StandBy turns a charging iPhone placed on its side into a glanceable display for clocks, widgets, photos, and live information. It is useful on a nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.
StandBy requires iOS 17 or later. Always-On StandBy requires a Pro iPhone with an always-on display.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want your iPhone to show time, widgets, or photos while charging instead of going fully dark.
Turn On and Use StandBy
- Open Settings > StandBy.
- Make sure StandBy is on.
- Connect the iPhone to power.
- Place it sideways in landscape orientation.
- Wait for StandBy to appear.
- Swipe between Clock, Widgets, and Photos views.
Tap the screen to wake it if dimmed, or touch and hold to edit supported StandBy views.
Customize StandBy
- While StandBy is showing, touch and hold the screen.
- Use edit or plus controls to change widgets.
- On the Widgets view, add, remove, or rearrange widgets.
- On the Clock view, swipe through clock styles and adjust colors where available.
- On the Photos view, choose albums or favorites if prompted.
Always-On and Troubleshooting
Always-On Display
On supported Pro iPhones, enable Always-On Display under Display & Brightness so StandBy stays dimly visible longer.
Night Appearance
In a dark room, StandBy can use a dim red-tinted appearance that is easier on the eyes.
Charging and Landscape Required
StandBy needs both power and landscape position. If it does not appear, confirm the iPhone is charging and truly sideways.
Battery Impact
StandBy is designed for use while charging. The display dims to reduce power use.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use StandBy on iPhone
- Apple Support: Add widgets to StandBy on iPhone
- Apple Support: Turn on Always-On display on iPhone