With the release of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max (and carried forward into newer Pro models), Apple introduced the “Always-On Display” (AOD). This feature keeps your lock screen illuminated at a very dim brightness, allowing you to glance at the time, your widgets, and notifications without ever touching the phone.
While Apple engineered the display to drop to a 1Hz refresh rate to save power, keeping the screen illuminated all day undeniably drains your battery faster than if the screen were completely pitch black. Furthermore, many users simply find a glowing screen on their desk or bedside table to be visually distracting.
If you prefer the traditional iPhone experience where the screen turns completely off when locked, you can disable the Always-On Display entirely.
How to Turn Off the Always-On Display
This setting takes effect immediately and requires no restart.
- Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Display & Brightness.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the Display settings and tap on Always On Display.
- You will see a master toggle switch labelled Always On Display. Tap the switch to turn it Off (the switch will turn from green to grey).
Now, press the side power button on your iPhone. The screen will instantly go completely black, behaving exactly like older iPhone models.
Alternative: A Cleaner Always-On Display
If you actually like glancing at the time, but hate that the Always-On Display shows your colourful wallpaper and private notifications to anyone walking by, Apple offers a middle ground.
Return to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. Ensure the master toggle is turned On, but turn Off the sub-toggles for Show Wallpaper and Show Notifications.
Now, when your phone locks, the screen will turn pitch black, but a crisp, minimal white clock will remain illuminated. This saves significantly more battery than the default AOD setting while keeping the utility of a desk clock.