How to Disable Always-On Display on iPhone

iPhone users can disable the Always-On display feature by navigating to the device settings, a process highlighted in a social media demonstration by user Juan Peña on August 8, 2026. The Always-On display, available on Pro models starting with the iPhone 14 Pro, allows the lock screen to remain visible at a low refresh rate, though some users find the constant illumination disruptive.

How to Disable Always-On Display on iPhone

According to the demonstration provided by Juan Peña, users who find the Always-On display bothersome can turn it off through the iOS settings menu. The feature is designed to show the time, widgets, and notifications without requiring the user to wake the device, but it can be deactivated to return the screen to a completely black state when locked.

To manage this setting, users typically navigate to Settings, select Display & Brightness, and locate the Always On Display toggle. Within this menu, Apple provides options to either turn the feature off entirely or customize which information remains visible, such as disabling the wallpaper while keeping the clock and notifications active.

Technical Function of Always-On Display

The Always-On display relies on LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology. According to Apple’s technical specifications for the Pro series, this hardware allows the screen’s refresh rate to drop as low as 1Hz. By refreshing the image only once per second, the device reduces power consumption compared to the standard 60Hz or 120Hz ProMotion rates.

Despite the power-saving hardware, the screen continues to draw battery life to maintain the image. Disabling the feature completely removes this power draw, which can result in marginal improvements to battery longevity for some users.

User Preference and Display Customization

The move to disable the feature often stems from lifestyle preferences, as noted in the pov te molesta la pantalla siempre encendida en iPhone (POV you are bothered by the always-on screen on iPhone) video shared by Peña. Users frequently cite light pollution in dark rooms or a preference for a traditional “black” screen as reasons for deactivating the technology.

Apple’s software implementation includes several triggers that automatically disable the Always-On display even when the setting is turned on. The screen will typically go dark if the phone is face down, in a pocket or bag, or if the user is wearing an Apple Watch that is connected and locked.