Some Google Search users have noticed something odd lately. When they’re logged into their accounts and using dark mode, search results show up surrounded by black boxes. It’s not happening to everyone, but it’s been reported across different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and even on mobile devices. The strange thing is, it only seems to happen with specific Google accounts. Log out or switch to incognito mode, and the problem vanishes.
Dark mode has become a go-to for many people. It flips the usual white background to a darker one with light text, which can be easier on the eyes and just looks cool. But this glitch with the black boxes throws off the sleek vibe dark mode usually delivers. It’s been popping up for about a week now, and users are starting to talk about it online.
So, what’s causing this? There’s some debate. A Google product expert named Varunprakash suggested it might be a live experiment, where Google tests new features on a small group of users. But I’m not buying that explanation. I highly doubt this is a test. It looks too sloppy to be intentional. If it is an experiment, Google might want to rethink its approach — maybe even use its AI to design something less ugly. To me, it feels more like a bug that slipped through the cracks.
Luckily, it seems there’s a potential fix. Some users have said updating their browser clears it up. One person on Reddit, White-Fluid, posted, “Fixed, downloaded the latest Chrome update and UI looked decent again.” It’s worth a shot if you’re seeing those annoying boxes.
A user named Rick’s thinking shared on a Google support thread, “I was worried that there was something wrong with my account/PC all day long and I’ve lost about 2-3 hours searching and experimenting to understand what was going on.” It’s a hassle no one wants.
If you’re dealing with this, try updating your browser first. If that doesn’t do the trick, you could report it to Google through their feedback page. It’s not clear how many people are affected, but with reports across multiple platforms, it’s probably more than just a handful. However, judging by the comments I found online, a browser update should do the trick.
Featured image credit: Hugo Franco 24 / Google Support Forums
Dwayne Cubbins
942 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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