JavaScript and CSS allow users to detect the user theme preference with CSS’ prefers-color-scheme media query. It’s standard these days to use that preference to show the dark or light theme on a given website. But what if the user changes their preference while using your app?

To detect a system theme preference change using JavaScript, you need to combine matchMedia, prefers-color-scheme, and an event listener:

window.matchMedia('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)')
      .addEventListener('change',({ matches }) => {
  if (matches) {
    console.log("change to dark mode!")
  } else {
    console.log("change to light mode!")
  }
})

The change event of the matchMedia API notifies you when the system preference changes. You can use this event to automatically update the site’s display in real time.

I love that this API allows detecting user preference on a system level. Catering to user needs is an important part of creating a great web experience!

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