Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to change the black background to white on Android devices. Many Android users prefer a lighter background for better visibility or personal aesthetics. Whether the black background is caused by Dark Mode, a specific app setting, or wallpaper, the following steps will help you switch to a white or lighter background.
Why Change the Background to White?
Changing your device’s background color can significantly impact your user experience. A white background:
- Improves readability for some users.
- Enhances aesthetics, especially for those who prefer light themes.
- Matches specific apps or system settings for a cohesive look.
- Reduces eye strain in brightly lit environments compared to a dark background.
If you’ve noticed your Android device has switched to a black background and you’d prefer white, you can follow these detailed instructions.
1. Disable Dark Mode
Dark Mode is a system-wide feature that changes the interface to a darker theme. To switch back to a white background, you need to disable Dark Mode.
- Steps to turn off Dark Mode:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select Display or Display & Brightness, depending on your device.
- Look for the Dark Mode or Night Mode toggle.
- Turn the toggle off to switch back to a light theme.
Alternatively, you can use the Quick Settings panel:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification shade.
- Swipe down again to open Quick Settings.
- Locate the Dark Mode toggle and tap it to disable.
Once disabled, your phone’s background and supported apps will switch to a white or light background.
2. Change Wallpaper to a White or Light Color
If your home screen or lock screen background is black, it may be due to your current wallpaper. Changing the wallpaper to a lighter or white image will resolve this.
- Steps to change wallpaper:
- Long-press on an empty area of the Home Screen.
- Select Wallpaper & Style or Set Wallpaper.
- Choose a light or white-colored wallpaper from the gallery or pre-installed options.
- Tap Set Wallpaper and choose whether to apply it to the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.
If you don’t have a white wallpaper, you can create one:
- Open a photo editor or note-taking app on your phone.
- Create a new blank document with a white background.
- Save the image and set it as your wallpaper.
2. Change Wallpaper to a White or Light Color
If your home screen or lock screen background is black, it may be due to your current wallpaper. Changing the wallpaper to a lighter or white image will resolve this.
- Steps to change wallpaper:
- Long-press on an empty area of the Home Screen.
- Select Wallpaper & Style or Set Wallpaper.
- Choose a light or white-colored wallpaper from the gallery or pre-installed options.
- Tap Set Wallpaper and choose whether to apply it to the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.
If you don’t have a white wallpaper, you can create one:
- Open a photo editor or note-taking app on your phone.
- Create a new blank document with a white background.
- Save the image and set it as your wallpaper.
3. Switch Apps to Light Mode
Some apps, like YouTube, Instagram, or messaging apps, have their own themes. If they display a black background, you may need to switch the app’s theme to light mode.
- Steps to change app theme:
- Open the app with the black background.
- Go to the app’s Settings (usually found in the profile or menu section).
- Look for a Theme or Appearance option.
- Select Light Mode or Default Theme.
This will apply a white background to that specific app.
3. Switch Apps to Light Mode
Some apps, like YouTube, Instagram, or messaging apps, have their own themes. If they display a black background, you may need to switch the app’s theme to light mode.
- Steps to change app theme:
- Open the app with the black background.
- Go to the app’s Settings (usually found in the profile or menu section).
- Look for a Theme or Appearance option.
- Select Light Mode or Default Theme.
This will apply a white background to that specific app.
4. Disable High Contrast Mode
High Contrast Mode is an accessibility feature that often applies darker or black backgrounds to improve text visibility. If enabled, disabling this feature can restore a white background.
- Steps to turn off High Contrast Mode:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Accessibility.
- Look for High Contrast Text or a similar option.
- Turn off the toggle.
This will return the system and app backgrounds to their default colors.
5. Adjust Themes via Device Settings
Some Android devices allow you to change the overall theme of the phone, including the background. If your device is set to a dark theme, switching to a light theme will change the background to white.
- Steps to switch to a light theme:
- Open Settings and go to Wallpaper & Style or Themes.
- Browse the available themes and select one with a white or light background.
- Apply the theme to your device.
6. Check Individual App Background Settings
Certain apps allow you to customize the background separately from system-wide settings. For example, messaging apps often have options to change chat backgrounds.
- Steps to change app-specific background:
- Open the app (e.g., WhatsApp or Telegram).
- Go to the app’s Settings.
- Look for a Chat Background or Appearance option.
- Select a white or light background and apply it.
7. Reset System Settings
If none of the above methods work, you might have a custom theme or setting applied that causes the black background. Resetting your display settings to default can fix this.
- Steps to reset display settings:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Reset Options.
- Select Reset Settings or Reset Display Settings (this option won’t erase personal data).
- Confirm the reset.
Your device will revert to its default settings, including a light or white background.
8. Use Third-Party Launchers
If your phone’s default launcher doesn’t allow enough customization, consider using a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. These apps provide extensive options to customize backgrounds, themes, and other interface elements.
- Steps to use a third-party launcher:
- Download and install a launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Open the launcher and follow the setup instructions.
- Customize the theme or background to your preference, including setting a white background.
9. Update Your Device
Sometimes, software updates introduce new features or fix bugs that affect the background settings. Ensure your Android device is running the latest version.
- Steps to update your device:
- Open Settings and go to System > Software Update.
- Check for updates and install if available.
- Restart your phone after the update.
10. Restore Factory Settings (Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, you can perform a factory reset as a last resort. This will erase all data and return your device to its original state, including default backgrounds.
- Steps to perform a factory reset:
- Back up your data to Google Drive or an external storage device.
- Open Settings > System > Reset Options.
- Select Erase All Data (Factory Reset) and confirm.
After the reset, set up your device and choose a white or light background during the setup process.
Switching from a black background to white on an Android device is easy with the right steps. Whether it’s turning off Dark Mode, changing wallpapers, or resetting display settings, you have multiple options to customize your phone’s appearance. Choose the method that best fits your situation and enjoy a lighter, cleaner look for your device.