An Always-On Display (AOD) keeps essential information visible on your phone's screen without fully waking the device. Typically showing the time, date, notifications, and battery level, it remains active while the main display is off, consuming far less power than keeping the full screen illuminated.
How it works: Most modern phones use OLED screens for Always-On Display because OLED pixels emit their own light. The display only activates the pixels needed to show the information, leaving the rest of the screen completely black and inactive. This selective lighting dramatically reduces battery drain compared to traditional LCD screens, which would light an entire backlight.
What you can customise: Depending on your phone, you can usually choose which information appears (time format, calendar events, music controls, notification previews), change the layout, select different clock styles, and set a schedule for when AOD is active. Some phones let you add shortcuts or custom widgets.
Battery impact: While AOD does consume power, the drain is typically 3-5% per day on modern flagship phones. For budget or older devices with OLED screens, the impact may be slightly higher. You can minimise battery use by disabling AOD at night or when battery saver mode is active.
Useful for quick glances: Rather than pressing the power button or picking up your phone, you can check the time, see if messages arrived, or monitor fitness metrics with a quick look. This is particularly handy on smartwatch-style functionality.
Compatibility notes: Always-On Display works best on phones with OLED screens. Some LCD phones offer a limited version, but battery savings are minimal. Check your phone's settings under 'Display' or 'Lock Screen' to enable and customise the feature.