Samsung Always On Display: Turn It On & Customize

To turn on Samsung’s Always On Display (AOD), go to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display and toggle it on. From there you can choose the display style, clock face, and when it shows—options that vary slightly by Galaxy model and One UI version.

What Is Always On Display?

Always On Display is a Samsung feature that keeps a small portion of your phone’s screen lit while the rest is off. It shows the time, date, battery percentage, and notification icons without unlocking the phone. The feature uses AMOLED technology, which only lights up the pixels needed for the content, so the battery impact is relatively small compared to keeping the whole screen on.

Samsung introduced AOD on the Galaxy S7 in 2016, and it has been a staple on their flagship and mid-range phones ever since. On newer models, you can also interact with the AOD—double-tap a notification icon to see a preview, or tap the clock to open the full lock screen.

How to Turn On Always On Display

The exact steps depend on your Galaxy model and One UI version, but the general path is the same:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Lock screen (or Lock screen and AOD on some models).
3. Tap Always On Display.
4. Toggle the switch to On.

On some older models (like the Galaxy S8 or Note 8), you might find it under Display > Always On Display. If you can’t find it, use the search bar at the top of Settings and type “Always On Display.”

How to Choose What Shows on the AOD

Once AOD is on, you can customize it in several ways:

• Clock style: Choose from dozens of clock faces, including digital, analog, and calendar styles. Some are customizable with colors and background images.
• Notification icons: Select which apps can show notifications on the AOD. By default, all notifications appear, but you can limit it to specific apps.
• Show music info: When playing music, you can see the track title and controls on the AOD.
• Show Samsung Pay cards: On supported models, you can swipe to access your payment cards.

To change the clock style, go to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display > Clock style. You can also change the clock style directly from the AOD by long-pressing it (on some models).

When Does the AOD Show? (Display Modes)

Samsung offers three display modes for the AOD:

• Tap to show: The AOD appears only when you tap the screen. This saves the most battery.
• Show always: The AOD stays on continuously. This is the classic always-on experience.
• Show as scheduled: You set a start and end time (e.g., 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM). Outside those hours, it’s off.

For the scheduled option, go to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display > Display mode and choose Show as scheduled. Then set your desired times.

Battery Life and Burn-In Concerns

Many users worry about battery drain and screen burn-in. Here’s what you should know:

• Battery: AOD typically uses 0.5% to 1% of battery per hour, depending on the clock style and brightness. The “Tap to show” mode uses the least.
• Burn-in: AMOLED screens can suffer from burn-in if static elements are displayed for long periods. Samsung mitigates this by periodically shifting the clock’s position by a few pixels. Modern Galaxy phones are generally safe, but if you’re concerned, use the “Tap to show” mode or reduce brightness.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the AOD isn’t working as expected, try these solutions:

• AOD not showing: Make sure the toggle is on and the display mode isn’t set to “Tap to show” if you expect it to be always visible. Also check that the phone isn’t in power saving mode, which can disable AOD.
• Notifications not appearing: Check that the app’s notifications are enabled in Settings > Notifications, and that the app is allowed to show on the AOD in the AOD settings.
• AOD turns off at night: If you have a scheduled mode or a bedtime routine, it may be turning off automatically. Check your routines in Settings > Modes and Routines.
• AOD is too bright: Some models have an auto-brightness option for the AOD. You can also adjust the brightness manually in the AOD settings if available.

Alternatives to Samsung’s AOD

If you prefer more customization or your phone doesn’t support AOD natively, you can use third-party apps from the Google Play Store, such as Glance or Always On AMOLED. These apps offer more clock styles and features, but they may use more battery because they aren’t as optimized as Samsung’s built-in solution. For Galaxy phones, the built-in AOD is usually the best choice for stability and battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Always On Display drain the battery?

Yes, but usually not significantly. On average, it uses about 0.5% to 1% of battery per hour. Using “Tap to show” mode or scheduling it to turn off at night can reduce the impact.

Can I turn off Always On Display completely?

Yes. Go to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display and toggle it off. You can also use the quick settings toggle if you’ve added it to your notification shade.

Why is my AOD not showing notifications?

Check that the app’s notifications are enabled in Settings > Notifications and that the app is allowed to show on the AOD in the AOD settings. Also, make sure the phone isn’t in a mode that restricts notifications, like Do Not Disturb.

Can I change the clock style on the AOD?

Yes. Go to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display > Clock style and choose from the available options. Some models allow you to long-press the AOD to quickly change the style.

Does AOD cause screen burn-in?

It can, but Samsung has built-in safeguards like shifting the clock position. To be extra safe, use “Tap to show” mode or reduce the brightness. Most modern Galaxy phones won’t experience burn-in under normal use.

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