To turn on Always On Display (AOD) on a supported Samsung Galaxy device, open Settings, search for Always On Display, open the result, and switch it on. You can then choose whether it appears when tapped, stays visible, or follows a schedule—depending on your device and software version.
Turn on Always On Display
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Open Settings on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
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Use Settings search to find Always On Display, then open the result. Samsung’s current US guide uses this route: Samsung: Always On Display on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
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Turn on the Always On Display switch.
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Choose a display behavior if the option is available. Names and controls differ across devices and software versions.
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If Settings search does not show the feature, look under Settings > Lock screen or Settings > Lock screen and AOD. Samsung support pages use both menu labels, so searching Settings is often the quickest way to locate it. See Samsung UK’s AOD instructions and Samsung Singapore’s customization guide.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
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Choose how the display appears
When your device offers these choices, select the one that suits when you want the screen visible:
| Mode | What it does | Practical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Tap to show | Shows AOD after you tap the screen. | Useful when you want to check it on demand rather than leave it visible. |
| Show always | Keeps AOD visible while the device is locked. | Useful when you want at-a-glance visibility. |
| Show as scheduled | Shows AOD during times you select. | Useful when you want it visible only at certain times. |
Samsung describes these modes in its UK support guide and Singapore support guide. The guides do not publish a battery-use figure for each mode, so there is no reliable universal percentage to apply.
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Find newer AOD controls
On devices running One UI 7.0 or later, Samsung documents controls including Show Lock screen wallpaper and When to show. These controls are software-version-specific and may not appear on every Galaxy device. Samsung’s US guide to Galaxy widgets and lock-screen features describes the newer settings context.
If Always On Display is missing or unavailable
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Turn off Power saving mode. Samsung says enabling Power saving mode disables AOD. Check the relevant power or battery settings, turn the mode off, then search Settings for AOD again. See Samsung’s AOD troubleshooting guidance.
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SaleSamsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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Check the menu under Lock screen. Depending on the model and software, the section may be called Lock screen or Lock screen and AOD.
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Confirm support for your exact device. Samsung notes that AOD and some of its features are available only on certain devices. The support information cited here does not provide one exhaustive worldwide list of supported models. Check your device’s Settings search and the Samsung support page or manual for your model and region.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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What to expect from battery use
Samsung characterizes AOD as optimized to use little battery, but the cited support material does not give a quantified estimate. Actual use can depend on the device and chosen behavior; avoid treating any single percentage as a guaranteed figure for every Galaxy model.
Quick Recap
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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