Skip to main content

Facebook Messenger dark mode rolls out: Here’s how to unlock the hidden feature

Facebook has quietly rolled out a dark mode for its Messenger app, though activating the feature will take a few more steps than simply accessing the settings menu.

The Facebook Messenger dark mode has been teased since last year’s F8 developers conference. It has since been tested in a few countries, with only a limited number of users able to enjoy the feature — until now.

To activate the Facebook Messenger dark mode, users will first have to send the crescent moon emoji to anyone, including any of their contacts, a chatbot, or even themselves. The correct emoji is the one of the moon without a face, and users will know that they sent the right one because the screen will fill up with falling crescent moon emojis.

After the falling crescent moon emojis, a pop-up will appear at the top of the screen to inform users that dark mode is now available through the app’s settings menu, where the feature can be activated with a simple toggle. Users who do not see the falling crescent moon emojis may have to double-tap their message, restart Messenger, or update the app to its latest version.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The app sends a warning that the Facebook Messenger dark mode is still a work in progress, but it appears that most sections of the app already support the feature. Google confirmed at the 2018 Android Dev Summit that activating dark mode extends battery life for Android smartphones, as the reduced brightness of the screens leads to slower battery drain. The same likely holds true for Apple’s iPhones.

The arrival of dark mode, albeit as a secret feature, comes with the rollout of a simpler, redesigned version of the app named Messenger 4. The new Messenger, revealed in October last year, simplifies the user interface while introducing new customization options.

Another recently launched feature for Messenger is the ability to unsend messages up to 10 minutes after sending them, in both individual and group chats. Facebook promised to release the feature after a report revealed that CEO Mark Zuckerberg was able to delete some of his own messages. The social network company then promised that all users would be able to unsend their messages, whether due to typos, wrong recipients, or for any other reason.

Editors' Recommendations

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…
Facebook will limit forwards on Messenger to tackle misinformation
Facebook Messenger forwarding limits

Facebook says it’s imposing a new forward limit on its Messenger platform to stem the growing tide of viral misinformation ahead of the presidential election. The social network is now rolling an update that will restrict users from forwarding a message to no more than five people at a time, a significant downgrade from the service’s previous ability to forward messages to 150 chats.

Jay Sullivan, the executive responsible for Messenger’s privacy and safety, said in a blog post that the company is introducing a forwarding limit to “help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information.”

Read more
Facebook starts merging Instagram, Messenger chat features on iOS, Android
Instagram logo

Facebook has apparently started merging the chat services of Instagram and Messenger on mobile devices, following through with a plan that was revealed in early 2019.

For some people, a notification has popped up on the iOS and Android versions of Instagram, offering "a new way to message" while showing the photo-sharing app's icon alongside Messenger's. The notification, which offers users a choice of updating the app, also lists features such as a new colorful design, emoji reactions, swipe to reply, and the option of chatting with friends on Facebook.

Read more
Here’s how Facebook is preparing for Election Day chaos
zipcar drivethevote electoin 59947941  closeup of an american i voted sticker placed on a navy shirt

Facebook’s new Voting Information Center has many new features to help users ahead of the upcoming election, but one of the center's most critical aspects will be to act as a line of defense against misinformation. 

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of security policy, said in a press call that the social network is closely tracking three different types of threats leading up to Election Day. These include attempts to suppress voter turnout by spreading false information in how voting works, hack and leak scenarios, and attempts to corrupt or manipulate public debate during ballot counting.

Read more