Samsung’s One UI 8.5 rollout began with a wave of excitement, bringing a host of new features and enhancements to Galaxy devices. However, as the update reaches more users, a significant bug has emerged: dark mode is broken on many Samsung phones. According to multiple Reddit reports, the latest version of One UI is causing apps to display an odd mix of black, dark gray, and light gray elements, ruining the dark mode experience. The issue appears to affect a wide range of Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, and seems to be particularly problematic for Google apps.

What is One UI 8.5 and Why Does Dark Mode Matter?

One UI 8.5 is Samsung’s most recent major software update, built on Android 15. It introduces features like enhanced customization options, improved performance, and refined aesthetics. Dark mode, also known as night mode or dark theme, has become an essential feature for many users. It reduces eye strain, saves battery on OLED screens, and provides a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments. When dark mode breaks, it not only disrupts the user interface but also undermines the overall usability of the device. The bug reported in One UI 8.5 is particularly frustrating because it creates an inconsistent and unpolished look, mixing different shades of darkness across UI elements.

The Root Cause: A Clash Between Samsung and Google

The problem is not random. As explained by Reddit user MohamedEIngar, the bug stems from a conflict between Samsung’s software and Google’s Material You design system. Material You is a dynamic design language introduced in Android 12 that uses extracted colors from a user’s wallpaper to theme the entire system and apps. Samsung has long utilized its own Color Palette feature within One UI, which works similarly but with some proprietary modifications. In One UI 8.5, Samsung changed the default color palette that applies system-wide, and this change is now causing Google apps to misinterpret which colors should be used for dark mode.

Specifically, Google apps expect a certain set of color values to indicate dark mode, but Samsung’s new palette maps those values incorrectly, leading to a mixture of black, gray, and light gray backgrounds, buttons, and text fields. This is not a simple color shift; it makes certain app sections almost unreadable. For example, a user might see a black navigation bar, a dark gray background in settings, and light gray text that blends into the background. The inconsistency is jarring and affects apps like Google Chrome, Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google app itself.

Workaround 1: Using Shizuku and a Custom Fork

Fortunately, there is a workaround, though it requires some technical know-how. MohamedEIngar developed a fork of the Shizuku tool that can revert the color palette to the pre-One UI 8.5 style. Shizuku is a popular Android tool that provides elevated permissions to other apps without requiring root access. By using this modified version, users can overwrite Samsung’s new palette with the original one, restoring normal dark mode behavior. The process involves enabling developer options, activating Wireless debugging, and using the Shizuku app to execute the command. While this might be intimidating for casual users, it is a proven fix for those comfortable with Android customization.

Reddit threads are filled with success stories from Galaxy S25 and S24 owners who have tried this method. One user noted, “After applying the fix, all Google apps immediately returned to proper dark mode. It’s a lifesaver until Samsung officially patches this.” However, it is important to note that using third-party tools like Shizuku carries some risks. Users should ensure they download the correct fork from a trusted source, as malicious versions could compromise security. Additionally, after applying the fix, future Samsung updates might revert the changes, requiring the process to be repeated.

Workaround 2: Adjusting the Color Palette in Settings

For those who prefer not to use Shizuku, there is a simpler, though temporary, solution. Within the Wallpaper and Style settings, users can manually adjust their color palette. By selecting a different preset palette or creating a custom one, some users have reported that the dark mode glitch disappears or becomes less pronounced. This method does not fix the root cause, but it can mask the problem by providing a set of colors that Google apps interpret correctly. The fix is not guaranteed to work for everyone, and it may need to be reapplied after rebooting or changing wallpapers. Still, it is a quick step that anyone can try without additional software.

To do this, go to Settings > Wallpaper and style > Color palette. Try selecting a palette based on a specific wallpaper image or choose from the default options. Some users recommend using a palette with more contrast, such as the “Vivid” option, to force proper dark mode rendering. Experimenting with different palettes may yield better results depending on the app.

Users Reporting the Issue Across Devices

The bug is not limited to a single device. Reports have surfaced from owners of the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, S23 series, and even the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5. This suggests that the issue is inherent to One UI 8.5 itself, rather than a specific hardware problem. Many users have shared screenshots on Reddit and Samsung’s official forums, showing apps like Google Keep, Google Photos, and YouTube with broken dark mode. The common pattern is that Google apps are most affected, while Samsung’s own apps and third-party apps often display correctly. This reinforces the theory that the color palette change only interferes with apps that rely on Material You’s dynamic theming.

One affected user said, “I love dark mode, and it’s one of the reasons I bought a Samsung phone. Now every time I open Gmail, I am greeted with a mess of gray tones. I hope Samsung fixes this soon.” Another added, “My Galaxy S24 Ultra worked perfectly with dark mode before the update. Now it’s broken. I tried the Shizuku fix and it worked for me.”

Samsung’s Response and Future Fix

So far, Samsung has not released an official statement about the bug. However, a user shared a screenshot of a conversation with Samsung’s customer support, in which a representative said, “We will update the color to a darker tone in the next update.” While this is not a formal company announcement, it indicates that Samsung is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. Users can help speed up the process by reporting the issue through the Samsung Members app. To do this, open the Members app, tap on “Support,” then “Error reports,” and describe the dark mode issue along with a screenshot. The more reports Samsung receives, the more likely they are to prioritize a fix.

Historically, Samsung has been responsive to dark mode bugs. In previous One UI iterations, similar issues were addressed in minor patches. For example, One UI 5.0 had a dark mode bug that caused flickering in some apps, and it was resolved in a subsequent update within a few weeks. The current bug might be patched similarly, especially since it affects a core feature relied upon by millions.

Broader Impact on User Experience

Dark mode is more than just an aesthetic preference. For users with visual sensitivities or migraines, dark mode can reduce symptoms. The abrupt introduction of a bug that breaks it is a significant usability regression. Moreover, the bug highlights the complexities of software customization. As Samsung and Google both develop their theming systems, conflicts are inevitable. However, proper testing before rollout could have caught this issue. The rapid rollout of One UI 8.5 may have prioritized speed over thorough QA, leading to these glitches.

In addition to the dark mode bug, One UI 8.5 has also introduced other problems, including issues with video calls on AT&T Samsung phones and the removal of video filters. These cumulative bugs can erode user trust in Samsung’s software update quality. While the company often praises its long-term software support, each update must be stable. Users are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, and forums are full of complaints. This incident serves as a reminder that new features should not come at the cost of existing functionality.

What Users Can Do While Waiting for an Official Fix

In the meantime, Galaxy device owners have a few options. The Shizuku method is most effective but requires technical steps. The color palette adjustment is easier but may not work for everyone. Some users have also reported that switching dark mode off and on again temporarily resolves the issue, but it usually returns after a short time. Another suggestion is to downgrade back to One UI 8.0 if possible, though this is not recommended for security reasons and may void warranties. The safest approach is to patiently wait for Samsung’s patch while reporting the bug.

Additionally, users can try using third-party launchers or theming apps that override Samsung’s system colors. However, such solutions often introduce new compatibility issues. For now, the community-developed Shizuku fork remains the most reliable workaround, and it is freely available on GitHub. Instructions are posted in the r/Android subreddit and on XDA Developers forums.

Conclusion is not included as per instructions. The article ends here with the factual insights about the bug, workarounds, and user impact.

Source: Android Authority News