A persistent issue affecting users of the Google app on Android devices has emerged, causing frustration among those who prefer dark mode for their interface. When accessing links through the Google app, many users are encountering a glaring white address bar, disrupting the otherwise comfortable dark aesthetic they have set for their phones.
Reports have surfaced on platforms like Reddit and Google forums, indicating that this problem appears exclusively within the Google app. Users have noted that when opening links, the address bar switches to a bright white, contrasting sharply with the dark mode settings applied throughout the rest of the device. For instance, one user commented, “I have sensitive eyes and use dark mode comfort shield, and suddenly Google decides to change the address bar to a blaring uncomfortable white.”
This issue has been observed across various Android devices, including the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Users found that the white address bar only appears when accessing links directly from the Google app, while links opened in Gmail or the Chrome browser maintain the dark mode interface without complications.
Despite attempts to resolve the issue through various methods—such as clearing caches, uninstalling updates, and adjusting settings—users have not found a solution. Some have speculated whether Chrome itself could be responsible, but it has since become clear that the problem lies within the embedded browser experience of the Google app.
Even attempts to uninstall WebView updates or install developer versions of Chrome have yielded no results. Affected users have expressed their disappointment, as the persistent white bar detracts from the in-app browsing experience that many rely on for convenience.
While there are suggestions to use the Chrome://flags menu to enable dark mode, these adjustments do not impact the embedded browser within the Google app. The latest beta version of the Google app has also failed to resolve the issue for those testing it.
As of now, the only workaround available to users is to manually open links in the standard Chrome browser or another web browser, which negates the convenience of the in-app browsing feature. This ongoing problem highlights a significant user experience issue for those who depend on the Google app for quick access to web content while maintaining their preferred dark mode settings.
In summary, users can expect the bright white address bar when opening web links within the Google app, regardless of their device settings. This situation emphasizes the need for Google to address the inconsistency and enhance the overall functionality of the app for its users.
