Introduced in iOS 17, “StandBy” is a feature that transforms your iPhone into a smart display when it is charging and positioned horizontally (in landscape orientation). It displays a large clock, calendar widgets, or a photo slideshow, making it perfect for a bedside table or a desk charging stand. However, if you charge your phone on a flat wireless pad that occasionally tilts, or if you simply find the bright glowing widgets distracting while you are trying to sleep, you can completely turn off the StandBy feature.
How to Disable StandBy Mode
Turning off StandBy is incredibly simple and requires only a single toggle switch within your iPhone’s main settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down the main menu (past General and Display & Brightness) until you locate StandBy.
- Tap on StandBy.
- At the very top of the screen, you will see the master toggle switch labelled StandBy.
- Tap the switch to toggle it to the Off position (the switch will turn from green to grey).
Customizing Instead of Disabling
If you like the idea of StandBy but find it too bright for a dark bedroom, you don’t necessarily have to disable the entire feature.
In the same StandBy settings menu, look for the Night Mode option. If you tap into Night Mode and ensure it is turned On, your iPhone will use its ambient light sensors to detect a dark room. Instead of glaring white text, the StandBy display will shift to a very dim, unobtrusive red tint—similar to a submarine or darkroom light—allowing you to see the time without ruining your night vision or disrupting your sleep.