Modern smartphones have turned into indispensable gadgets, and one of the most popular features is the ability to see the time without unlocking the device. This technology is known as Always On Display or AOD. It allows the user to instantly get information about the current time, date and notifications just by looking at the screen. However, many device owners are faced with a situation where, after a system update or reset, this option disappears or is disabled by default.
Enabling the clock on a black background requires not only activating the switch in the menu, but also understanding how your specific phone model works. Different manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Googleimplement this functionality in different ways. In some cases, the function may be hidden deep in the developer options settings, and in others, it may require installing a third-party launcher for complete customization.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms for activating the time indicator for different versions of the operating system. You will learn how to adjust the display period to save battery power, and what alternative solutions exist if your device does not have a standard function. Ready to turn your smartphone into a more informative gadget? Let's start with the basic principles of the technology.
The principle of operation of the Always On Display technology
The function Always On Display is based on the features of matrices like AMOLED or OLED. Unlike IPS screens, where the backlight works continuously for the entire image, in OLED matrices each pixel is individually illuminated. This means that virtually no energy is wasted to display black pixels. That's why a clock with the screen off can work for days, consuming only 1-2% of battery power per hour.
When you activate this option, the system puts the display into a special low-power mode. In this state, the processor turns off most background tasks, leaving only the display controller active to render a static or slightly animated image. Security data is not affected:_sensitive information from notifications is usually hidden until biometric authentication or PIN code entry.
⚠️ Warning: Using the AOD function on IPS screens will cause quickly discharge the battery, since the backlight of the entire screen will be on constantly. Make sure your device supports OLED technology before turning it on.
It is worth noting that not all manufacturers allow you to keep the screen on 24/7. Some algorithms Android automatically turn off the display of information after a certain period of inactivity or at night to extend the life of the gadget. Understanding these limitations will help you configure the device as efficiently as possible to suit your needs.
You can check the type of matrix of your screen in the specifications on the manufacturer's website or using applications like Device Info HW, looking for a mention of OLED or AMOLED.
Activating the function on Samsung Galaxy smartphones
Company Samsung was one of the pioneers in the implementation of AOD technology, so the setup interface here is the most sophisticated and intuitive. To enable the clock on the locked screen, owners of Galaxy devices need to go to the main system settings. The path may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI, but the general logic remains the same for all modern models.
Go to section Settings → Lock screen. Here you will find the item Always On Display. After clicking on it, the system will offer several operating modes. You can choose to display information Always, Scheduled, or When Touched. The last option is the most energy efficient, since the screen lights up only when you pick up the phone or tap it.
- 🕒 Always: the clock is visible around the clock until the phone is completely discharged.
- ⏰ By schedule: you set the on and off time, for example, from 8:00 to 23:00.
- 👆 When touched: information appears for 10 seconds after interacting with the screen.
The style designer is available in the same menu. You can change the font of the numbers, choose a color, add a weather widget, or even set a custom image as the background for the AOD. For advanced users, downloading new styles is available through the theme store Galaxy Store, where thousands of design options from third-party designers are available.
Setting the clock on Xiaomi and Redmi screens
In the ecosystem Xiaomi, including brands Redmi i POCO, the function is called “Always on screen” and is controlled through the shell MIUI or new HyperOS. The settings are accessed through the menu Settings → Always-on screen and lock screen. It is worth noting that on budget models with IPS screens this item may be absent or inactive, since the function is technically impractical.
The setup interface in MIUI allows you to select the time display format: digital or analog (arrows). A Smart Mode feature is also available, which uses a proximity sensor and accelerometer. When your phone is face down or in your pocket, the display automatically turns off, preventing accidental clicks and saving energy. This is an important difference from the implementation in other systems, where manual control is often required.
| Setting parameter | Description of the function | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| 10 seconds mode | The screen turns on when a notification is received or touched | Minimum |
| Scheduled | Works at a specified period of time (for example, during the day) | Medium |
| Always on | Continuous dial rendering 24/7 | High |
| AOD wallpaper | Use animated images on background | Increased |
Users often encounter a problem when the function is enabled, but the screen does not light up. In this case, check the energy saving settings. Aggressive power saving algorithms can forcefully disable background processes responsible for the Always On Display. Add the corresponding application to the exception list or select the “Balanced” performance mode. Android can forcefully disable background processes responsible for Always On Display. Add the app in question to the exclusion list or select Balanced performance mode.
Secret setting for Xiaomi
In some versions of MIUI, the ability to change the date format in AOD is hidden. To access advanced settings, try entering the code ##6484## in the dialer to get to the engineering menu, but proceed with caution.
Solutions for Google Pixel and pure Android
Smartphones Google Pixelrunning on “pure” Android, offer a concise approach to setting the clock when the screen is off. Starting with Android 7.0, this function is built into the system, but its availability directly depends on the hardware of the device. In the menu Settings → Display → Lock screen you will find a switch New notifications and clock style settings.
In the latest versions of Android (14 and newer) it became possible to customize the watch style directly from the lock screen. Long pressing on the time area allows you to choose from several preset fonts and color schemes. The system automatically adapts the contrast to the wallpaper so that the numbers remain readable in any lighting conditions. This is an example of how interface becomes smarter without user interaction.
⚠️ Note: On some Pixel models, the feature may be called “Ambient Display”. If you don't find the AOD item, look for that exact name in the display settings.
One of the unique features of pure Android is integration with the Raise to Activate function. The screen only lights up when you pick up the phone. This is a compromise solution that combines the convenience of quickly viewing the time and concern for battery life. For those who need constant display, there is the “Always show information” option, but it is not available on all device revisions.
On pure Android, maximum customization is achieved through third-party launchers, since the system settings offer only basic design options.
Third-party applications for AOD customization
If your smartphone does not support the Always On Display function at the hardware level or the standard tools do not suit you, applications from Google Playcome to the rescue. The leader in this niche is the application Always On AMOLED. It emulates the operation of a system function using software methods for drawing a black background. However, it is worth remembering that on IPS screens such applications will quickly drain the battery.
Other popular utilities, such as Screen Off Memo or Glance, offer unique functionality: the ability to draw notes on a switched off screen or display complex animations. These apps often require special permissions, such as "On top of other windows" or data usage access. Before installation, carefully review the access rights requests to ensure security your personal data.
- 🎨 Custom AOD: allows you to download any GIF animations and pictures as a screensaver.
- 🔋 Battery Saver Mode: many applications have a built-in percentage limiter charge.
- 📅 Widget Support: display of a calendar, pedometer and other widgets directly on a black screen.
Using third-party software has its own nuances. Such applications run in the background and can be closed by the memory cleaning system. To avoid this, you need to pin the application in memory (lock it in the recent tasks menu) and disable battery optimization for a specific process in the Android settings.
Optimizing battery consumption and troubleshooting problems
The main fear of users when turning on the watch with the screen turned off is the rapid drainage of the battery. In practice, with the correct settings, energy consumption is about 0.5% per hour. The critical factor is the brightness of the pixels. The brighter a watch burns, the more energy it consumes. It is recommended to set the minimum comfortable brightness or use dark themes.
A common problem is screen burn-in, when the outline of the clock is permanently imprinted on the matrix. Modern algorithms Android prevent this by periodically shifting the image by a few pixels. If you're using third-party apps, make sure Pixel Shift or Image Shift is enabled in their settings. This will extend the life of your display.
adb shell settings put secure doze_always_on 1This command for ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to force Always On Display on devices where the manufacturer has hidden this option. Use requires connecting the phone to a computer and having developer rights. Be careful: incorrect use of console commands can lead to unstable system operation.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may change with firmware updates. If you do not find the described path, use the search in the phone settings by entering the query “AOD” or “Always on”.
☑️ Diagnosing problems with AOD
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Affects Does Always On Display affect the life of the screen?
If used correctly and with the pixel shift function, the risk of burn-in is minimal. Modern OLED matrices are designed for long-term operation in this mode. However, it is recommended not to set the brightness to maximum and use dark themes.
Is it possible to turn on the clock when the screen is off on an iPhone?
Yes, starting with iOS 16 and the iPhone 14 Pro model, Apple has introduced the Always On Display feature. On older iPhone models, this function is not available in hardware due to the characteristics of the matrix and display controller.
Why does the clock disappear when the phone is on the table?
Most likely, you have the “On Touch” or “When Picked Up” mode activated. The proximity sensor detects when the phone is face down and turns off the display to save power and prevent false alarms. Change the settings to “Always” or “Scheduled.”
How to make your own clock on the lock screen?
In standard settings, this is not possible on all phones. For complete customization (your own fonts, photos), it is better to use applications like Always On AMOLED or themes from the store Galaxy Themes for Samsung devices.
Does AOD eat up a lot of battery?
On modern smartphones with a battery of 4000 mAh or more, the consumption is approximately 3-8% per day depending on settings. If every percentage of charge is critical for you, use the “Scheduled” or “On Touch” operating mode.