8 Best Ways to Fix Always-On Display Not Working in iOS 17

If you’ve recently updated to iOS 17, you’re probably thrilled about new features like Contact Poster and Namedrop, as well as the enhanced StandBy Mode for the Always-On Display. But if that Always-On Display not working, the excitement can quickly turn to frustration. This is especially true if you rely on it to check notifications and time without unlocking your phone.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users face similar issues, but the good news is that there are multiple fixes available to solve your issue. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best troubleshooting to resolve Always-On Display Not Working issues on your iPhone.

What is Always-On Display in iPhone?

The Always-On Display is a feature found on certain iPhone models equipped with OLED screens, specifically in Apple’s iPhone Pro Series. When activated, this feature displays essential information such as the time, date, and notifications, all without requiring you to unlock your phone.

The Always-On Display also includes a feature that lowers the screen refresh rate from 120Hz to just 1Hz, helping to conserve battery life on your iPhone.

How to Enable Always-On Display iPhone

If you’re interested in using the Always-On Display feature on your iPhone to keep tabs on time, notifications, and other essential information without unlocking your device, activating it is a breeze. Here’s how you can enable this handy feature:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down to find and tap on “Display & Brightness.”
• Look for the Always-On Display toggle and switch it on; you’ll know it’s activated when the toggle turns green.

And there you have it! Your Always-On Display should now be active, allowing you to see key information at a glance without needing to unlock your iPhone.

How to Fix Always-On Display Not Working in iOS 17

If you’ve updated to iOS 17 and your Always-On Display Not working properly, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue, but there are several fixes available. Below, we’ll outline the best solutions to get your Always-On Display back in working order on your iPhone running iOS 17.

Check Your Device Compatibility

Not all iPhones running iOS 17 are compatible with the Always-On Display feature. This functionality is primarily designed for iPhones with OLED displays. Here’s a list of iPhone models that currently support the Always-On Display:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro Max Ultra
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

Note: Before troubleshooting the Always-On Display, ensure your iPhone model supports this feature. If your model isn’t listed, the feature won’t work, even with iOS 17.

Force Restart your iPhone

First, try a basic restart by holding down the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears. Swipe it to turn off your iPhone, wait a bit, and then turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, a force restart may help. This hard reset clears cache and bugs. To do this:

• Quickly press and hold Home and Volume Up or Down button.
• Finally, hold down the Side button until your iPhone’s screen turns off and then on again, displaying the Apple logo.

This method is particularly effective for troubleshooting more stubborn issues and can often get your Always-On Display back in working order.

Disable Low-Power Mode

If your iPhone is in Low-Power Mode, certain features, including the Always-On Display, may be restricted to conserve battery life. Disabling Low-Power Mode could be the key to getting your Always-On Display back in action. Here’s how to do it:

• First off, Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and select the “Battery” option.

• Locate the “Low Power Mode” toggle. If it’s activated (green), toggle it off.

After you’ve disabled Low-Power Mode, exit the Settings app and check to see if your Always-On Display is functioning properly.

Adjust Sleep Focus Mode Settings

The Sleep Focus Mode on your iPhone can influence the functionality of your Always-On Display. By setting specific sleep schedules, you might inadvertently affect how your Always-On Display behaves. Here’s a guide on how to tweak these settings to ensure your Always-On Display works as it should:

• Swipe down from the top of your home screen to open the Control Center.
• Tap and hold the Focus button, usually represented by a moon or a star icon.
• A menu will appear; here you can adjust your Sleep Focus settings. Choose from the options “Off,” “Personal,” or “Work” based on your preference.

Changing the Sleep Focus Mode can often resolve conflicts with other iPhone features, including the Always-On Display.

Disable the Continuity Camera Feature

The Continuity Camera feature allows for seamless integration between your iPhone and other Apple devices, but it can sometimes interfere with the Always-On Display, causing it to not work properly. If you’re experiencing issues, disabling this feature could be a quick fix. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on “General” to access more options.
• Navigate to “AirPlay & Handoff.”
• Locate the “Continuity Camera” toggle. If it’s turned on (indicated by a green color), toggle it off.

Disable Raise to Wake up

The “Raise to Wake” feature is convenient for quickly checking your screen, but it can sometimes interfere with the Always-On Display. If you’re having trouble with this feature, disabling ‘Raise to Wake’ may be a simple solution. Here’s how to turn it off:

• Begin with, Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down to find “Display & Brightness” and tap on it.
• In the Brightness section, locate the “Raise to Wake” toggle. If the toggle is turned on (indicated by a green color), simply toggle it off.

Disable CarPlay

If you’re a CarPlay user, you might not be aware that it automatically disables the Always-On Display feature on your iPhone when connected. To ensure that your Always-On Display is consistently functional, you’ll need to disable the CarPlay connection. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Launch the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on “General” to explore more settings.
• Select the “CarPlay” option and choose the vehicle you’d like to disconnect from.
• Once selected, tap on the “Forget This Car” option. This will sever the CarPlay connection with your iPhone.

This is a useful tip for those who frequently use CarPlay but also want to take advantage of the Always-On Display feature and Fix the Always-On Display not Working.

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still Always-On Display Not Working properly, you may be dealing with a hardware issue. In such cases, your best course of action is to consult with an Apple Authorized Service Provider for specialized assistance. Their trained technicians can diagnose and repair any underlying problems, including issues related to the Always-On Display.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve guided you through a variety of troubleshooting steps designed to fix issues with the Always-On Display on your iPhone. If you’ve tried all these fixes without success, it may be time to consult with Apple’s professional support to get your device back to peak performance.

There’s a range of potential solutions for an unresponsive Always-On Display, from quick software tweaks to more in-depth hardware repairs. By following these guidelines, we hope you’re able to resolve any issues and enjoy the full functionality of your iPhone once again.