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Always On Display (AOD) is a feature that allows your iPhone’s screen to stay partially or fully active even when it’s locked. This feature is incredibly convenient as it allows you to quickly glance at your notifications, time, and other important information without having to unlock your device. Additionally, it can help preserve battery life by minimizing the number of times you need to wake up your phone.
In this blog post, we will guide you through various methods to activate the Always On Display feature on your iPhone. Whether you want to customize your AOD or enable it for the first time, we’ve got you covered.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Activate Always On Display on Your iPhone
There are several compelling reasons why you should consider activating the Always On Display feature on your iPhone:
1. Convenience: AOD allows you to quickly view important information such as time, date, battery level, and notifications without the need to unlock your device.
2. Battery Optimization: By utilizing an OLED or AMOLED display, AOD only lights up the necessary pixels, reducing battery consumption. This way, you can save valuable battery life by minimizing the need to wake up your iPhone screen.
3. Personalization: AOD offers various customization options, allowing you to display your preferred clock style, wallpapers, and even additional widgets.
4. Accessibility: If you have difficulty unlocking your iPhone frequently or need to access time or notifications quickly, AOD can enhance the accessibility of your device.
Now that we understand the importance of Always On Display, let’s explore different methods to activate it on your iPhone.
Method 1: Via iPhone Settings
Activating Always On Display on your iPhone can be done through the device’s settings. Here’s how:
1. Unlock your iPhone and go to the "Settings" app.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Display & Brightness."
3. Select "Always On" or "Raise to Wake" if available. If these options are not present, proceed to the next method.
4. Customize your AOD settings by adjusting the clock style, choosing your preferred wallpaper, and enabling or disabling additional widgets.
5. Once you’re satisfied with your settings, exit the "Settings" app, and your AOD should now be active.
Pros:
– Easy and accessible
– Allows for personalization through various customization options
Cons:
– Limited to certain iPhone models and software versions
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App
If your iPhone doesn’t have a built-in AOD feature, you can utilize third-party apps from the App Store to achieve a similar functionality. Follow these steps:
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for "Always On Display" apps.
2. Browse through the available options and choose a well-rated and reviewed app that suits your preferences.
3. Download and install the chosen app, then launch it.
4. Grant the necessary permissions and follow the app’s instructions to activate the AOD feature.
5. Customize the AOD settings within the app, such as clock style, brightness, and additional widgets.
6. Once you’ve finished customization, exit the app, and your AOD should be active.
Pros:
– Suitable for iPhones without built-in AOD capabilities
– Provides additional customization options beyond the device settings
Cons:
– Requires downloading a third-party app, which may involve additional storage space and potential compatibility issues
Method 3: Apple Watch as a Proxy
If you own an Apple Watch, you can utilize it as a proxy to achieve an Always On Display effect on your iPhone. Follow these steps:
1. Ensure your Apple Watch is paired and connected to your iPhone.
2. On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the watch face to access the Control Center.
3. Tap on the "Theater Mode" icon (represented by two theater masks).
4. This will dim the screen and prevent it from automatically turning off, effectively acting as an Always On Display for your iPhone.
5. You can now lock your iPhone, and the Apple Watch will display the time and notifications whenever you raise your wrist.
Pros:
– No additional app installation required
– Utilizes existing Apple Watch functionality
Cons:
– Requires owning an Apple Watch
– Limited to displaying time and notifications
Method 4: Via Jailbreaking (Advanced Users)
For advanced users who have jailbroken their iPhone, enabling Always On Display can be achieved using various jailbreak tweaks available. Please note that jailbreaking your device may void your warranty and can potentially introduce security vulnerabilities. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
1. Ensure your iPhone is jailbroken and running a compatible jailbreak tool.
2. Launch the Cydia app, which is available after jailbreaking.
3. Search for "Always On Display" or similar keywords in Cydia.
4. Install the chosen tweak and follow any additional instructions provided by the tweak developer.
5. Customize the AOD settings through the installed tweak, such as clock style, animations, and additional widgets.
6. Once customization is complete, exit Cydia, and your AOD will be active.
Pros:
– Provides extensive customization options
– Enables AOD on unsupported iPhone models and software versions
Cons:
– Requires jailbreaking, which can be complex and potentially voids warranties
– Introduces security risks and instability
What to Do If You Can’t Activate Always On Display on Your iPhone
If you’re unable to activate the Always On Display feature on your iPhone through the methods mentioned above, here are a few potential fixes you can try:
1. Update your iPhone’s software to the latest version available. Apple often introduces new features and improvements with software updates.
2. Restart your iPhone. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve software-related issues.
3. Reset all settings on your iPhone. This option can be found in the "Settings" app under "General" > "Reset" > "Reset All Settings." Keep in mind that this will erase your personalized settings, but your data will remain intact.
4. Contact Apple Support. If none of the above solutions work, reaching out to Apple’s support team can provide further assistance and guidance.
Bonus Tips
1. Adjust AOD brightness: If you find the Always On Display too bright during the night, you can dim the screen’s brightness to ensure it doesn’t disturb your sleep. This option can typically be found in the device’s settings or within the AOD customization options.
2. Schedule AOD activation: Some AOD-enabled iPhones allow you to set specific timeframes for the feature to be active. For example, you can configure AOD to turn off during your typical sleeping hours to further conserve battery life.
3. Experiment with different clock styles: Take advantage of the customization options to find a clock style that suits your preferences. From analog to digital, there are various designs to choose from.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use Always On Display on older iPhone models?
A: The availability of the Always On Display feature depends on the specific iPhone model and software version. Newer iPhone models, particularly those with OLED or AMOLED displays, are more likely to have this capability.
Q2: Does Always On Display drain my iPhone’s battery?
A: When utilizing an OLED or AMOLED display, the battery impact of Always On Display is minimal. These display technologies only activate the necessary pixels, saving battery life. However, continuously using AOD may still consume more battery compared to not using it at all.
Q3: Can I customize what notifications are displayed on the Always On Display?
A: The availability and customization options for notifications on the Always On Display vary depending on the iPhone model, software version, and the method used to activate AOD. Some methods and settings allow for selecting which app notifications are displayed on the AOD screen.
Q4: Does the Apple Watch Always On Display work independently of the iPhone?
A: No, when using the Apple Watch as a proxy for AOD on the iPhone, the iOS connection and integration are necessary. The Apple Watch simply displays the information it receives from the connected iPhone.
Q5: Will enabling Always On Display reduce my iPhone’s overall battery life?
A: While using Always On Display may consume additional battery life compared to not using it at all, the effect is minimal when utilizing OLED or AMOLED displays. If you find that your battery is draining faster than expected, consider adjusting the AOD settings or disabling it during times when it’s not needed.
Final Thoughts
Always On Display can significantly enhance the usability and convenience of your iPhone. Whether you utilize the native settings, third-party apps, or even utilize your Apple Watch, there are various methods to activate this feature. Consider the pros and cons of each method before making a decision and choose the one that best suits your preferences and device capabilities. Enjoy the convenience of having important information at a glance without constantly waking up your iPhone’s screen.