Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have a secret built-in dark theme, enabling it is easy
A dark interface theme and theme support in general have been among the top-requested features for any major iteration of Android for more than half a decade now, yet Google still refuses to bake in this already widespread functionality of third-party Android distributions.
Yet the wall is beginning to crack a little, as the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launcher is, you see, boasting an automatic dark theme that kicks in when you apply a darker wallpaper as a background. So far, it seems to be working with the built-in Pixel launcher only, but we are certain a workaround will arrive in no time.
By doing that, your notification/quick settings shade, folders, and app drawer are getting a dark makeover that not only looks classy, but also goes easier on your battery due to the fact that the two devices are using AMOLED displays, which are more energy-efficient when faced against dark scenes and images.
Currently, there's no way of enabling this manually, but your best will be to apply a darker image and hope for the best. Multiple outlets are reporting that one safe way to enable dark theme on your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL is to apply one of the preloaded "In the shadows" wallpapers.
You can check out how the dark theme fares against the default bright one in the gallery below.
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Things that are NOT allowed: