Most of us use our phones much more than we would care to admit. But you don't have to unlock your phone for every single thing. For simpler things like checking the notifications, battery level, or date and time, the Always-on Display feature proves sufficient enough. In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn on Always On Display on your Android and iPhone and customise it to your preference.
What is Always On Display?
As the name suggests, Always On Display (AOD) is a feature that keeps certain areas of your lock screen on at all times, even when your phone is locked. AOD does this by leveraging the display technology on OLED and AMOLED display phones to light up individual pixels. As such, things like the clock and the notifications are always in view, while everything else remains black.
However, because the pixels in these areas are always lit up, AOD can lead to slightly faster than normal battery drain. It can also lead to screen burn on phones, though it is not as common.
Nevertheless, Always On Display comes in handy when your phone is locked and lying face up. This way, you can check the time, battery, and widgets on your lock screen, or just glance at incoming notifications without having to pick up your phone and unlock it every time.
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How to Turn On Always-On Display on iPhone
iOS offers a streamlined approach when it comes to enabling AOD on iPhone. Here’s how you can enable it on Apple phones:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then go to Display & Brightness > Always On Display.
- Here, turn on the Always On Display toggle.
On the same settings page, you can customise the lock screen further. On iOS, you get the option to Show Wallpaper, Blur Wallpaper Photo and Show Notifications.
AOD on iPhone may be a little thin on customisation compared to Android. But the options are sufficient for when you just want to keep an eye on the time and check notifications without reaching for your phone.
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AOD on iPhone Isn’t ‘Always’ On
While the name suggests otherwise, Always On Display on iPhone doesn’t always remain on. iOS intelligently adapts AOD based on how you use your iPhone and turns it off to save battery.
AOD is temporarily disabled on your iPhone when:
- The iPhone is facing down, or the display is obscured.
- Your iPhone is in your pocket or bag.
- The iPhone is connected to the Apple Watch, and you move away.
- Sleep Focus mode is enabled on your iPhone.
- Your iPhone is in Low Power Mode.
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How to Turn On Always-On Display on Android
Depending on your Android device, the option to turn on Always On Display could be hiding in a different setting. Here’s how to find the AOD setting on:
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Turn On Always-On Display on Google Pixel Phones
Google phones deliver the closest stock Android experience you can get, and they have included AOD for a number of years. Here's how to enable it:
- Launch the Settings app on your Pixel phone and head over to Display & touch.
- Here, turn on the Always-on display toggle under "Lock display". Alternatively, you can go inside the Always-on display section and enable the Always-on display toggle from there.
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Turn On Always-On Display on Samsung Phones
On Samsung phones, the option to turn on the Always-On Display is hidden within the Lock Screen setting. To turn it on, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone and go to Lock Screen and AOD > Always On Display.
- Here, enable Always-On Display by turning on the On toggle at the top.
Turn On Always-On Display on Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme Phones
ColorOS is now the common Android skin on Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme phones. Here's how to turn on the Always-On Display on these devices:
- Launch the Settings app inside ColorOS and head over to Home screen, lock screen & style > Always-On Display.
- Now, turn on the Always-On Display toggle at the top and select your preferred display type.
Turn On Always-On Display on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco Phones
For Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco phones, the option to enable AOD is found inside the personalisation settings. Here's how to enable it:
- Open the Settings app in HyperOS and go to Personalisation > Always-on display.
- Here, turn on Always-on display.
Turn On Always-On Display on Nothing Phones
AOD on Nothing phones is found within the Lock Screen section of the Settings app. Here's how to access and enable it:
- Launch the Settings app on your Nothing phone, then go to Lock Screen > Always show basic info of lock screen.
- Inside the Always On Display screen, turn on the Always show basic info of lock screen toggle at the top and configure the display to your preference.
Since Always-on Display is a display and lockscreen feature, you will generally find its option within the Display, Lockscreen, or Personalisation options in the Settings app, regardless of the manufacturer of your Android device.
The same page will also let you customise what you see when AOD is enabled. This will generally include the wallpaper, clock, notification previews, scheduling options, and other customisation features, depending on your phone.
For instance, ColorOS 17 has a beautiful design with a Flux clock on the lock screen that seamlessly transitions from the AOD to the home screen and back, while the Now Playing feature on Pixel phones recognise music and display the song name on AOD.
Once you turn on Always On Display, you won't have to reach for your phone for everyday actions like checking the time or peeking at your notifications. Even a single glance at the lock screen will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to turn on Always On Display?
Yes. It is good to turn on Always On Display, as it lets you check the time and notifications without reaching for your phone.
Why is Always On Display turning off?
Always On Display turns off when your phone’s battery is low. iPhone and other devices also temporarily disable AOD when the display is obscured, the phone is not in use, or you’re in Focus mode.
What is the disadvantage of always-on display?
The major disadvantage of Always On Display is that it leads to increased battery drain and sometimes even screen burn. It can also be a privacy concern if the notification previews are on.
Which phones have Always On Display?
Just about every smartphone today with an OLED or AMOLED display includes the Always On Display feature.
