iPhone Always-On Display Not Working - Complete Fix Guide

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Display & Brightness
3. Scroll to Always On Display
4. Toggle it ON

Customize What Shows

• Show Wallpaper: Display your wallpaper dimmed (uses more battery)
• Show Notifications: Show notification previews on AOD

Always-On Display automatically turns off in these situations:

• iPhone face down: Sensors detect it's not visible
• iPhone in pocket/bag: Proximity sensor triggers
• Sleep Focus active: AOD turns off during Sleep mode
• Low Power Mode: Automatically disables AOD
• Connected Apple Watch: AOD turns off when you walk away (Continuity)
• CarPlay connected: AOD disabled while driving

These are intentional battery-saving features, not bugs.

1. Check Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode disables Always-On Display:

1. Settings → Battery
2. Turn OFF Low Power Mode
3. Or ask Siri: "Turn off Low Power Mode"

2. Check Sleep Focus

Sleep Focus turns off AOD automatically:

1. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right)
2. Check if Sleep Focus is active
3. Tap to disable if needed

3. Apple Watch Continuity

If you wear an Apple Watch, AOD turns off when you walk away:

1. This is normal — iPhone detects you're not near
2. AOD will return when you come back
3. To disable: Settings → Display & Brightness → Always On Display settings

4. Restart Your iPhone

1. Press and hold Side Button + Volume Up
2. Slide to power off
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Press Side Button to turn back on

5. Update iOS

1. Settings → General → Software Update
2. Install any available updates

• Ambient light: AOD adjusts to room brightness — darker rooms = dimmer display
• Red tint at night: Night mode uses red hues to preserve night vision
• Check Auto-Brightness: Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Auto-Brightness

Always-On Display uses about 1% battery per hour extra. If battery life is a concern:

• Disable "Show Wallpaper" to save power
• Keep notifications minimal on lock screen
• Consider turning AOD off if battery is critical

If AOD still doesn't work:

1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap "Reset" → "Reset All Settings"
3. Enter passcode
4. Re-enable Always-On Display after reset

Note: This resets preferences but keeps your data.

If AOD never works and settings are correct, there may be a hardware problem:

• ProMotion display malfunction
• Ambient light sensor issues
• Proximity sensor problems

These require professional diagnosis.