Broken Dark Mode in apps on MacBook Pro M1 with Sequoia 15.6

Question

Level 1

4 points

Broken Dark Mode in apps on MacBook Pro M1 with Sequoia 15.6

Hello,

my MacBooks Pro M1 from 2020 runs with the latest Sequoia 15.6.

Today I noticed that switching to dark mode only affects the menu bar, the menus, the dock and the background if it is a dynamic one. But all apps are shown in light mode.

Another account on the same MacBook swiches perfect between light and dark mode.

So I check all settings in SystemSettings Display and Accessibility but there are the same in both accounts.

I also moved all .plist files from ∼/Library/Preferences/ to an extra folder and do a restart. I deleted my cache files. But the problem is stil there. Even if I start in Safe Mode, the Dark Mode is broken.

Is anybody out there with an idea what the problem could be?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Broken Dark Mode

MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

Posted on Aug 20, 2025 07:10 AM

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Answer 1

raviho Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 20, 2025 11:32 PM in response to WheelieNick

@WheelieNick, thanks for your reply.

Apple already take a look on it, but can't figuered out what's wrong. As it is not working only for one account, they say it is some missleading setting from a third party app and I must find out by myself or I should create a new user and use the migration app.

As this needs some extra time, I don't have, I asked the community here, if they have a clue what's going wrong and decide to live with a not working Dark Mode.

But this morning, drinking my first cup of coffee, I have the idea to reset my PRAM.

And yes, the PRAM reset worked for me. Dark Mode is back and running fine.

Apple is informed about the solution.

Problem is solved.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

100,315 points

Aug 21, 2025 01:14 AM in response to raviho

OP wrote " my MacBooks Pro M1 from 2020 " and " And yes, the PRAM reset worked for me. Dark Mode is back and running fine."

Unless you might be aware of a special Terminal command ( which is possible 🤞) and which is not widely known to average users

If you have a Mac with Apple silicon

The steps to reset NVRAM don't apply to Mac computers with Apple silicon, and aren't needed on those computers

Should you experience this issue again and hope not

Download the Application Etrecheck ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer

The application is free or paid for added features.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then paste >>>> using the Additional Text Icon <<<<

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Answer 3

raviho Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 21, 2025 01:32 AM in response to Owl-53

OWL wrote: "If you have a Mac with Apple silicon

The steps to reset NVRAM don't apply to Mac computers with Apple silicon, and aren't needed on those computers"

I use the combination Command + Option + R +P direct I switch on the MacBook. And what I should say, it works at least for me, even Apple say it's not necessary to reset the NVRAM (sorry to use PRAM in my first posting) on Apple Silicon Macs.

After using the Reset NVRAM Combination the boot sequence needs some more time to start my MacBook. So I think that something must be working and happening in the background.

I may have discovered something that even Apple doesn't know. ;)

At least the support don't know it and couldn't help.

I don't even want to think about having to create a new user account and reinstalling and reconfiguring everything, when the solution was just a keyboard shortcut and a 30-second restart.

But thanks for your the Link to Etrecheck. I will keep this app in my Tool list.

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

100,315 points

Aug 21, 2025 01:48 AM in response to raviho

Sorry to call this out

" Command + Option + R +P direct " would not and could not work on Apple Silicon computer

On Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.), there is no user-initiated NVRAM reset like on Intel-based Macs.

Instead, the system automatically tests and resets NVRAM during startup. If you suspect an issue with NVRAM settings, simply shut down your Mac, wait a few seconds, and power it back on.

The system will handle the reset process automatically.

PS - " my MacBooks Pro M1 from 2020 runs with the latest Sequoia 15.6. "

The current version is now Sequoia 15.6.1

About the security content of macOS Sequoia 15.6.1

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Answer 5

raviho Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 21, 2025 05:06 AM in response to Owl-53

Okay, seems that you are here and on my MacBook and not me. I can only tell what I did and what works for me.

You can believe it or not. I started the MacBook dozends of time without any effect. Only after I started the MacBook with the mentioned key combination did Dark Mode work again.

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

100,315 points

Aug 21, 2025 05:27 AM in response to raviho

raviho wrote:

Okay, seems that you are here and on my MacBook and not me. I can only tell what I did and what works for me.

You can believe it or not. I started the MacBook dozends of time without any effect. Only after I started the MacBook with the mentioned key combination did Dark Mode work again.

We have no idea where exactly you are getting this information that " Command + Option + R +P " will work on Apple Silicon computers

Wherever it is coming from ?

It is incorrect, misinformed , incomplete, impossible to do, or out right wrong , Full Stop

AI / LLM are basically a Super Version of Predictive Text which is based upon a Data Set.

When that Data Set is based upon older data points, the outcome of the response will be equally out dated and / or unreliable

AI is also the newest form for Data Mining by Large Corporations.

Suggest being very careful about this.

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Answer 7

raviho Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 21, 2025 07:26 AM in response to Owl-53

Things went crazy here.

I write about a combination I remember to reset the PRAM / NVRAM, whatever you want. I don't know and I don't check if it will work on Silicon Macs. I don't even think about that it is not working on Silicion.

I can't say, that it reset NVRAM and PRAM. All I can say is, that the combination works for me and solved my special problem with Dark Mode. That's the point.

Also if the combination does nothing as you say, you can relax because what should happen, if you use it?

Right, nothing. A combination that doesn't work can't go wrong.

I think that are more dangerous tipps, tricks and advices flying through the internet, as a key combination that shouldn't work. But maybe it does, as I have experienced.

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Answer 8

Owl-53

Level 10

100,315 points

Aug 21, 2025 07:41 AM in response to raviho

As hard as one may try to explain this away " Command + Option + R +P " will reset the PRAM / NVRAM on an Apple Silicon computers

There is no supporting documentation from Apple that those commands will work on Apple Silicon Computer

To give the benefit of any doubts to the user - you

They have Specifically Defined the computer as being a " MacBooks Pro M1 from 2020 "

There are Two MacBook Pros from 2020

Mac Manuals and Downloads

Both are Intel Computers

So if this be true and accurate then Yes the Command + Option + R +P would reset the PRAM / NVRAM

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Answer 9

WheelieNick

Level 8

45,485 points

Aug 20, 2025 07:13 AM in response to raviho

if this is also in the safe mode, you might want to give this to apple as feedback so that they can look into it. Please do so using this form

Product Feedback - Apple

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