Ever wished your Samsung phone’s Always On Display could show more of your personality? Whether you want to glance at an inspiring quote, see your favorite photo, or track important info, customizing your Always On Display makes your phone truly yours.
Understanding how to tweak this feature matters—it saves time, adds convenience, and lets your style shine. This article will guide you through simple steps, creative ideas, and smart tips to customize your Samsung’s Always On Display with ease.
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How to Customize Always On Display on Samsung Phones
Always On Display (AOD) is a beloved feature on Samsung smartphones, allowing you to see important information at a glance—even when your phone is “off.” With AOD, you can quickly check the time, date, battery, notifications, and more, all on your lock screen without having to unlock your device.
But what if you want your AOD to match your personal style? The good news: Samsung offers plenty of ways to customize your AOD, letting you express creativity while staying productive. Let’s break down everything you need to know about customizing the Always On Display on your Samsung phone.
What is Always On Display, and Why Customize It?
Always On Display is a feature available on most mid-range and flagship Samsung Galaxy phones. When enabled, it keeps a portion of your screen lit up to display essential info, while the rest of the screen remains off, saving battery.
Customizing AOD lets you:
– Express your individual style
– Make key info stand out
– Enhance daily usability
Personalizing your display can make your phone truly feel like yours—not just another gadget.
Ways You Can Customize Samsung’s Always On Display
Samsung’s One UI provides a robust set of features for personalizing AOD. Here are some options you’ll find:
1. Clock Styles
- Choose from analog, digital, or world clocks
- Adjust font styles and colors
- Resize and reposition the clock
2. Wallpapers and Images
- Add favorite photos or fun stickers to your display
- Use built-in artwork or create your own graphics
- Some devices let you use GIFs as AOD animations
3. Notifications and Widgets
- Select which notifications to show (such as messages, calls, or app alerts)
- Add media controls or calendar events for quick glances
- Toggle notification icons on or off for a cleaner look
4. Themes and Color Accents
- Match AOD colors to your wallpaper or device theme
- Use gradients and custom background colors for added flare
5. Schedules and Tap-to-Show
- Set AOD to appear only during certain hours (like work or nighttime)
- Choose “Tap to Show” mode to save battery by only activating AOD briefly when you tap the screen
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Customize Always On Display
Ready to make your AOD your own? Follow these steps:
1. Access AOD Settings
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Lock Screen.
- Tap Always On Display.
2. Enable or Adjust AOD Modes
- Toggle Always On Display on.
- Select preferred mode:
- Show Always: AOD remains on whenever the screen is off.
- Show as Scheduled: Set specific times for AOD.
- Tap to Show: AOD appears for a short time after tapping the screen.
3. Choose Clock Style
- In the AOD settings, tap Clock Style.
- Browse analog, digital, or other preset designs.
- Customize color and layout with the editing tools.
4. Add Images, Stickers, or GIFs
- Tap Image or Add Image/GIF (options may vary by model).
- Select a photo, sticker, or animated GIF from your gallery or the provided library.
- Adjust size and placement for best effect.
5. Select Notifications
- In AOD settings, find the Show Notifications option.
- Pick which types of alerts to display or hide notification content for privacy.
6. Finalize Your Customizations
- Tap Apply or Save.
- Lock your phone to preview the new look!
Advanced Tips for AOD Customization
If you want to take your customization even further, try these expert tips:
Use the Samsung Good Lock App
- Good Lock (available on the Galaxy Store) offers even deeper AOD customization with modules like ClockFace.
- Create truly custom clock faces, adjust transparency, or add animation effects.
Add Widgets to AOD
- Some versions of One UI let you add music or calendar widgets directly to your AOD.
Battery Optimization
- Use “Show as Scheduled” or “Tap to Show” modes to reduce battery drain while still enjoying AOD benefits.
Match Your Phone Theme
- Many Samsung themes integrate unique AOD styles. Explore theme packs if you want your phone’s look to be consistent across menus, icons, and even the AOD.
DIY Clock Faces and Icons
- Design your own icons, text, or clock faces using graphic design apps.
- Import them directly through AOD customization menus or third-party apps.
Benefits of Customizing AOD
Personalizing your Always On Display offers many advantages:
- Quick Info Access: Instantly check important details, tailored to your workflow.
- Improved Aesthetics: Make your phone look unique with a personal touch.
- Increased Productivity: Use reminders, schedules, and media controls without unlocking your phone.
- Enhanced Privacy: Control what info appears while your device is locked.
Challenges and Considerations
While Samsung makes it easy to personalize, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Device Compatibility: Some features may not be available on all models or in every region.
- Battery Life: Custom elements like GIFs or bright images may use more battery; consider “scheduled” mode for heavy use.
- Screen Burn-In: Although modern OLED panels and Samsung’s defenses reduce burn-in risks, avoid using static, high-brightness images for extended periods.
Practical Advice and Best Practices
Making the most of your AOD is about balancing creativity, utility, and battery life. Here’s some advice to help you get started:
- Keep it Simple: Overloading your AOD can clutter the screen and make info hard to find.
- Choose Subtle Colors: This can save battery and look elegant.
- Update Regularly: Refresh your clock face or AOD content seasonally—keep your phone feeling new!
- Test Privacy Settings: Make sure no sensitive details appear when your device is locked.
- Experiment! Don’t be afraid to try new themes, colors, or layouts until you find your favorite look.
Cost Tips for AOD Customization
- No Extra Cost: All basic customization options are free and built into Samsung’s software.
- Good Lock App: Also free, but make sure it’s compatible with your device and region.
- Third-Party Themes: Most premium AOD themes or clock faces in the Galaxy Store may charge a small fee, but there are many great free options as well.
- No Shipping Fees: All features are software-based—there’s nothing physical to buy or ship.
Wrapping Up
Customizing the Always On Display is a fun and simple way to make your Samsung phone uniquely yours while enhancing day-to-day convenience. Whether you’re showing off family photos, making your favorite clock style pop, or just ensuring important notifications show up promptly, Samsung gives you a wide variety of ways to personalize.
Remember to strike a balance between creativity, privacy, and battery. Your AOD is the first thing you see every time you use your phone—why not make it both useful and uniquely yours?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I add my own image or GIF to the Always On Display?
Open your phone’s Settings, navigate to Lock Screen > Always On Display, and tap on the customization menu or “Add Image/GIF.” Select a photo or animation from your gallery, then save and apply it. Some older models may not support GIFs.
2. Will using Always On Display drain my battery a lot?
AOD does use some battery, but it’s optimized for Samsung’s OLED screens. To minimize battery usage, use “Tap to Show” or schedule display times. Avoid animated GIFs if battery life is a concern.
3. Can I hide certain notifications on the AOD for privacy?
Yes, you can choose which app notifications appear on AOD. In AOD settings, customize the notifications or set sensitive content to hidden.
4. What if I don’t see all customization options on my device?
Feature availability depends on your device model, software version, and region. Ensure your device is updated, and consider installing Samsung’s Good Lock app for added options if available.
5. Is customizing Always On Display free, or are there extra costs?
All basic customization features are free. Some premium clock faces, themes, or stickers may come at a small cost, but most settings are available at no charge.
Let your creativity take center stage and make your Samsung’s Always On Display not just informative—but also inspiring!