Updated Nov 12, 2021
If you use iTunes to listen to music or watch movies, you can enable iTunes Dark Mode on your computer to reduce the brightness and give your user interface a new makeover and dark option.
To enable iTunes dark mode on your Windows PC or Mac Computer, go to the settings and change the computer’s display mode to dark. This enables a dark theme for the entire computer and not just iTunes. Alternatively, you can also use third-party software if you want to activate iTunes Dark Mode without changing your computer’s theme.
Ideally, changing your computer to a dark background and color scheme can help reduce the brightness, but not everyone prefers the dark theme across all software applications—especially if they want to be more productive. Fortunately, this article will show you all of your options; whether you are a Mac or PC user.
What is iTunes Dark Mode?
When in dark mode, iTunes will work the same. Nothing will change in terms of the software’s usage. The only thing that will change is the display. It is basically like changing the theme to a darker tone, which can benefit your eyes, especially if you will be in front of your computer screen for hours.
Activating dark mode will basically invert the colors and change the white to black and vice versa, including the backgrounds, the text, and the other buttons. However, the album covers and icons will remain the same.
Enabling iTunes Dark Mode and dark mode for all your applications on your phone or on your computer can save your eyes from blue light, sleeping issues, headaches, and eye strain.
How to Turn on Dark Mode on iTunes
Turning on Dark Mode for iTunes is different whether you are using a Windows PC or an Apple Computer. However, the ideas are the same.
All you need to do is go into the settings and set the theme to dark. The iTunes theme will automatically turn dark. In some cases, you can also use third-party software to add a Dark Mode for iTunes alone.
If you are a Mac Apple user with the newest macOS Catalina or macOS BigSur—iTunes is no longer supported. Instead, it is replaced with Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts, which all have Dark Mode built-in when you change them through the settings.
If you are using older versions of macOS like Mojave and older, you can still use iTunes—and here is how to enable dark mode on those systems:
How to Turn on iTunes Dark Mode for Mac Users
Before doing the following steps, make sure you update your OS to the latest version. macOS Mojave is the last version that supports iTunes, and anything newer than that is now using Apple Music.
The iTunes app is also now unsupported on the newest Apple iPhones and iPads. However, whether you are using Apple Music or iTunes, the steps are basically the same.
Step 1: Click the Apple Logo
On the top left of the screen click the Apple Logo to go into your Mac Apple settings.
Step 2: Choose System Preferences
When the drop-down menu appears, click on System Preferences to change to dark mode.
Step 3: Choose General
When you are in System Preferences, select Desktop and Screen Saver settings.
Step 4: Select Dark in the Appearance tab
Select the Dark option in the Appearance tab to change the settings to dark mode for iTunes and other applications. If you are using a newer version of macOS, you can select the Dynamic Mode when you go to System Preferences> Desktop and Screen Saver—which will automatically change the theme from light to dark mode, depending on the time of day.
Step 5: Launch iTunes or Apple Music
Lastly, all you need to do is launch iTunes to check if night mode is now available—which should be.
How to Turn on iTunes Dark Mode for Windows Users
If you are a Windows PC user, follow these steps to enable iTunes Dark Mode on your computer:
Step 1: Use the Search Bar to Launch Settings
Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the start menu, and in the search bar, type “Settings.”
Step 2: Select Personalization
Once in the settings menu, click on personalization and choose colors when you are on the next screen.
Step 3: Select Dark Option
Under the choose your default app mode tab—choose the “Dark” option.
Step 4: Launch iTunes
To check if it worked, just launch the iTunes app or restart the computer if it did not work the first time. It rarely needs to reboot, but in some cases, you might need to reboot the system to apply new settings.
If you are a Windows PC user, there is another alternative to activate iTunes dark mode for just the app itself without changing the themes on your computer.
You can download apps, such as Tunescare or iMyFone Tunes Fix. These are third-party software that can enable iTunes Dark Mode without changing the settings in your control panel.
How to Fix iTunes Dark Mode that Doesn’t Work
If Dark Mode does not work on your computer, the simple solution would be rebooting your computer. If it still does not work, you will probably need to update your OS to the latest version, as well as update iTunes to the latest version.
If you are using an older device, it probably does not support newer OS versions that introduced dark mode, so make sure your hardware and software are not too outdated to ensure that iTunes Dark Mode will work.
Why Use Dark Mode
Using dark mode has many benefits. It can reduce blue light, eyestrain, and reduce the risks of sleeping problems. Plus, it looks cool, and some people prefer the new dark mode interface over the regular one.
Another benefit is that using dark mode actually saves power, making your computer more efficient.
iTunes on new Apple Mac Devices: Does it Still Work?
Unfortunately, iTunes is no longer supported on new Apple Mac devices. The last operating system or macOS version that supports iTunes is macOS Mojave, and anything after that is now using Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts for listening to music and watching videos.
For syncing Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, you no longer need iTunes on new Mac devices. Instead, you can sync your Apple iPhone and iPad with the Finder.
FAQs
Do iTunes dark mode work for all macOS devices and versions?
iTunes dark mode only works for the newest versions of macOS and the newest devices. Make sure you update your devices to enable iTunes dark mode.
Is iTunes still available on older Windows versions?
iTunes or older versions of iTunes are still available from Windows XP and higher. Dark mode on Windows is also available for newer versions.
Can you change the color of iTunes?
You cannot change the color of iTunes within the software itself. However, if you are using an Apple computer, you can change the theme of your open windows and color scheme, which will also modify your iTunes or Apple Music windows to follow the current theme.
How do I change my skin on iTunes?
You will need to download third-party software to change the skin of iTunes or set dark mode on iTunes. The skin of iTunes cannot be changed using default settings—unlike other music player apps like Windows Media Player and WinaMP3.
Is dark mode bad for your eyes?
The dark mode is actually better for your eyes since it reduces brightness that can cause insomnia and eyestrain.
Which MacOS Versions Support iTunes Dark Mode?
Most MacOS versions including the latest MacOS Mojave, MacOS Catalina, MacOS BigSur, and the upcoming MacOS Monterey have a dynamic theme where you can change the display from light to dark mode.
In the appearance section, you can change the settings to enable and use dark mode in iTunes, as well as all the applications supported.
