How to Turn On & Off High Contrast Mode in Your Browser

The high contrast mode is a nice feature that enhances the legibility and clarity of your browser. When used correctly, it can take the visuals of your browsing to a new level not seen before.

Some of the best modern browsers have this feature built-in, while you need to install extensions on some to increase the contrast. Also, some adjust automatically to the high contrast setting on your PC.

This guide will show you how to quickly turn on and off the high contrast mode on your browser. You only need to follow the instructions, and the process will be effortless.

What is high contrast mode for?

The main purpose of the high contrast mode is to maximize legibility. It changes the colors on your operating system, browser, and other apps to ensure the contents show clearly.

It is ideal for people with low vision problems or some photosensitivity issues.

Is high contrast good for the eyes? 

High contrast could be good or dangerous to the eyes, depending on who and where you use it. It is safe for the eyes if used in an environment with bright light.

However, if you use it in an environment with low background light, the glare and bright colors could strain your eyes.

Is high contrast good for gaming?

High contrast is generally good for gaming. This is because it shows the details of every aspect of the game clearly.

Also, it adds more color to your gaming and ensures things are not dull and boring.

High contrast mode vs dark mode

The Dark mode is a change from the usual light and gray colors common in most user interfaces. With this mode, you will use darker colors like black and dark gray.

This dark mode is preferred for reducing eye strain in an environment with low or no light. Also, it is ideal for users with low vision or photosensitive conditions.

The high contrast mode, on the other hand, makes content legibility the priority. This mode maximizes the contrast between the operating system content and the background. 

It is best for users struggling with low vision or some photosensitive condition. Also, people in an environment with bright light and glare will find it useful. And you can always use a high-contrast theme in Windows 11.

How do I change the contrast on my browser?

How do I turn on high contrast mode on Chrome?

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store to download the High Contrast extension.
2. Click on the Add to Chrome button.
   
3. Click the Add extension button when prompted to confirm the action.
   
4. Wait for the installation to complete and click on the Extensions icon beside the address bar.
5. Select the High Contrast option.
   
6. Now, you choose the settings you want.
   

The High Contrast extension is recommended for increasing the contrast on Chrome. Once the extension is installed, adjusting your browser contrast will make it easy.

To turn it off, you only need to disable the extension.

How do I turn on high contrast mode on Edge?

1. Launch Edge and type the command below in the address bar. edge://extensions
2. Select the Allow Extensions from other stores option in the bottom left corner.
   
3. Now, visit the Chrome Web Store to download the High Contrast extension.
4. Click the Add to Chrome button.
   
5. When prompted, click the Add extension button, and it will be added to Edge.
   
6. Click the Extensions icon next to the Address bar and select High Contrast.
   
7. Finally, choose the contrast settings to implement.
   

Edge, a Chromium-based browser, can use extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Hence, with this extension installed, you can set the high contrast to your taste on your browser.

Change the high contrast mode in the Samsung browser

1. Launch the Samsung browser and click the More Menu button in the bottom right corner.
   
2. Select the Settings option.
   
3. Toggle the switch for High contrast mode forward to enable it.
   

One of the standout features of the Samsung Internet browser is that it allows you to use the high contrast mode without enabling it in your phone settings. To undo the setting, repeat the steps above and toggle the switch backward instead in Step 4.

How do I change my browser color in Opera? 

1. Launch Opera and click the Settings icon on the sidebar.
   
2. Scroll to the appearance section.
3. Click the dropdown in front of Theme.
   
4. Select the suitable option.

Opera allows you to customize your browser to your taste. One of the options is to choose whether to use the browser in light or dark mode. Also, you can tailor it to the activity of the system.

Lastly, you can change the wallpaper or add one of your choices to add more style to your browser.

How do I turn off the high contrast mode in Firefox? 

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner.
2. Select the Settings option.
   
3. Choose the General option from the left pane.
   
4. Scroll down to the Language and Appearance section and click the Manage Colors… button.
   
5. Click the dropdown under Override the colors specified by the page with your selections above and select Never.
6. Finally, click the OK button to effect the changes.
   

This method is especially useful for disabling high contrast mode on your browser if it is set from your PC accessibility settings. Also, it can disable high contrast enabled through a theme.

Read more about this topic

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• Google Chrome tests Balanced HTTPS-First Mode for fewer Warnings

How do I change the contrast on Safari? 

Changing the contrast on your Mac should also help do the trick for your Safari browser. This can be done by using the Accessibility Shortcuts panel.

To open this panel, press Option + Command + F5 keys. You can now invert colors, reduce transparency, and increase the contrast as much as you want.

Why can’t I turn off the high contrast mode?

If you use a computer with restricted access, like a school PC, and mistakenly turn on the high contrast mode with the shortcut, you might find it hard to turn it off. 

Your personalization has been disabled, and you can’t change the theme and related features.

There are numerous benefits to using your browser in high contrast mode, provided you do it right. We have shown the way to do it on different browsers in this guide. So, you can always take advantage of the feature.

Do you want to know how to adjust brightness and contrast on your PC? Then check our guide on how to do it quickly. Alternatively, you can enable high contrast mode in Windows Accessibility Settings.

Let us know if you have any problems turning off or on the high contrast mode on your browser in the comments below.