On many Android smartphones, the default behavior for receiving a notification is to violently illuminate the entire screen. If you receive a text message, an email, or a breaking news alert while your phone is sitting on your desk, the screen will automatically turn on, display the content of the notification on the lock screen, and remain lit for several seconds before timing out.
If you are in a dark movie theater, sitting in a serious business meeting, or trying to sleep in a pitch-black room, having your phone randomly act as a floodlight every time an app pings the server is incredibly distracting. Furthermore, constantly lighting up a massive OLED panel is a significant drain on your battery life.
You can configure Android to keep the screen pitch black when notifications arrive, relying instead on auditory chimes or haptic vibrations.
How to Disable “Wake Screen for Notifications”
This setting is usually found in the Lock Screen or Display preferences.
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Depending on your manufacturer, tap on either Display or Lock screen.
- Look for a setting labeled Wake screen for notifications. (On some Pixel devices, it is located under Display > Lock screen).
- Turn the toggle switch to the Off position.
The next time you receive an email or text message, your phone will chime or vibrate, but the physical screen will remain entirely off. You must manually press the power button or tap the screen to wake the device and read the incoming message.