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Save Energy Using Black Backgrounds

Using dark mode on your mobile phone (and new ipads/tablets) can help your battery last longer and reduce electricity use.
It is easy. It is free. And everyone can do it.

Mailnoir

Why is that?

On modern screens (phones, tablets, computers):
A white pixel needs a lot of light.
More light means more energy.
A black pixel uses very little light, almost no energy at all.
This means your phone battery lasts longer, and less electricity is used.

NOW, there is a big difference between OLED screens (smartphones and new ipads and tablets)) and LCD screens (imac, Mac desktop, Window PC, Desktop and most iPads and tablets).
Only smartphones will make a difference in the saving of energy and battery because in LCD screens the BACKLIGHT is always on so black screen still use energy.


I am still using Dark Mode on my iMac and on my laptop because it has a big advantage for our eyes.
Less glare: Bright white screens reflect light and can make your eyes feel tired after a few hours. Dark backgrounds reduce glare, making it more comfortable to work for long periods.
Better for your sleep and mood: Blue light from bright screens can affect your serotonin and melatonin levels. Too much white light at night can make it harder to sleep and can leave you feeling more stressed. Dark mode reduces this effect.
Focus and comfort: Dark backgrounds put more focus on your content (emails, text, photos), so your eyes don’t have to work as hard.
In short, even if it doesn’t save much electricity on a desktop, dark mode protects your eyes, helps your mood, and reduces screen fatigue.

Dark Mode in Applications

Today, many applications give you the option to use dark mode or black backgrounds.

At the beginning, it can feel a bit strange.
Reading white text on a black background, especially emails, is not what we are used to.

But after some time, you get used to it.
And knowing that you are saving energy feels good and remove a bit the guilt!

How to set up Dark Mode

  • Emails: Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail → Settings → Theme → Dark
  • Browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox → Settings → Dark mode or extension
  • Photoshop / Adobe Apps: Already dark by default → less eye strain
  • WhatsApp / Messenger: Settings → Theme → Dark
  • Mac (iMac / MacBook): System Settings → Appearance → Dark

Why This Matters

If many people do this, the impact can make a big difference

Dark mode helps:

  • Save battery on phones
  • Reduce eye strain
  • Lower electricity use