Always On Display keeps basic lock-screen information visible on a dark Samsung Galaxy screen, such as the time, date, and notification icons. It uses AMOLED pixels selectively, so it can be useful without waking the whole phone.
These steps apply to modern Samsung Galaxy phones with AMOLED displays and One UI.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want the time and notifications visible while the phone is locked, or if Always On Display was enabled but is not appearing when you expect it to.
Turn On Always On Display
- Open Settings.
- Tap Lock screen.
- Tap Always On Display.
- Turn the toggle on.
- Choose Tap to show for 10 seconds, Show always, or Show as scheduled.
Customize What It Shows
- Return to Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display.
- Tap Clock style and choose a clock design.
- Turn notification icons on or off.
- Enable music information if you want currently playing audio shown on the locked screen.
- Lock the phone to preview the result.
Battery and Burn-In Notes
Battery Use Is Usually Small
AMOLED screens light only the pixels needed for the clock and icons. The daily battery cost is usually modest, and Tap to show uses even less than Show always.
Burn-In Risk Is Low but Not Impossible
Samsung slightly shifts the AOD position over time to reduce wear on the same pixels. If you are cautious, use Tap to show or a schedule instead of displaying it all day.
If AOD Does Not Appear
Confirm the toggle is still on, check whether Battery Saver or Power saving mode disabled it, and review the schedule. A schedule outside the current time makes AOD look broken when it is simply waiting.
Sources
- Samsung Support: Set up Always On Display on Galaxy phones
- Samsung Support: Always On Display battery usage FAQ
- Samsung Support: Understanding AMOLED screen burn-in