6 Ways to Fix Always on Display Not Working on Android

Quick Tips

• The proximity sensor shouldn’t be covered in order for Always On Display to function as intended.
• Disable any power-saving modes or the battery saver feature.
• Update your phone to the latest software version to fix bugs.

Fix 1: Set Always On Display to Show All the Time

As the name suggests, the Always On Display stays on all the time. Some phones have the default Always On Display setting to show only when you tap on the screen or at a fixed schedule during the day. Here’s how to fix it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > navigate to the Lock screen section > tap on Always On Display.

Note: On some phones, this setting lives under the Display tab. If you cannot find it, use the search bar in the Settings app and look for Always On Display.

Step 2: Select Show always.

Also Read: How to customize the navigation bar on Samsung Galaxy phones

Fix 2: Ensure the Proximity Sensor Is Not Covered

Your phone’s Always On Display automatically shuts off when it detects that your phone is in your pocket or when you keep it facing down on a surface. The proximity sensor checks whether there’s an obstruction in front of it. Always On Display is disabled if the proximity sensor is covered.

So, ensure the proximity sensor is not covered when you’ve kept the phone on a table. Sometimes, accessories like screen protectors and cases can also cover the proximity sensor. Remove them and check if the problem persists.

Fix 3: Disable Power Saving Modes

Enabling Always On Display drains more battery than without it. When you enable a power-saving mode or the battery saver on your phone, it disables Always On Display to save additional battery life. So, turn off any such modes.

Fix 4: Update the Always On Display App

This solution is specifically for users with a Samsung Galaxy phone. The Always On Display service is provided on Samsung devices by default. If you have issues, update the app to the latest version. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > navigate to the Lock screen section > tap on Always On Display.

Step 2: Scroll down and select About Always On Display.

Your phone will now check if an app update is available. If it is, tap on the Update option.

Fix 5: Clear the Cache of Always On Display

Here’s another solution that can help if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone with Always On Display. If the previous step of updating the app did not help, clear the cache of the Always On Display app to see if it makes a difference. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > navigate to the Lock screen section > tap on Always On Display.

Step 2: Scroll down and select About Always On Display.

Step 3: Tap on the small i button at the top-right corner of the screen > select Storage > Clear cache.

Fix 6: Disable Screen Saver

If you’ve enabled a screen saver on your Android phone, it may override the Always On Display feature on the lock screen. This can be especially true when the phone is connected to the charger. In this case, you should disable the screen saver. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > navigate to Display > tap on Screen saver.

Step 2: Select None.