Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy offer users not just a utilitarian tool for communication, but a full-fledged element of personal style. One of the most popular features that sets devices of this brand apart from competitors is technology Always On Display. It allows you to see important information without unlocking the screen and without spending a significant amount of energy.
Many owners are wondering how to put a clock on the Samsung Android screensaver so that the screen looks aesthetically pleasing and informative. The setup process is intuitive, but hides many customization options that not everyone knows about. You can select not only the time, but also the date, battery level, and also change the appearance of the dial to suit your mood.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of activating and setting up the function. We will look at where to find hidden menus, how to avoid common mistakes and what nuances of the technology AOD should be taken into account to extend the battery life of your device.
What is Always On Display and why do you need it
Technology Always On Display (always on display) takes advantage of matrices Super AMOLEDthat are equipped with flagship and mid-budget Samsung models. Unlike IPS screens, where the backlight is constantly on, in AMOLED each pixel is individually illuminated. This allows information to be displayed on a black background, consuming a minimum amount of power.
The main purpose of the function is to provide the user with instant access to key data. You don't have to press the power button or touch the screen to find out what time it is. This is especially convenient in situations when the phone is lying on the table while working or is in your pocket, and you want to quickly navigate the time without taking out the device completely.
In addition to the time, the screen saver can display notifications about missed calls, messages from instant messengers and calendar events. This turns a switched off phone into an informative gadget. However, it is worth remembering that constant operation of the display still affects the battery life, although modern optimization algorithms reduce this impact to a minimum.
⚠️ Attention: The Always On Display function is available only on devices with AMOLED screens. If you have a budget Galaxy A series model with an IPS matrix (for example, some versions of the Galaxy A0x or M0x), this option in the settings may be missing or work in a limited “touch” mode.
Using this function also adds a premium feel to the device. Static or animated clocks on a black background look stylish and modern. The developers One UI have provided many design options, from minimalist numbers to complex graphic compositions, which change depending on your preferences.
Activation of the function in the smartphone settings
To put a clock on the screensaver, you need to go to the appropriate section of the system settings. The interface One UI may differ slightly on different versions of Android, but the menu logic remains the same for all current models. First, unlock your phone and find the gear icon on the main screen or in the notification shade.
In the settings menu that opens, scroll down the list to the section Lock screen. This is where all the options related to the appearance of a locked device are concentrated, including widgets, clock style, and the always-on display feature. Clicking on this item will open an additional submenu with detailed options.
Find the line with the name Always On Display and move the switch to the active position. After turning it on, you will immediately see a preview of how the clock will look on a black background. The system will prompt you to select an operating mode: always show information, according to a schedule, or only when you touch the screen.
Settings → Lock screen → Always On DisplayIf the switch is inactive (gray), check whether the power saving mode is turned on. When the battery saving mode is active, the function AOD automatically turns off to extend the operating time of the smartphone. Disable power saving or add the function to exceptions to access the settings.
☑️ Check before enabling AOD
Selecting the style and design of the dial
One of the main features of the setup is the ability to select a visual style. Samsung offers an extensive library of designs that can be changed with just a few taps. To change the look of the clock, while in the menu Always On Display, click on the button Clock style.
A gallery of available watch faces will open in front of you. Here you can find both classic options with large numbers and creative solutions using images, gradients and even short animations. Some styles show only the time, others combine it with a calendar or application icons.
- 🕒 Classic: Strict digital or analog clocks, ideal for business style and minimalism.
- 🎨 Creative: Bright designs using colors, abstractions and dynamic effects, eye-catching attention.
- 📅 Informative: Combined widgets that display time, date, charge level and weather at the same time.
- 🖼️ Images: Ability to set your own photo as a background for the watch, creating a unique personalized look.
Having selected the style you like, you can further customize its parameters. For example, change the color of numbers, font or position of elements on the screen. To do this, click on the settings icon (usually three dots or a gear) in the preview corner of the selected style.
It is also worth noting the ability to download new styles through the theme store Galaxy Store. If the standard set isn't enough for you, there's often a "Load New" button at the bottom of the style selection screen that will redirect you to a catalog with thousands of custom watch faces.
For maximum battery savings, choose styles with a minimum number of active pixels. Avoid bright white colors and complex animations if you plan to use the AOD 24/7.
Setting a screen schedule
Keeping the display on all the time may be excessive at night when you are sleeping. To optimize battery consumption and not be disturbed by the screen glowing at night, it is recommended to set up a schedule. In the menu Always On Display find the item Always show or Schedule.
The system offers several activation options. You can select the “Tap to show” mode, when the screen lights up only after a double tap on the body. This is the most economical option, but less convenient, as it requires physical interaction with the phone to view the time.
A more flexible solution is time setting. Select the "Scheduled" option and specify the time interval during which the clock will be displayed on the screen. For example, from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. The rest of the time the screen will be completely dark.
| Operating mode | Description | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Always on | Screen active 24/7 | High (up to 1-3% per hour) |
| Scheduled | Active at specified hours | Average (depending on duration) |
| Touched | Turns on for 10 seconds when you tap | Minimum |
| When receiving notifications | Turns on only for new events | Low |
Also exists Smart mode that uses data about your location and routine. If your phone senses that you're at home at night or in the office during work hours, it can automatically adjust the display's behavior, although this may vary depending on the specific model and software version.
How does the proximity sensor work?
If the proximity sensor is activated in Settings, the Always On Display screen will automatically turn off when you put the phone face down in your pocket or bag. This prevents accidental clicks and saves battery, even if the schedule is set to “Always on.”
Adding widgets and additional information
The functionality of the screensaver is not limited to just displaying the time. You can turn your lock screen into a dashboard by adding useful widgets. In the section Clocks and widgets inside the menu AOD you can activate the display of the date, battery level and notification icons.
Of particular interest is the ability to display information about music. If you listen to tracks through a standard player or supported third-party applications, the album cover and title of the song may appear on the splash screen. This allows you to control playback without unlocking the phone.
For those who monitor their health, integration with the application is available Samsung Health. You can display the number of steps taken per day on the screen. This motivates you to move more and gives a quick summary of activity every time you look at your smartphone.
To add a widget, go to the section Clocks and widgets and activate the necessary switches. You can combine several elements, but don't overdo it: too much information on a small screen can look cluttered and make it difficult to read the time.
⚠️ Attention: Displaying color images (such as album covers or photos) uses significantly more power than a monochrome clock. If you notice rapid drainage, try disabling widgets with graphics.
Solution and optimization of the battery
Despite the optimization, some users are faced with a situation where the function does not work or quickly drains the battery. Often the problem lies in outdated software. Make sure that your firmware One UI is updated to the latest version through the menu Software update.
If the clock disappears a few seconds after turning on the screen, check the proximity sensor settings. Perhaps the phone case is blocking the sensor, and the smartphone thinks it is in your pocket. Try removing the case or temporarily disabling the "Turn off when closed" option in Settings AOD.
To extend battery life, it is recommended to use dark wallpapers and clock styles with a predominant black color. Bright pixels consume more power. You should also avoid using the "Always On" function when the battery level is low (less than 15-20%).
- 🔋 Calibration: If the charge indicator on the AOD shows incorrect data, try completely discharging the phone before turning it off and charging it to 100%.
- 📱 Third-party applications: Using applications like "Always On" AMOLED" from Play Market may conflict with Samsung's built-in feature. It is better to use a native solution.
- 🔄 Resetting settings: As a last resort, you can reset the lock screen settings by deleting all widgets and returning the clock style to the factory default.
Remember that interfaces and Features may change with new versions of Android. If you don't find an item in the menu, use the settings search (magnifying glass icon at the top of the settings screen) and enter the query "Always On" or "AOD".
The optimal balance between convenience and autonomy is achieved by using the "Scheduled" mode and choosing a monochrome clock style without heavy animations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Always On Display affect screen burn-in?
Modern matrices Super AMOLED have protection against burn-in, and pixels in AOD mode are periodically shifted by several millimeters to avoid static load on the same points. The risk of burn-in is minimal during normal use.
Can you put your watch on the Samsung screensaver?
Yes, you can download third-party styles via Galaxy Store or use the "Image" mode to set your photo as the background, with the watch displayed on top.
Why does the Always On Display function not work on my Samsung?
Most likely, your device is equipped with an IPS screen that does not support the technology of displaying information when the backlight is off. The function can also be disabled in energy saving mode.
How many percent of the battery does the screensaver consume per night?
When using the "Always on" mode, consumption can range from 5% to 15% per night depending on the brightness, style of the clock and the number of active notifications. In the "Scheduled" or "By touch" mode, the consumption will be significantly lower.
Is it possible to turn off the sound when double-tapping to turn on AOD?
Yes, the sound of vibration or clicking when the screen wakes up can be turned off in the section Sounds and vibration → System soundsby unchecking the "Touch and sound" item blocking."