and your phone's customization layer, the general logic remains the same: locate the navigation settings and, within those options, choose the color scheme that best suits your needs.
How to enable dark mode when browsing Google Maps on Android
In addition to the specific settings for navigation, Google Maps allows you to activate the Dark theme throughout the interface While exploring the map, browsing locations, or reviewing routes without having yet started turn-by-turn navigation, this option is independent and offers even more granular control over the app's appearance.
In current versions of Google Maps, dark mode while exploring is managed from the section of Topic on Within the general settings. From there you can decide if you want the app to always use dark theme, always use light theme, or sync with the device theme (light/dark) defined in Android.
This separation between the interface theme and the navigation color scheme is very useful. For example, you can have the interface and map in dark mode while exploring, and at the same time leave the Automatic mode Only for active routes. You can also do the opposite: keep the interface light during the day and force dark mode only when you enter navigation mode.
It's worth remembering that some dark theme settings only appear after certain... Android versions and from the Google Maps application itself, and that Google is rolling out these features gradually. If you don't see all the theme options yetThey will likely be activated later through an update.
Using dark mode while exploring and navigating allows you to fully adapt your Google Maps experience to any situation: short urban commutes, long-distance trips, occasional indoor use, or quick directions. These settings help reduce screen time. visual fatigueto make better use of the battery and maintain a consistent interface with the rest of your device without giving up any of the advanced features of the Google browser.
Knowing all these possibilities makes it much easier to configure Google Maps to adapt to your driving style and daily mobile usage, improving both the comfort such as safety when using the app in the car or in any other context.
