The Always-on Display (AOD) feature on Android utilizes OLED and AMOLED screen technology to keep a small portion of the display active even when the phone is locked and “asleep.” It typically shows the time, date, battery percentage, and incoming notification icons. While convenient for glancing at information without touching the device, keeping pixels continuously illuminated drains the battery faster than a completely dark screen. Furthermore, in highly secure environments or sensitive meetings, having notifications silently pop up on a desk-facing screen can inadvertently expose private information or cause unnecessary distractions.
This guide explains how to completely disable the Always-on Display system-wide on an Android device, ensuring your screen remains pitch black and maximizes battery life when locked.
Disable Always-on Display
The exact terminology for AOD varies significantly between Android manufacturers (e.g., Pixel calls it “Always show time and info,” Samsung calls it “Always On Display”). The overarching setting is located within the Lock Screen preferences.
- Open the main Settings app on your Android smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on Display (or “Lock screen” on some manufacturer skins).
- Tap on Lock screen (if you tapped Display in the previous step).
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Always show time and info (Google Pixel) or Always On Display (Samsung Galaxy).
- Tap the switch to toggle it to the Off (grey) position.
Verify the Power State
By toggling this off, you instruct the Android SurfaceFlinger to completely power down the display panel whenever the physical power button is pressed or the screen timeout is reached.
To verify the change is successful, press the physical power/lock button on the side of your device to put it to sleep. Wait a few seconds. The screen should go entirely black and remain that way. Tap the screen once (if Tap to Wake is enabled) or press the power button again to ensure the device wakes up normally. Your phone will now consume significantly less standby power and will no longer broadcast information to anyone walking past your desk.