Hey guys! Ever wondered how to get that sleek dark mode look on your older Android 7 device? While it's not as straightforward as on newer Android versions, don't worry, I've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore several methods to bring the dark side to your Android 7 phone or tablet. Let's dive in!

Why Dark Mode?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to enable dark mode in the first place. Dark mode, also known as night mode, switches the color scheme of your device's interface from light to dark. This can have several benefits:

• Reduced Eye Strain: Staring at a bright screen in a dimly lit environment can cause eye strain and fatigue. Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by your screen, which can help alleviate these issues.
• Better Sleep: Blue light can also interfere with your sleep cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. By reducing blue light exposure, dark mode can help you fall asleep more easily.
• Extended Battery Life: On devices with OLED screens, dark mode can actually save battery life. This is because OLED screens only illuminate the pixels that are needed to display an image. When dark mode is enabled, fewer pixels need to be lit, resulting in lower power consumption.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Let's be honest, dark mode just looks cool! It gives your device a sleek, modern appearance that many people find visually appealing.

Method 1: Using Third-Party Apps

Since Android 7 doesn't have a built-in dark mode feature, the easiest way to get it is by using third-party apps from the Google Play Store. These apps overlay a dark theme on your device's interface, giving you a system-wide dark mode experience.

Popular Dark Mode Apps

• Dark Mode by Julian Schrader: This app is a popular choice for enabling dark mode on Android devices. It offers a simple and easy-to-use interface, with options to automatically switch between dark and light mode based on time of day.
• Night Mode by HZ Studio: Another great option, Night Mode allows you to apply a dark filter to your screen, reducing blue light and eye strain. It also offers customizable settings to adjust the intensity of the filter.
• Twilight by Urbandroid Team: While not strictly a dark mode app, Twilight adjusts your screen's color temperature based on the time of day, reducing blue light in the evening and promoting better sleep.

How to Use Dark Mode Apps

1. Download and Install: Head to the Google Play Store and search for a dark mode app. Choose one that has good reviews and a high rating, then download and install it on your device.
2. Grant Permissions: Open the app and grant it any necessary permissions. This may include access to your device's display settings and usage data.
3. Enable Dark Mode: Most dark mode apps have a simple toggle switch that you can use to enable or disable dark mode. Simply flip the switch to turn on dark mode.
4. Customize Settings: Some apps offer additional customization options, such as the ability to adjust the intensity of the dark filter or schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically. Experiment with these settings to find what works best for you.

Important Considerations

• App Compatibility: Keep in mind that not all apps are compatible with dark mode apps. Some apps may not display correctly or may have visual glitches when dark mode is enabled.
• Battery Life: While dark mode can save battery life on devices with OLED screens, it may not have a significant impact on devices with LCD screens.
• Security: Be cautious when granting permissions to third-party apps. Only download apps from trusted developers and review the permissions they request before installing them.

Method 2: Using Substratum Theme Engine

If you're a bit more tech-savvy, you can use the Substratum theme engine to apply a dark theme to your Android 7 device. Substratum is a powerful theming platform that allows you to customize the look and feel of your Android system. However, using Substratum requires root access, which can be a bit tricky to obtain.

What is Substratum?

Substratum is a theming engine that allows you to apply custom themes to your Android device. It works by overlaying new resources on top of the existing system resources, allowing you to change the appearance of your device without modifying the system files directly.

Prerequisites

• Root Access: As mentioned earlier, Substratum requires root access to function. This means you'll need to root your Android 7 device before you can use Substratum.
• Substratum App: You'll need to download and install the Substratum app from the Google Play Store.
• Compatible Theme: You'll also need to find a dark theme that is compatible with Substratum and your Android 7 device. There are many dark themes available on the Play Store, so do some research and find one that you like.

How to Use Substratum

1. Install Substratum: Download and install the Substratum app from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant Permissions: Open the Substratum app and grant it root access. You may need to use a root management app like SuperSU to grant the necessary permissions.
3. Install a Theme: Download and install a compatible dark theme from the Google Play Store.
4. Apply the Theme: Open the Substratum app and select the dark theme you installed. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the theme to your device.
5. Reboot Your Device: After applying the theme, reboot your device to see the changes.

Important Considerations

• Rooting Risks: Rooting your device can void your warranty and may expose your device to security risks. Proceed with caution and only root your device if you know what you're doing.
• Theme Compatibility: Not all themes are compatible with all devices. Make sure to choose a theme that is specifically designed for your Android 7 device.
• Potential Instability: Applying themes with Substratum can sometimes cause instability or boot loops. If you encounter any problems, you may need to restore your device to its factory settings.

Method 3: Using Custom ROMs

For the most advanced users, installing a custom ROM is another way to get dark mode on Android 7. Custom ROMs are modified versions of the Android operating system that offer additional features and customization options, including dark mode.

What are Custom ROMs?

Custom ROMs are alternative operating systems for Android devices. They are developed by independent developers and offer a wide range of features and customizations that are not available in the stock Android ROM.

Prerequisites

• Unlocked Bootloader: You'll need to unlock your device's bootloader before you can install a custom ROM. This process varies depending on your device manufacturer.
• Custom Recovery: You'll also need to install a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This will allow you to flash the custom ROM to your device.
• Compatible ROM: You'll need to find a custom ROM that is compatible with your Android 7 device and includes a dark mode feature. There are many custom ROMs available online, so do some research and find one that you like.

How to Install a Custom ROM

1. Unlock Bootloader: Unlock your device's bootloader. This process varies depending on your device manufacturer. Refer to online guides for specific instructions.
2. Install Custom Recovery: Install a custom recovery like TWRP. Again, refer to online guides for specific instructions for your device.
3. Download ROM: Download the custom ROM you want to install and save it to your device's internal storage or SD card.
4. Boot into Recovery Mode: Boot your device into recovery mode using the appropriate key combination.
5. Wipe Data: In the recovery menu, wipe the data, cache, and dalvik cache partitions. This will erase all of your data, so make sure to back up your important files first.
6. Flash the ROM: In the recovery menu, select the option to install a zip file and choose the custom ROM you downloaded. Follow the on-screen instructions to flash the ROM to your device.
7. Reboot Your Device: After flashing the ROM, reboot your device. The first boot may take a while, so be patient.

Important Considerations

• Warranty Void: Installing a custom ROM will void your warranty.
• Data Loss: Installing a custom ROM will erase all of your data, so make sure to back up your important files first.
• Potential Instability: Custom ROMs can sometimes be unstable or buggy. Choose a ROM that is well-regarded and has a large community of users.
• Device Compatibility: Make sure the custom ROM is specifically designed for your Android 7 device. Flashing the wrong ROM can brick your device.

Conclusion

So there you have it! While Android 7 doesn't have a built-in dark mode, there are several ways to get it. Whether you choose to use a third-party app, the Substratum theme engine, or a custom ROM, you can enjoy the benefits of dark mode on your older Android device. Just remember to weigh the risks and benefits of each method before proceeding. Happy theming, folks!