How to Customize Always On Display on Samsung Galaxy Phones?

Learn how to activate, personalize, and troubleshoot Always On Display (AOD) on Samsung Galaxy devices, including clock styles, schedules, and battery-saving tips.

The Always On Display (AOD) feature on Samsung Galaxy phones allows you to view essential information like time, date, notifications, and more without turning on your screen. If AOD isn't working or you want to customize it, follow these steps to enable, disable, or personalize the feature effectively.

1. What Is Always On Display (AOD)?

Always On Display (AOD) is a feature on Samsung Galaxy devices that shows key information—such as time, date, notifications, and music playback—on your locked screen. It helps you stay informed without unlocking your phone, saving time and battery life.

2. How to Enable or Disable Always On Display

If AOD is turned off or you want to adjust its behavior, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy device.
2. Tap Display.
3. Select Always On Display.
4. Toggle the switch to On to enable AOD or Off to disable it.

Note: AOD is turned on by default but may be disabled if Power Saving Mode is active. To customize AOD behavior, tap Settings within the AOD menu.

3. How to Customize Always On Display Settings

You can personalize AOD to suit your preferences. Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Display > Always On Display.
2. Tap Settings to access customization options.
3. Choose one of the following activation modes:

- Always: AOD remains active continuously when the phone is locked.

- Tap to show: AOD appears briefly after tapping the screen.

- As scheduled: Set a specific time range for AOD to be active.

- For new notifications: AOD activates briefly when a new notification arrives.

4. How to Change Clock Styles and Themes

You can download and apply custom clock styles and themes to personalize your AOD. Here's how:

1. From the Home screen, touch and hold an empty area.
2. Tap Themes.
3. Select AODs and choose a theme.
4. Tap Download or purchase a premium theme.
5. Follow the prompts to pay or apply discounts.
6. Once downloaded, tap Apply, choose your preferences, and tap Done.

Note: Some clock styles may require a one-time purchase or subscription.

5. Supported Samsung Galaxy Devices

Always On Display is available on most Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S26, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy A series. However, availability may vary depending on the device model and software version.

6. Additional Things to Check

If AOD isn't working as expected, consider the following:

- Ensure your device's software is up to date. Go to Settings > Software Update to check for updates.

- Verify that Power Saving Mode is turned off, as AOD may be disabled in this mode.

- Restart your device to refresh system settings.

7. Related Samsung Support Topics

- How to free storage space on Samsung Galaxy devices

- How to use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy phones

- How to clear cache files on Samsung Galaxy devices