what is it and how to configure it on Android

Have you ever come across the term “Always on display”? So, it is very likely that you have wondered what its exact meaning is. We have prepared this article to tell you in great detail what you can expect from this feature, what it is for exactly and how to configure it on your device, whether it is included natively or not.

What is Always on display on Android

Always on display, also known by its acronym, AOD, and in Spanish as Always-on display, is a graphical information display system that keeps the panel of a device always active. In this way, the screen never completely turns off and continuously shows some data, such as the time, pending notifications or upcoming calendar events. Although it is used mainly in mobile phones, it is also frequently found in smart watches.

AOD takes advantage of OLED technology to cause the least possible impact on the autonomy of the terminal. These types of panels allow you to individually activate or deactivate each pixel. Thus, only those that are strictly necessary are turned on to display information. The rest are completely disabled.

How to configure Always on display on your Android without applications

The first thing to know is if your device is AOD-compliant. This feature, for now, is exclusive to Android. Apple has not wanted to include it in any of its terminals, despite having, for the most part, the appropriate panels. On Android, not all devices include this feature. The most normal thing is that they are mid-range or high-end terminals those that allow to keep the screen always on.

If your device is compatible, you can configure AOD by going to the system settings. Each manufacturer places the Always on display options in a different place. These are usually found within the screen settings or in a separate section. To prepare this guide, we have used Xiaomi MIUI 12, where you have to click on Always-on display & Lock screen

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Access the AOD options

Next, you must tap on the slider that you will see next to Always-on display to activate the always-on display.

Activate always on display in MIUI 12

In Show items, select the time you want AOD to work. We recommend that you deactivate it at night.

Set the schedule

Uses Style to change the appearance of the lit screen.

Set the style of the screen on

Xiaomi includes a wide variety of themes, but each manufacturer has its own designs. Choose the one you like the most.

Choose a topic

The themes have their own options. Customize them with the colors you prefer and choose the information to be displayed.

Theme Options

Tap on Apply to save the changes.

Apply changes

Now, turn off the screen of your device and wait for the design you have chosen to display.

How to configure Always on display on your Android with applications

If your device does not have this feature natively, you can activate it with a third-party application. There are several applications that allow you to activate this function.

to download

Taking as a reference Always on AMOLED, so you can activate AOD on your device using a third party app. Once downloaded and installed, open Always on AMOLED and grant the necessary permissions. Tap on Allow now.

Grant necessary permissions

Activate the option Allow display over other apps.

Enable permission to show on other apps

Customize the AOD screen of your device by adding information and modifying its appearance.

Configure AOD with Always on Amoled

Now, lock the terminal to enjoy the Always-on display system.

Active AOD

Keep in mind that if your device does not have an OLED screen, the battery consumption can skyrocket. For this reason, we advise you to discard the use of this application if it is not your case.