Battery life is precious, and Always On Display features can drain it quickly on Android phones. Many users don’t realize they can easily turn this feature off to save power. To turn off Always On Display on most Android devices, go to Settings, then Display, look for Always On Display or Lock Screen settings, and toggle the switch to off. This simple change can extend your battery life significantly.
The steps vary slightly depending on your phone brand. Samsung Galaxy users can find the option under Settings, Lock Screen, and then Always On Display. Google Pixel owners should check Settings, Display, Lock Screen, and then Always On Display. Some phones like the Nothing Phone might need extra steps when connected to specific devices like car systems.
Turning off this feature not only saves battery but gives you more privacy. Without the constant display of time, date, and notifications, your phone screen stays completely dark until you wake it up. You can still see all your notifications when you actually need them by simply tapping your screen or pressing the power button.
How To Turn Off Always On Display on Android
Always On Display (AOD) is a feature on many Android devices that keeps part of your screen active to show the time, notifications, and other information even when your phone is locked. While convenient, it can use up battery life. If you prefer to turn it off, here’s how to disable Always On Display on your Android phone.
1. Turn Off Always On Display Through Settings
Steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Scroll down and tap Lock Screen (the option may vary depending on your device—on some phones, it might be under Display).
- Tap Always On Display.
- Toggle the switch Off.
2. Customize or Schedule Always On Display (Optional)
If you don’t want to turn it off completely, you can set a schedule or adjust how and when it appears.
On Samsung Galaxy Phones:
- Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Always On Display.
- Tap Show as Scheduled and set your preferred start and end times.
- Or select Tap to Show if you only want it to appear briefly when you tap the screen.
On Pixel Phones:
- Go to Settings > Display > Lock Screen.
- Toggle off Always Show Time and Info.
3. Use Quick Settings (On Some Phones)
Some Android devices allow you to quickly turn off Always On Display from the Quick Settings menu.
Steps:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- Look for Always On Display or AOD.
- Tap the icon to turn it off.
By turning off Always On Display, you can save battery life and have a more discreet lock screen. The steps might vary slightly depending on your Android device brand and version, but the basic process is similar across most models.
Key Takeaways
- Disabling Always On Display can be done through your device settings and may increase battery life by several hours.
- Different Android brands have slightly different paths to turn off AOD, usually found under Display or Lock Screen settings.
- You can still access all notifications by waking your screen manually, giving you both power savings and privacy.
Understanding Always On Display on Android
Always On Display shows key information like time, date, and notifications on your screen even when your phone is locked. This feature offers quick access to information while using different amounts of battery power depending on your settings.
Benefits of Always On Display
Always On Display (AOD) makes your phone more useful without needing to unlock it. You can see the time, date, notifications, and missed calls at a glance. This saves time and reduces the need to fully wake your device.
Many Android phones let you customize what appears on the AOD screen. You can choose different clock styles, add calendar events, or display battery percentage.
AOD has smart features too. It can automatically turn off when:
- Your phone is in your pocket or purse
- The phone is placed face down
- You’re in a dark room at night
This makes it both practical and convenient for everyday use. Some phones even let you set AOD to show only for new notifications, balancing information access with battery conservation.
Impact on Battery Life and SAR
Always On Display does use extra battery power, but modern phones minimize this impact. Most Android devices use OLED screens where only the lit pixels consume power. This means AOD typically uses just 1-3% of battery per hour.
To save more battery, you can:
- Set AOD to show only at certain times
- Use simpler display elements
- Lower the brightness
Some users worry about SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) with AOD. SAR measures how much radio frequency energy your body absorbs from devices. The good news is that AOD doesn’t increase SAR levels significantly.
AOD actually might reduce overall radiation exposure. When you can see information without waking your phone, you check it less often. This means fewer full screen activations and potentially less battery use and radiation over time.
Preparing Your Device
Before turning off the Always On Display feature on your Android device, you need to make sure your phone is ready. This involves checking if your device supports this feature and making sure your Google account is properly set up.
Checking Compatibility with Android Versions
Not all Android phones have the Always On Display feature. Most newer Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel phones, and other high-end Android devices include this option.
To check if your phone has this feature:
- Go to Settings on your phone
- Look for Display settings
- Search for terms like “Always On Display” or “AOD”
Different Android versions place this setting in different locations. On Android 11, you’ll find it under Settings > Display > Advanced > Lock screen display. For Samsung phones, it’s typically under Settings > Lock screen and AOD.
If you can’t find these options, your phone might not support Always On Display.
Ensuring Google Account Authentication
Your Google account needs to be properly set up on your device to access all settings. This helps keep your display preferences synced across devices.
To check your Google account:
- Open Settings on your phone
- Tap on Accounts or Users & accounts
- Make sure your Google account is listed
- Verify it shows as synced and active
If you don’t see your account, you’ll need to add it. Tap “Add account” and choose Google from the list. Enter your login details when prompted.
Having an active Google account ensures your display settings stay consistent even after system updates.
Navigating to Always On Display Settings
Finding the Always On Display (AOD) settings on your Android phone is straightforward once you know where to look. The exact path might vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version.
Accessing Screen Settings
On most Samsung phones, you can access the Always On Display through the Quick Settings panel. Simply swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Panel. Look for the “Always On Display” icon and tap it to toggle the feature on or off.
For a more detailed control, open the Settings app on your device. Scroll down until you find “Lock screen and AOD” or a similar option. This section might also be named “Display” or “Screen” on some Android models.
After tapping “Lock screen and AOD,” look for the Always On Display option. Tap on it to access all available settings.
Some Android phones might place this feature under different menus. If you can’t find it, try using the search function at the top of the Settings page by typing “Always On Display” or “AOD.”
Adjusting Display and Clock Styles
Once inside the Always On Display settings, you’ll see options to customize how information appears on your screen. You can select from various clock styles ranging from digital to analog formats. Many phones offer multiple designs to match your preference.
You can also choose what information displays alongside the clock. Options often include:
- Date and time
- Battery percentage
- Notification icons
- Music information
Most Android phones let you adjust when the Always On Display activates. Common settings include:
- Always show
- Show on tap
- Show as scheduled (set specific hours)
Some devices allow you to customize the brightness level of the AOD. This helps balance battery consumption with visibility in different lighting conditions.
To save battery, consider setting a schedule so the display only shows during your active hours and turns off while you sleep.
Turning Off Always On Display
Disabling the Always On Display feature on Android devices helps save battery life and prevents screen burn-in issues. This simple process varies slightly depending on your specific device model.
Using the Power Button and Screen Lock
The quickest way to turn off Always On Display is through your device settings. Go to “Settings” and look for “Display” or “Lock screen” options. On many Android phones, you’ll find “Always On Display” or “AOD” settings there.
For Samsung devices, open Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Always On Display. Then slide the switch to the left until it turns gray. This completely disables the feature.
On Pixel phones, head to Settings > Display > Lock screen. Find the “Always show time and info” option and toggle it off.
Some phones let you control AOD by pressing the power button. When you lock your screen, the Always On Display will no longer appear if properly disabled.
Configuring Screen Timeout and Background Settings
Screen timeout settings work alongside AOD controls. To adjust these, go to Settings > Display > Screen timeout. Choose a shorter timeout period to make your screen turn off faster when not in use.
Some Android phones offer scheduling options for AOD. This lets you set specific times when the feature turns on and off automatically. Look for a “Show only for” or “Schedule” option in the AOD settings.
Background settings can affect how AOD works. Dark wallpapers use less battery with AOD. Some devices also let you choose what appears on the Always On Display – like clocks, notifications, or background images.
If your AOD keeps turning back on, check if it’s set to “Show on tap” rather than fully disabled. Make sure to select “Never show” or the equivalent setting on your device.
Personalizing Experience After Disabling Always On Display
Turning off the Always On Display opens up new ways to customize your Android device and potentially save battery life. You can now focus on making your lock screen and home screen work better for your needs.
Optimizing Notifications and Widgets
After disabling the Always On Display, you’ll need a new strategy for keeping track of notifications. Consider using LED notification lights if your phone has them, or set up notification sounds that are distinct for different apps.
Many Android phones let you customize notification settings for each app. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications to choose which apps can send alerts when your screen is off.
Widgets become more important without AOD. Add useful widgets to your home screen that show:
- Calendar appointments
- Weather updates
- Message previews
- Battery status
These widgets give you quick information that you’d normally see on the Always On Display. Place them strategically where you’ll see them first when unlocking your phone.
Customizing Home Screen and Clock Display
Your lock screen deserves attention now that it’s not showing the Always On Display. Most Android phones let you change the lock screen wallpaper and clock style. Pick a bright, easy-to-read clock that stands out against your wallpaper.
Try using dynamic wallpapers that change throughout the day. These keep your phone looking fresh each time you wake it up.
Rearrange your home screen icons to put the most important apps front and center. Group similar apps into folders to reduce clutter and make navigation faster.
If you miss seeing the time constantly, add a clock widget to your home screen. Many clock widgets offer more style options than the Always On Display did. You can choose analog or digital displays in various sizes and colors.
Conserving Battery Life Without Always On Display
Turning off the Always On Display feature is just the first step in extending your phone’s battery life. Several other settings can help you get more hours of use from a single charge.
Managing Connectivity Features
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can drain your battery when left on unnecessarily. When you’re not using Wi-Fi, turning it off can save a noticeable amount of battery. The same goes for Bluetooth – disable it when not in use.
Many phones now include an Adaptive Battery feature that learns your usage patterns. This feature helps manage battery consumption by limiting background activity for apps you rarely use.
Try these quick connectivity tips:
- Turn on Airplane Mode when in areas with poor signal
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data when possible
- Set Bluetooth to turn off automatically when not in use
- Check which apps use location services and limit them
Your phone constantly searching for signals uses more power than maintaining a strong connection.
Adjusting Screen Brightness and Resolution
The display is often the biggest battery drain on smartphones. Reducing screen brightness can extend battery life significantly. Many phones have auto-brightness, but setting it manually to a lower level saves more power.
Screen resolution affects battery life too. Most newer Android phones have high-resolution displays that look great but use more power.
Try these display settings:
- Lower your screen resolution in Settings
- Reduce brightness to 50% or less
- Set a shorter screen timeout (30 seconds works well)
- Use dark mode if your phone has an AMOLED screen
Many users find that lowering the resolution from QHD+ to FHD+ makes little visual difference but adds hours to battery life. The power savings come from the processor needing to push fewer pixels around the screen.
Additional Device Customization Options
Beyond the Always On Display settings, Android devices offer many ways to personalize your phone experience. These options help make your device feel more like your own while also managing important settings that affect battery life and privacy.
Altering Haptics and Sounds
Your Android phone provides several ways to customize how it feels and sounds when you use it. You can adjust vibration intensity for notifications and touch feedback in your Settings app. Look for Sound and vibration settings to find these options.
Many phones let you create custom vibration patterns for different contacts. This helps you know who’s calling without looking at your screen.
You can also change system sounds for notifications, alarms, and keyboard taps. Some Samsung devices even offer sound quality adjustments through equalizer settings.
To save battery, consider reducing vibration strength or turning off haptic feedback completely. This small change can extend battery life, especially if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
For a quieter experience, set up Do Not Disturb schedules that automatically activate during meetings or bedtime.
Configuring Location Services and Data Usage
Proper management of location services and data usage helps protect both your privacy and your wallet. You can control which apps access your location by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Choose between three location accuracy options:
- High accuracy (uses GPS, WiFi, and mobile networks)
- Battery saving (uses only WiFi and mobile networks)
- Device only (uses only GPS)
For apps that don’t need constant location tracking, select “While using the app” instead of “Always” permission.
Data usage controls help prevent unexpected charges on limited data plans. Set data warnings and limits under Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
Many Android phones offer app-specific data restrictions. This lets you block background data for apps that consume too much. Some Samsung devices include data saving features that compress web content.
Consider using the Data Saver mode when traveling or nearing your monthly data limit.
Maintaining Device Performance and Warranty
Turning off the Always On Display feature on Android devices helps preserve battery life and can extend the lifespan of your device’s screen. This contributes to better overall device maintenance and may help you stay within warranty guidelines.
Handling Routine Maintenance and Updates
Regular maintenance of your Android device is crucial for optimal performance. When you turn off Always On Display, you’re taking a positive step toward better battery management. This simple change can help prevent your phone from slowing down.
To further maintain your device:
- Check for system updates monthly
- Clear cache files every few weeks
- Remove unused apps that might run in the background
- Monitor battery usage in your device settings
Keeping your device updated with the latest software patches ensures better performance and security. Most manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve battery efficiency.
Battery health is particularly important. Disabling features like Always On Display reduces screen burn-in risk, especially on OLED screens where static images can cause permanent damage.
Understanding Warranty Conditions
Most Android device warranties cover manufacturing defects but not battery degradation from normal use. Many manufacturers consider excessive battery drain a normal part of device aging.
However, severe battery issues may be covered if they occur early in the warranty period. Most Android device warranties last 12-24 months from purchase.
Warranty terms typically include:
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing defects | Physical damage |
| Hardware failures | Water damage |
| Software issues | Unauthorized repairs |
| Early battery failure | Normal battery wear |
Screen burn-in from Always On Display may fall into a gray area for warranty claims. Some manufacturers might reject claims if they determine the feature was left on continuously for extended periods.
Before making warranty claims, users should disable features like Always On Display and perform a factory reset if possible. This shows good-faith troubleshooting efforts when seeking warranty service.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When your Always On Display isn’t working right, a few simple fixes can get it back on track. Most problems stem from either touch response issues or problems with time and date information.
Resolving Screen Responsiveness Problems
If your Always On Display (AOD) isn’t responding to touch or keeps turning off unexpectedly, try these solutions:
Restart your device – This simple step often fixes display problems by refreshing system processes.
Check Power Saving settings – Power saving modes often disable AOD. Look in your battery settings to make sure AOD isn’t being turned off automatically.
Verify proximity sensor function – Your phone should turn off AOD when in a pocket or face down. If it stays on constantly, the sensor might be dirty or malfunctioning.
Adjust AOD settings – Go to Settings and find Always On Display. You can change when it appears:
- Always on
- Show for 10 seconds after tap
- Show as scheduled
Fixing Errors Related to Calendar and Clock Updates
When calendar events or time displays aren’t updating properly on your Always On Display, try these fixes:
Update your system – Outdated software often causes calendar and clock problems on AOD. Check Settings > Software Update.
Reset app permissions – Make sure your Calendar app has proper permissions to display on the lock screen.
Clear cache – Go to Settings > Apps > Calendar > Storage and tap “Clear Cache.”
Check time zone settings – Incorrect time zones can mess up your clock display. Verify it’s set to automatic or the correct zone.
Test with default clock widgets – Some custom widgets may not update properly. Try switching to the default clock temporarily to see if that fixes the issue.
If calling features on AOD aren’t working either, make sure notification permissions are enabled for your Phone app too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Android users face challenges when trying to disable the Always On Display feature on their devices. Different phone manufacturers have unique settings and paths to turn off this battery-consuming function.
How can I disable the Always On Display feature on my Samsung device?
Samsung Galaxy phones make it easy to turn off the Always On Display. Go to Settings and tap on “Display.” Look for the “Lock screen” option.
From the Lock screen menu, find Always On Display and tap to toggle it off. This will completely disable the feature and help save battery life.
Some Samsung models may have this setting under “Advanced features” instead of Display settings. Check both locations if you can’t find it right away.
What steps are required to turn off Apple Watch Always On display?
On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to access the apps menu. Tap on the Settings app icon.
Scroll down and select “Display & Brightness.” Find the “Always On” option and tap it to access the setting.
Toggle the switch to turn off the Always On display feature. Your watch will now only light up when you raise your wrist or tap the screen.
Where can I find settings to deactivate Always On Display on a Motorola phone?
Motorola phones typically store this setting in the Display menu. Open the Settings app on your Motorola device.
Tap on “Display” and look for “Advanced” settings. Find the option labeled “Lock screen display” or “Peek Display.”
Toggle off the “Always show time and info” setting to disable the Always On Display feature on your Motorola phone.
Is there an option to switch off Always On Display on Google Pixel phones?
Yes, Google Pixel phones allow users to disable the Always On Display feature. Open Settings on your Pixel device.
Tap on “Display” and then look for “Lock screen display”. Find the option labeled “Always on” or “Always show time and info.”
Tap to toggle this setting off. On newer Pixel models with Android 12 or later, you might need to tap “Advanced” first before finding the Lock screen display settings.
What could be causing my Android device screen to remain on despite turning off Always On Display?
Several issues might cause this problem. Check if you have “Screen timeout” set to a very long duration in your Display settings.
Look for any apps that might be keeping the screen awake. Some apps have permissions to prevent the screen from turning off.
Check if “Stay awake” is enabled in Developer options. This setting keeps the screen on while charging and should be disabled if not needed.
How do I toggle off the Always On Display on my Android after the recent update?
Recent Android updates may have changed the location of this setting. Start by checking the usual Display settings path.
If not found there, use the search function in Settings by typing “Always On Display” or “AOD” to find the exact location. Many phones now have a dedicated AOD settings page.
Some phones now include quick toggle options in the notification shade. Swipe down twice from the top of your screen and look for an AOD toggle among your quick settings tiles.
