Your Galaxy phone can show you frequently checked information, such as the time, calendar, or the status of your music, even when the screen is off. Thanks to this feature Always On Display (AOD), you will also see notifications on the screen, missed call notifications and other useful information without unlocking the device.
By default, on many Samsung models, the notification feature only appears when you touch the screen, but it's possible to modify this behavior to display continuously, at specific times, or only when there's new information. This can be done with a few adjustments in One UI. You can choose when it's displayed, what style it has, and which elements appear. to adapt it to your phone usage.
What is Always On Display and why can it be incredibly useful for you?
The always-on display keeps a small portion of the screen illuminated to provide essential information when the phone is locked. This means you don't need to turn on the full screen to check the time, see notifications, or control playback. In everyday use, this translates to fewer unlocks and a more convenient experience, since The key information is visible at a glance..
Samsung's AOD system integrates elements such as clock, date, notification icons, and controls. playing musicIt can also display the calendar and, on compatible models, part of the lock screen wallpaper. All of this is delivered with minimal power consumption, and with One UI. You can adjust its behavior so that it's not on when it's not needed., according to your habits.
Another advantage is the customization layer: One UI allows you to change clock styles, colors, and widgets displayed on the lock screen, making it easy for each user to add their personal touch. In the most recent versions, moreover, Options such as Now Bar have been added and specific background adjustments for certain models, expanding the range of possibilities.
How to activate Always On Display step by step
Activation is very simple and is done through the system settings. In just a few taps, you'll have Always On Display (AOD) working the way you want. Below is the most direct way to start it and choose its operating mode. If your phone came with AOD disabled or configured for show “by touching”Here you can change that preference.
- Opens Settings on your Galaxy.
- Sign in Lock screen and AOD (or Lock screen, depending on your version).
- Toca Always On Display and use the top switch to turn it on or off.
Once you turn on the switch, you'll see options to define when it's displayed and what it will look like. From this same section, you can access the display settings and, depending on the model, activate specific functions. Remember that By default, many Galaxy devices only display AOD when tapped.So here you can choose another option if you're interested.
When it is displayed: available modes and what they are for
The key to making Always On Display (AOD) practical without sacrificing battery life is choosing the display mode that best suits your needs. One UI offers several options for deciding when the panel appears. Each one caters to different needs, so it's worth exploring them all and, if you wish, changing them. depending on how you use your mobile phone.
- Click to displayThe always-on display only appears when you touch the screen. It's the most discreet mode and the one that many Galaxy devices have by default.
- AutomaticIt's displayed continuously, but the system deactivates it when it detects you're sleeping, if you're face down, or in a dark environment. It's a balanced choice, since avoid unnecessary ignitions.
- AlwaysAOD remains visible even when the device is locked. This is the most constant mode, useful if you want to have the information visible at all times.
- As scheduledChoose an operating schedule. This is useful so that AOD is displayed, for example, during your workday and turns off at night.
- For new notificationsAOD activates briefly when a notification arrives. It's ideal if you want to stay informed about important matters. consuming the minimum.
If you're looking to save battery without missing anything, the option to only show new notifications is highly recommended. This approach was already available on devices with One UI 4, and it remains a simple way to reduce consumption without giving up alertsFor many users, it functions as a replacement for the classic notification LED.
Customize the style: clock, colors, backgrounds, and widgets
The aesthetics are one of One UI's strongest points. You can customize your Always-On Display (AOD) to your liking with just a few taps. Starting with the clock, color, and style, and continuing with widgets that provide quick information. All of this can be configured both from the AOD section and, in the most recent versions, from the lock screen itself. This gives you a cohesive look and feel. aligned with your background.
To change the clock style, press and hold an empty space on the home screen and enter WallpaperThen, choose the Lock screenTap the clock and you can choose between different styles, as well as change the color from the tabs. Source y StyleWhen you're finished, confirm with Done to apply the changes.
In addition to the clock, One UI allows you to add widgets to the lock screen, just below the clock. widget section You can incorporate information such as battery status, date, or weather. These widgets also integrate with the AOD ecosystem, so that You have access to useful information shortcuts not unlocked.
If you have a compatible Galaxy, you'll see the option Show lock screen wallpaperAvailable on the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series, this feature keeps the lock screen wallpaper visible in Always On Display, adding an aesthetic touch. These same devices also offer Clear backgroundwhich allows you to remove the background from a compatible image and thus maintain a cleaner style if you prefer.
Another interesting new feature is Now BarThis feature, present on the Galaxy S25 and other models running One UI 7.0, displays brief information from the "Now" widget in Always On Display (AOD), allowing you to see contextual data at a glance without fully turning on the screen. For some users, it's the most convenient way to access this information. Useful content always at hand.
Key settings depending on your One UI version
Not all Galaxy phones offer the same Always On Display (AOD) options: some features change with each version. It's helpful to know what each version includes so you don't waste time searching for a setting that simply isn't on your phone. Below are the most relevant changes, so you can quickly locate what you're looking for. what you do have available in your model.
- watch styleOn devices with One UI 6.0 or earlier, the clock type and color are customized directly from the Always On Display (AOD). On devices with One UI 6.1 or higherThe AOD uses the same clock as the lock screen, unifying the customization so that everything fits together better.
- Show music information: present on Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 or earlierIt allows you to see player information when the screen is off.
- screen orientationIn One UI 6.0 or earlier, you can choose between vertical or horizontal from the Always On Display (AOD). One UI 6.1 or higherThis setting is managed from the Quick Settings panel, where you lock the rotation in the desired mode.
- Automatic brightness: on devices with One UI 6.0 or earlierAOD automatically adjusts the brightness (you can turn it off and use a slider for manual leveling). It's even possible Tap the clock twice. When the AOD (Average On Display) is shown, you can adjust the brightness from there. In One UI 6.1 and above, this option is no longer available.
- Now Bar and lock screen background in AODThe Now Bar appears on models like the Galaxy S25 and others with One UI 7.0, while the lock screen wallpaper integration and the Erase Background option are available on Galaxy S24 and S25.
In practice, these changes mean that phones with the latest One UI tend to centralize customization on the lock screen itself, so the Always-On Display (AOD) inherits its clock and some of its style. If you're coming from an older version, you might remember having I changed the clock directly in AODNow that control will be in the lock screen editor.
Tips for saving battery with the screen always on
It's possible to enjoy Always On Display (AOD) without a significant impact on battery life if you choose the right settings. One of the most effective configurations, already introduced in One UI 4, involves displaying AOD. only when new notifications arriveThis way, the screen isn't permanently on, but you can still see the important information at a glance.
To activate it, go to Settings > Lock screen & AOD > Always On Display and select For new notificationsIn the same menu, you'll find other options to adjust when it's displayed. If you prefer a middle ground, the mode Automatic It's quite balanced, as it turns off in situations like when it detects that you're sleeping, if the phone is in a dark place, or if it's face down.
Scheduling also helps. As scheduled You can define periods when AOD is active and others when it's not. For example, you can have it on while you work and off at night. If your device is running One UI 6.0 or earlier, you can manually adjust the brightness using the switch. Automatic brightness (or with a double tap on the clock) can further reduce consumption.
In models with more limited battery life, such as some foldable phones, these kinds of adjustments are particularly noticeable. Don't expect an extra day of use just by tweaking a couple of settings, but you will see appreciable savings that, combined with other good practices, improve the overall experience. You can revert the changes at any time if you miss having the screen is always on all the time.
What you can see and do from AOD
In addition to the clock and date, AOD includes useful alerts and controls for everyday use. Its features include displaying notifications for new messages and missed calls, as well as control music playback without fully turning on the screen. When you hear something, you'll see track information on devices with One UI 6.1 or earlier, with direct access to basic controls.
If you've enabled the option to display the lock screen background on compatible models, Always On Display will reflect some of that style even when the screen is off. On the Galaxy S24 and S25, the option Clear background It allows you to remove the background of a compatible image to maintain a simpler aesthetic, leaving the clock and important notices in the spotlight.
The widgets below the clock add value without cluttering your device: battery, time, date, or day, depending on your settings. If you use the Now Bar on a Galaxy device running One UI 7.0, you'll see brief and contextual information directly in AOD, ideal for staying up to date without lifting a finger.
Remember that, although the Always-On Display shows icons and alerts, full details of some notifications require unlocking the device for security reasons. Even so, knowing at a glance that something has arrived saves you from having to turn on the full screen every time. It reduces the temptation to constantly check your phone..
Quick guide to practical customization
If you want to customize it to your liking in just a few minutes, here's a practical approach: decide when you want to see the Always-On Display (AOD), choose your clock style, and add the widgets that truly benefit you. This three-pronged approach covers 90% of the experience, and the rest are subtle adjustments you can make as you get used to it. information at rest.
- Define the mode: Automatic for balance, Always If you prioritize seeing everything, For new notifications when the goal is to save money and only find out what's important.
- Personalize the watch from the Lock screen (in One UI 6.1+), by tapping the clock to change style and color; in One UI 6.0 or earlier you will do it from the AOD itself.
- Add essential widgets (battery, time, day) to make the sleep panel practical without cluttering it. Less is more. Choose only what you use.
- If your phone is compatible, try it Show lock screen wallpaper And if you prefer a minimalist look, activate Clear background.
With these four settings, your Always On Display (AOD) will be tailored to your routines. If you change your mind later or your schedule changes, simply go back in and adjust it. The best thing about One UI is that every adjustment is reversible and quick, so experiment a bit until you find the perfect setting. It's usually worth it.
Useful details worth knowing
There are little tricks that save you time. For example, in One UI 6.0 or earlier you can disable the Automatic brightness and use the slider to set a specific level, or double-tap the clock when the AOD is visible to adjust the brightness on the fly. In One UI 6.1 and later, that specific option disappears, but brightness management is integrated with other system behaviors.
Another detail is the orientation. In One UI 6.0 or earlier, you can force vertical or horizontal Since AOD; in versions 6.1 and higher, it locks rotation using the Quick Settings panel. It's a subtle change, but it will save you from searching for a setting that's no longer in the same place if you've updated your phone.
If you use Always On Display (AOD) with music, remember that in One UI 6.1 and earlier you can display player information on the off screen. However, with One UI 7.0, this feature is no longer available. Now Bar For compatible models, it offers a different and more contextual way to display data without opening the app. Each feature is better suited to a particular use case, so it's best to try them out and stick with what you find most convenient.
And one aesthetic note: if you like your Always On Display to match the style of your lock screen (something many of us love), in One UI 6.1 or later, the Always On Display clock will be the same as the lock screen clock. This unifies the design and makes everything look more cohesive, so Edit the clock from the lock screen to fine-tune colors, type and style.
Selecting “Show for new notifications” as your primary mode is usually the foolproof solution if you're worried about battery life. It notifies you of important things, and then you can decide whether to unlock your phone or not. Combined with scheduling and, in older versions, with a moderate manual brightness, the impact on autonomy remains at a very reasonable level.
The beauty of Always On Display (AOD) lies in its balance: seeing the essentials without using the entire screen. With the current One UI, it's more flexible than ever. Between display modes, clock and widget customization, wallpaper integration on S24/S25 models, and features like the Now Bar in One UI 7.0, it's easy to fine-tune every detail. If you work with email or messages daily, leave AOD active; if you need to conserve battery life, switch it to "new notifications." so happy.
With all of the above, the always-on display in One UI becomes a tool that's both incredibly useful and highly customizable. From showing the time, calendar, music, and notifications, to choosing whether it activates on touch, automatically, always, on a schedule, or when notifications arrive, you have complete control. Depending on your One UI version and your Galaxy device (S24, S25, and models with 6.0, 6.1, or 7.0), you'll see options such as Now Bar, lock screen background in AOD, clear background, orientation and automatic or manual brightness. Play with these possibilities, choose the clock style and widgets that best suit you, and adjust the display mode to balance usability and battery life without complications.
