How to automate iPhone always-on display in iOS 16.4

With the iOS 16.4 update, Apple introduced the Always-On auto-display feature for the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. This feature allows you to keep the screen on for a desired period of time, displaying important information such as time, date, and notifications without having to touch your iPhone.

However, having the screen always on can also quickly drain your battery. So, in this article, I will walk you through the process of automating the always-on iPhone display using focus modes and the Shortcuts app.

How to Automate iPhone Always-On Display with Focus Filters

1. Launch the Settings app → go to the Focus menu.
2. You can either select an existing focus or tap the (+) icon in the top right corner to create a new one. I have demonstrated the process for an existing focus mode.
3. Go to “Smart Activation”under “Set Schedule”→ enable “Smart Activation”. If you didn’t find it or want to add a new schedule, you can do so by clicking Add Schedule.
4. Now go back to the previous menu → Select Add Filter.
5. Select Always On Display under System Filters → enable Always On Display.
6. Click “Add”in the top right corner.

That’s all! You have automated AOD for this particular Focus.

In addition to the preset Focus options, you can create your own Focus using the (+) icon in the Focus menu. Needless to say, the AOD function will sync with its associated focus mode.

Set up always-on display control in the Shortcuts app

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap the (+) icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Select Add Action.
4. Search for Set Always On Display in the search bar and select “Enable”or “Enable”to configure the actions that will occur when the shortcut is launched.
5. Click “Finish”after completing the settings.

The auto display feature is triggered as soon as you access the shortcut. However, you can easily disable AOD on your iPhone 14 Pro whenever you want.

Troubleshooting Common AOD Issues

AOD automation can provide a better user experience, but it also introduces some general issues.

• Automating the always-on display can increase battery drain because the display is always on.
• Sometimes an always-on display can become unresponsive and needs to be restarted.
• Automating the always-on display can expose bugs or glitches that are hard to fix.

If you are facing such problems, here is our guide to fixing Always-On screen not working on iPhone.

FAQ

You cannot automate AOD for every iOS device. This feature is limited to the new iOS 16.4 update integrated with iPhone 14 Pro or later.

The AOD feature on iPhone lets you see your phone’s screen at all times, even when it’s locked or sleeping. This allows you to check the time, view incoming notifications, and control media playback without having to unlock or wake your phone.

Bottom line!

AOD is a great iPhone feature, but it can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you have a busy routine. Luckily, automating the process gives you the convenience of only set hours.

I hope this article was helpful. Feel free to let me know your concerns below and I will address them as soon as possible.