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How To Turn Off The Always-On Display on iOS 18: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve upgraded to iOS 18 and are looking to disable the Always-On Display (AOD)? Perhaps you’re prioritizing battery life, find it distracting, or simply prefer the classic screen-off look. The process is surprisingly straightforward, but let’s dive in.

To turn off the Always-On Display on iOS 18, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, and then toggle the “Always On Display” switch to the OFF position. It’s that simple! This action instantly disables the feature, causing your screen to fully turn off when idle.

Understanding the Always-On Display on iOS 18

The Always-On Display is a feature that allows your iPhone screen to show limited information, such as the clock, widgets, and notifications, even when the device is in sleep mode. Introduced in earlier iOS versions on compatible iPhone models (primarily those with LTPO displays), iOS 18 aims to refine and optimize this feature further. However, as with any feature, its appeal is subjective.

The Benefits of the Always-On Display

Before we delve deeper into disabling it, let’s quickly recap why you might want to use the Always-On Display:

Glanceable Information: Quickly check the time, date, and incoming notifications without fully waking your phone.
Customization: Some AOD implementations allow customization of the displayed information and style.
Convenience: Eliminates the need to repeatedly tap or raise your phone to see basic information.

Why You Might Want to Turn It Off

On the flip side, here are some reasons you might prefer disabling the Always-On Display:

Battery Life: A constantly active display, even at low brightness, consumes power. Disabling it can significantly extend battery life.
Distraction: Some users find the lit screen constantly distracting, especially in dark environments.
Privacy: Displaying notifications on the AOD might expose sensitive information to prying eyes.
Burn-In Concerns: While modern OLED technology is more resistant to burn-in, some users remain concerned about prolonged static elements on the screen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling the Always-On Display

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process, ensuring you don’t miss a step:

Open the Settings App: Locate the Settings app icon on your iPhone’s home screen (usually represented by a gray gear).
Navigate to Display & Brightness: Scroll down within the Settings menu until you find “Display & Brightness”. Tap on it.
Find the Always On Display Option: In the Display & Brightness settings, look for the “Always On Display” option. This might be located towards the middle or bottom of the list, depending on the specific iOS 18 build.
Toggle the Switch Off: Tap on the “Always On Display” option. This will take you to a dedicated screen. Locate the toggle switch next to “Always On Display” and slide it to the OFF (greyed-out) position.

That’s it! Once you’ve completed these steps, the Always-On Display will be disabled, and your screen will turn completely off when your iPhone is idle.

Troubleshooting: What if I Can’t Find the Option?

In rare cases, you might encounter issues finding the Always On Display setting. Here are some potential solutions:

Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your iPhone model supports the Always-On Display. It’s typically available on iPhones with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays, like the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Older models won’t have this feature.
Software Update: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS 18. Sometimes, features are introduced or refined in subsequent updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.
Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Press and hold the power button (and a volume button on newer iPhones) until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
Reset All Settings: As a last resort (and with caution!), you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will revert all your customized settings to their default values, but it won’t erase your data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

FAQs: Always-On Display on iOS 18 – Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Always-On Display feature in iOS 18:

1. Does disabling the Always-On Display really save battery life?

Yes, it does. While the Always-On Display is designed to be energy-efficient, it still consumes power because the screen remains partially active. Disabling it can lead to a noticeable improvement in battery life, especially over extended periods.

2. Can I customize what’s displayed on the Always-On Display in iOS 18?

The level of customization depends on the specific implementation in iOS 18. Generally, you can expect to customize the clock style, widgets, and possibly even the colors and brightness. Look for customization options within the “Always On Display” settings menu.

3. Will I still receive notifications if the Always-On Display is turned off?

Yes, you will still receive notifications. Turning off the Always-On Display simply means the screen will turn completely off when idle. When a notification arrives, your iPhone will still alert you via sound, vibration, and by briefly illuminating the screen (if configured to do so).

4. Is the Always-On Display feature bad for my iPhone’s screen?

Modern OLED screens are much more resistant to burn-in than older technology. However, prolonged display of static elements can theoretically increase the risk of burn-in over many years. For most users, this is not a significant concern, but if you’re worried, disabling the Always-On Display can alleviate this concern.

5. Can I schedule the Always-On Display to turn off at certain times?

Currently, iOS 18 doesn’t natively offer scheduling for the Always-On Display. However, you might be able to achieve similar functionality using Focus modes. You can create a Focus mode that disables the AOD when activated (e.g., during sleep) and then schedule that Focus mode to automatically turn on and off.

6. Does Low Power Mode affect the Always-On Display?

Yes, in most cases, Low Power Mode automatically disables the Always-On Display to conserve battery life.

7. What iPhone models support the Always-On Display in iOS 18?

Typically, the Always-On Display is supported on iPhone models with LTPO displays, such as the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Check your specific model’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

8. How do I adjust the brightness of the Always-On Display?

The brightness of the Always-On Display is usually automatically adjusted based on ambient lighting conditions. However, some implementations might offer manual brightness controls within the “Always On Display” settings.

9. Can I choose which apps show notifications on the Always-On Display?

The ability to selectively choose which apps display notifications on the Always-On Display depends on the specific implementation in iOS 18. Generally, you can manage notifications on a per-app basis in Settings > Notifications. Look for options related to the lock screen or AOD within each app’s notification settings.

10. What’s the difference between Always-On Display and Raise to Wake?

Always-On Display keeps the screen partially illuminated continuously, showing limited information. Raise to Wake activates the screen only when you lift your iPhone. They serve different purposes but can both contribute to battery drain if used excessively.

11. I disabled the Always-On Display, but my screen still lights up briefly sometimes. Why?

This might be due to the Raise to Wake feature being enabled. When you lift your iPhone, the screen will briefly illuminate. You can disable Raise to Wake in Settings > Display & Brightness.

12. Will turning off the Always-On Display affect other features on my iPhone?

No, turning off the Always-On Display primarily affects the screen’s behavior when the device is idle. It won’t impact other features like phone calls, app usage, or other system settings.

By following these steps and considering the provided FAQs, you can effectively manage the Always-On Display on your iOS 18 device to suit your individual preferences and optimize your battery life. Remember to experiment with different settings to find the balance that works best for you.