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Why the OneNote Icon Is Missing in iOS 18 Dark Mode
Question details
Users are noticing that the Microsoft OneNote icon does not adapt to the new Dark Mode aesthetic in iOS 18, and in some cases, the dark version of the icon appears to be completely missing.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iOS 18
- Scenario
- Customizing the iPhone home screen by enabling Dark Mode in iOS 18 and expecting all app icons to automatically switch to their dark themes.
- Observed behavior
- The OneNote app icon remains in its light theme or fails to display a proper dark icon, even though iOS 18 supports dark icons natively.
Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest stable release of iOS 18 and check the App Store to confirm you are running the most recent version of Microsoft OneNote.
Wait for an Official Microsoft App Update
The dark icon feature was briefly available during the iOS 18 beta but was removed by Microsoft due to compatibility issues. The best solution is to keep the app updated.
Dark icons are a system-level feature introduced by Apple in iOS 18, but third-party developers must manually implement and support them for their specific apps.
Microsoft temporarily enabled dark icons for OneNote, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint during the iOS 18 public beta. However, they were rolled back in subsequent updates because of bugs. Microsoft is expected to restore this functionality in a future release.
Unlock your iPhone and tap on the App Store icon from your home screen.
Tap on your Apple ID profile picture located in the top-right corner of the screen.
Pull down on the account screen to refresh the list of pending updates.
Scroll down to see if Microsoft OneNote is in the list. If it is, tap the 'Update' button next to it to install the latest version.
Create a Custom Dark Icon via Shortcuts
If you prefer not to wait for Microsoft's official update, you can manually create a dark OneNote icon for your home screen using the built-in Apple Shortcuts app.
Experience Seamless Dark Mode with WPS Office for iOS
Tired of inconsistent app updates and missing iOS 18 features in Microsoft apps? WPS Office offers a lightweight, fully optimized alternative with native support for modern iOS features, keeping your home screen flawless while maintaining total compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Download from the App Store: Search for 'WPS Office' in the Apple App Store and download the application for free.
- 2. Enable Dark Mode: WPS Office automatically respects your iOS 18 system settings, seamlessly blending into your dark home screen aesthetic.
- 3. Open your documents: Directly open your existing Microsoft Office files from your iPhone files or cloud storage without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did OneNote ever support dark icons in iOS 18?
Yes, Microsoft briefly enabled dark icons for OneNote, Word, and Excel during the iOS 18 public beta. However, they were removed in a subsequent update, likely because Microsoft discovered compatibility issues that needed to be addressed before a stable release.
Are other Microsoft apps affected by this iOS 18 dark mode issue?
Yes. Along with OneNote, several other Microsoft applications are currently missing proper dark icons in iOS 18. This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office Lens, and the Microsoft 365 Admin app.
How do I force dark mode icons to appear in iOS 18?
You can turn on dark icons by long-pressing an empty space on your home screen, tapping 'Edit' in the top-left corner, selecting 'Customize', and choosing the 'Dark' or 'Tinted' option. If an app like OneNote still shows a light icon, it means the developer has not yet pushed the required update to support the feature.
Is the missing dark icon a bug in Apple's iOS 18?
No, this is not an Apple bug. While Apple introduced the dark icon feature at the system level in iOS 18, it is up to individual third-party app developers, like Microsoft, to design and embed the dark icons into their application updates.
