This Neat Trick Will Activate ‘Dark Mode’ On Facebook Messenger So Your Eyes Hurt Less

The cheeky Easter egg will invert colours so that it shows white text on a black background instead.

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The one really annoying feature of an app's sleek, minimalistic design is how stark white it looks.

Which means unlocking your phone at night looks a little like this:

Image via GIPHY

Facebook has been making some big changes to its Messenger app, which now includes a super secret 'Dark Mode'

The 'Dark Mode' inverts the colours so that users get white text on a black background, instead of the default dark-on-light scheme.

It is believed that 'dark' or 'night' modes have various benefits, including less eye strain, less sleep disruption, and also saves on battery life, reported CNET.

A comparison of the default Messenger (left) vs. in 'Dark Mode'.

Image via SAYS

Instead of just adding a simple switch to activate 'Dark Mode', Facebook has decided to make things a little cheeky by involving this emoji:

Image via Emojipedia

Here's how you can activate 'Dark Mode' on Messenger:

1. Send the "Crescent Moon" emoji to anybody (even yourself) in a chat.
2. Your chat will be showered in falling moons, and a pop-up saying 'You've found dark mode!' will appear.
3. Now you choose can activate or deactivate 'Dark Mode' in the app's settings.

The shower of falling moons (left) and the pop-up that should follow.

Image via SAYS

If you followed the instructions, but 'Dark Mode' did not appear for you, here's what you should do instead:

First of all, check that your Messenger is updated to the latest version.

If your app is updated, then try:
– Tapping on the "Crescent Moon" emoji, or
– Closing down Messenger, reopening it, then tap again on the "Crescent Moon" emoji.

'Dark Mode' is available on both iOS and Android versions of Messenger.

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