Do you want to view notifications, the time, events, or important messages on your Android phone screen without having to turn it on or unlock it? So, you must know the functionality in depth Always On Display (AOD), an increasingly popular feature that improves the user experience and efficiency of your smartphone.
In this complete guide I explain to you How to activate Always On Display on Android, the technical requirements, the customization options depending on the brand and model, the best apps to add this feature if your device doesn't have it as standard, and everything you need to know to get the most out of it.
What is Always On Display and what is it for?
Always On Display (AOD) is a feature designed to allow your smartphone screen to display essential information such as time, date, notification icons, battery, calendar or events even when the device is in sleep mode. This means that You don't need to unlock or turn on the screen to view key data, which is practical for everyday use and helps save time and battery life.
This feature takes advantage of a unique feature of the displays AMOLED and OLED, which allow lighting only the pixels needed to display information, keeping the rest off, thus minimizing energy consumption. This isn't possible with LCD screens, as they require the entire backlight to remain on, which would increase battery consumption. For this reason, Always On Display is usually only available on phones with AMOLED or OLED displays. from brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, Realme, OnePlus, LG and Google Pixel.
The main objective of ODA is display relevant information in a minimalist, clear and consistent manner on the lock screen, without significantly affecting the device's charging. In addition, many manufacturers and applications allow Customize the design, colors, arrangement of elements and even add animations or images.
History and evolution of Always On Display
The function of displaying essential information on the off screen it is not completely new. Although many identify Always On Display as a Samsung innovation, in reality, The idea appeared in Nokia models with AMOLED displays, known for including the Glance Screen feature, which served a very similar purpose.
It was precisely the advancement of OLED and AMOLED display technology that allowed to extend the adoption of AOD to more brands and devicesSamsung popularized the feature with its Galaxy devices, although other brands such as Motorola, LG, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme quickly introduced their own solutions with different names and customization options.
Nowadays, Most mid-range and high-end Android phones with AMOLED displays have this possibility, and the number of compatible models continues to grow. In addition, there are third-party applications which allow simulating this functionality even on devices without official support, although with consumption and customization limitations.
Main advantages of using Always On Display on Android
- Quick information consultation without unlocking the terminal: Save time and avoid distractions by seeing the time, notifications, or reminders directly on your screen.
- Battery saving: On AMOLED/OLED screens, only the pixels needed to display the elements are illuminated, which reduces power consumption compared to turning on the entire screen.
- Visual customization to the maximum: Choose from different clock styles, fonts, colors, add images, GIFs, messages, and even minimalist widgets that appear whenever the screen is locked.
- Prevents wear on the power button: By reducing the need to turn on the screen to check information, you avoid wear and tear from overuse of the physical button.
In addition to these advantages, manufacturers add advanced options such as smart activation (only display AOD when the phone detects motion, when receiving notifications, according to a schedule, etc.), to better adapt to your daily needs.
Which phones and systems are compatible with Always On Display?
Not all Android devices allow you to enable Always On Display natively. The main requirements are:
- AMOLED, Super AMOLED or OLED display. It is the essential requirement to ensure low energy consumption.
- Supported Android version and customization layer: Although some pure Android phones allow it (for example, the Pixel range offers “Always show information and time”), in many cases the availability depends on the manufacturer's layer (One UI, MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS, OxygenOS, etc.).
- Configuration in system settings: It is usually found in the “Lock Screen”, “Ambient Display”, “Always-On Display” section or similar names depending on the device.
En mobile phones with LCD screens Using this feature is rarely recommended, as battery consumption would be much higher due to having to keep the backlight on. Some models can simulate AOD, but this is neither efficient nor recommended.
Does Always On Display consume a lot of battery?
One of the biggest fears of users is the battery consumption of this feature. The truth is that The impact is very low on phones with AMOLED or OLED displays., since only the necessary pixels are illuminated and the background remains off (especially if pure black is used). Furthermore, most manufacturers further optimize power consumption by limiting the information refresh rate, activating AOD only when receiving notifications, scheduling schedules, or allowing activation via gestures or screen taps.
Some users estimate that the additional energy expenditure does not usually exceed the 1-3% of battery life per day Under normal usage conditions, this percentage can increase if you add colors, animated images, or if the mode is always on. In any case, it's much lower than repeatedly turning on the screen just to check the time or notifications.
Tip: If you need to maximize battery life, set AOD to only appear when you receive notifications, during specific times, or when you tap the screen, and always use black or minimalist backgrounds.
Main functions and customization of Always On Display
The appeal of Always On Display mode isn't limited to showing the time or notifications.More and more brands and applications offer extensive customization options so you can adapt the screen to your style and needs. Key features include:
- Clock designs: Analog, digital, minimalist, with date, with second hand, etc.
- Colors and fonts: Change the color of the text, fonts or even add shadows and frames.
- Additional widgets: Quickly check battery status, weather, next alarm, steps taken, music playing, etc.
- Notification icons: Choose which apps display their icon on the AOD screen.
- Images, GIFs and personalized messages: There are models that let you add your favorite image, an animated GIF, or a motivational message.
- Edge lighting and visual effects: On select phones, you can have the edges light up with custom colors when notifications arrive.
- Smart scheduling and activation: Decide whether AOD is always active, only when you receive notifications, when you pick up your phone, based on schedules, by motion detection, etc.
- Automatic or manual brightness: Adjust the intensity to see the information clearly without disturbing at night or in dark environments.
Also remember that a well-implemented AOD function Avoids the risk of burn-in on AMOLED screens periodically moving the elements so that no pixel remains statically lit for hours.
How to enable Always On Display on major Android phones
The process to activate Always On Display may vary depending on the manufacturer and customization layerHowever, the steps are generally similar on most supported devices.
On Samsung mobiles (One UI)
- Open the application Settings of your device.
- Choose Lock screen.
- Click on Always On Display.
- Activate the function with the switch and choose the display mode (always, when receiving notifications, only with one touch, or according to schedules).
- Customize the clock style, colors, position, brightness, orientation, and more from this same menu.
On Xiaomi mobiles (MIUI)
- Sign in Settings.
- Accede to Ambient Display and Lock Screen.
- Activate the option Ambient Screen o Always On Display.
- Customize the design, colors, messages, and schedule to your liking.
On Huawei mobiles (EMUI)
- Go to Settings.
- Opens Home screen and wallpaper.
- Choose Always On Display and activate it with the slider.
- Choose the design you like best and add custom photos if you wish.
On OPPO and Realme mobiles (ColorOS and Realme UI)
- Opens Settings.
- Choose Screen and brightness o Home, lock, and always-on screens.
- Activate the Always-on display (Always On Display).
- Customize the style, colors and messages available.
On Google Pixel and pure Android mobiles
- Go to Settings.
- Sign in Screen > Lock screen.
- Look for the option Always show information and time o Ambient display and activate it.
Important Note: If you have activated the battery saving mode On your phone, you may not be able to activate Always On Display, or its functions may be limited to maximize battery life.
Advanced AOD customization based on device
Depending on your make and model, you can access Advanced Always On Display customization options.
- Samsung: Allows you to change clock styles, upload images or GIFs, download new designs from Galaxy Themes, set auto-brightness, change orientation, and schedule time.
- Xiaomi: It offers a catalog of your own styles, adding phrases or messages, animated colors and the function to display information only when a notification is received.
- OPPO / Realme: Ability to choose animations, motivational messages, color gradients, and different clock templates.
- Google Pixel: More minimalist, it allows you to display time, date, battery and notifications with options to activate or deactivate according to preferences.
Remember that on many mobile phones you can download new styles or templates from the brand's theme store, combining classic, artistic, modern, or informative styles.
What do I do if my phone doesn't have Always On Display?
Don't worry if your phone doesn't have Always On Display as standard. There are several alternatives to enjoy similar functionalities, although some may slightly increase battery consumption, especially on LCD screens. Here are the best options:
Use Google Assistant's ambient mode
On some mobile phones, you can activate the Google Assistant ambient mode, which displays relevant information on the lock screen when the phone is charging. To activate it:
- Opens Google > Settings > Assistant > Ambient mode.
- Activate it and select the information you want to display (time, notifications, photos, music, etc.).
This feature only appears when the mobile phone is connected to the power supply.
Install third-party apps from the Google Play Store
Hay specialized apps to simulate AOD and offer additional customization options, ideal if your model or model doesn't have this feature available out of the box. Below is a list of the apps most recommended and highly rated by the community:
Always on AMOLED - Edge Lighting
Developed by Newgen MobileThis app has earned an excellent reputation. Its offering allows you to:
- Display time, notifications, messages, and animations on the lock screen.
- Advanced options such as double tap to turn on/off AOD, reducing battery consumption through intelligent pixel management.
- Advanced customization: change colors, clock styles, add notes, or even draw.
- Requires permissions to modify settings, overlay other apps, and manage calls to function properly.
- Includes in-app purchases but the basic version is free.
Once you've configured permissions and enabled notification access, you can unleash the full potential of visual customization.
Always On Edge - Edge Lighting
Very popular for its versatility, it offers:
- Edge lighting configurable for notifications, music or calls.
- Customization of duration, styles, colors and smart activation (by battery, notifications, time, physical buttons, etc.).
- Full compatibility with on-screen fingerprint sensors without interfering with the operation of other apps.
- Options to schedule display time, disable on low battery, or display only when you pick up the phone.
Always On AMOLED - BETA by Tomer Rosenfeld
More than five million downloads support its functionality. Its features include:
- Customize fonts, colors, clock type, and on-screen messages.
- Control which notifications are displayed and smart settings to minimize energy consumption.
- Minimalist designs and a wide variety of visual styles.
Always On Screen by FayaX
An ideal minimalist option if you're looking for simplicity. Highlights:
- Simple interface with double tap to wake and fingerprint unlock.
- Support for calendar, fonts, gestures, and various minimalist styles.
- Includes some advertising in the free version and in-app purchases.
Recommendation: Whenever you use third-party apps, review the requested permissions and prioritize those that offer low-power modes and optimization prompts for non-AMOLED displays.
Usage tips and best practices with Always On Display
To get the most out of Always On Display without compromising the battery life or health of your screen, keep these good practices in mind:
- Usa black backgrounds or as dark as possible to reduce energy consumption.
- Adjust the auto brightness or set it to low levels, especially at night.
- Set AOD to activate with touches on the screen, when picking up the phone, or only with notifications if you want maximum autonomy.
- Avoid having elements remain static for hours. Most phones move clocks or icons slightly to prevent pixel burn-in on AMOLEDs.
- Periodically review the customization options and download new styles if you want to refresh the visual look.
Warning about prolonged use on AMOLED displays
AMOLED displays, although optimized for these functions, may show signs of burn-in (pixel burn-in) if static images are left standing for a long time. Therefore, manufacturers incorporate mechanisms that slightly shift elements or allow for style rotation. If you use third-party applications, verify that they include this protection feature.
If your device offers options to automatically move content in AOD, we recommend enabling them, especially if you plan to use the feature frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Always On Display
- Can I use Always On Display on phones with LCD screens? Not recommended due to excessive battery consumption and backlight wear.
- Does Always On Display show the content of messages? Usually only icons appear, but on some models it is possible to display additional data depending on the configuration.
- Is it safe to install AOD apps from Google Play? Yes, as long as you review the permissions and select highly rated apps.
- Can I schedule the time slot in which AOD is active? Yes, most apps and layers allow you to set schedules to turn the always-on display on or off.
- Is there a privacy risk? What's displayed on the screen is usually just the time and notifications, not the content of messages, although you can adjust this in your device's security and privacy settings.
Now you can take full advantage of the Always On Display feature to make your Android experience more comfortable, customizable and efficientWhether you activate it by default, use third-party apps, or explore your manufacturer's options, you can enjoy essential information without unlocking your phone and with minimal power consumption. Trends suggest this technology will become even more flexible and functional in future releases, so don't hesitate to try it out, adapt it to your liking, and optimize your daily routine with a customized, always-informative screen.