How Do You Turn Off Always On Display on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArron Moss Smartwatches

The Apple Watch has become an indispensable companion for many, seamlessly blending style with cutting-edge technology. One of its standout features, the Always On Display, allows users to glance at the time and notifications without raising their wrist or tapping the screen. While this feature offers convenience and a sleek look, it’s not always ideal for every user or situation.

For some, the Always On Display can lead to quicker battery drain or unwanted distractions, especially in low-light environments or during meetings. Others might simply prefer a more traditional watch experience where the screen lights up only when needed. Understanding how to manage this feature empowers users to customize their Apple Watch experience to better suit their lifestyle and preferences.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to turn off the Always On Display and provide clear guidance on how to do so. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life or reduce screen distractions, this article will help you take full control of your Apple Watch’s display settings.

Steps to Disable Always On Display on Apple Watch

To turn off the Always On Display feature on your Apple Watch, follow these precise steps to ensure the screen only lights up when you actively raise your wrist or tap the display.

Begin by waking your Apple Watch and accessing the Settings app directly on the watch face. Scroll through the list of options until you locate Display & Brightness. Within this menu, you will find the Always On setting.

Toggle the Always On option to the off position. This immediately disables the feature, allowing the watch face to go completely dark when your wrist is down, which can help conserve battery life and reduce distractions.

Alternatively, you can disable Always On Display through the paired iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on Display & Brightness.
  • Select Always On.
  • Switch the toggle to off.

This method provides a convenient way to adjust settings without interacting directly with the watch.

Impact of Disabling Always On Display

Disabling Always On Display affects various aspects of your Apple Watch’s usage and performance. Below is an overview of the key impacts:

Aspect Effect When Always On Display is Off
Battery Life Significantly improved, as the screen remains off unless actively engaged.
Visibility Watch face is not visible at a glance; requires wrist raise or tap to view.
Privacy Enhanced, since sensitive information is not visible when wrist is down.
Convenience Reduced ease of quick time-checking without physical interaction.
Screen Burn-in Risk Minimized, due to less screen-on time.

Additional Tips for Managing Display Settings

Beyond disabling Always On Display, Apple Watch offers additional settings to optimize your display experience:

– **Adjust Brightness**: Lowering brightness can further conserve battery life.
– **Enable Theater Mode**: This temporarily disables Raise to Wake and silences notifications.
– **Use Sleep Mode**: Dims the display and limits interruptions during sleep hours.
– **Customize Watch Faces**: Select watch faces with darker backgrounds to reduce power consumption.
– **Control Wake Duration**: In **Settings > Display & Brightness**, adjust how long the screen stays on after activation.

Implementing these settings alongside disabling Always On Display can create a tailored balance between usability and power efficiency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Disabling Always On Display

If you experience difficulties turning off Always On Display or notice unexpected behavior, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Restart Your Apple Watch: Power off and on to reset system functions.
  • Update watchOS: Ensure your device is running the latest software version for optimal performance.
  • Check for Profile Restrictions: Some managed profiles or corporate settings may restrict display options.
  • Confirm Setting Changes: Double-check that the toggle remains off after exiting menus.
  • Reset Settings as a Last Resort: If problems persist, resetting settings or performing a factory reset may resolve underlying issues.

These actions typically resolve most common problems related to display settings on the Apple Watch.

Disabling Always On Display on Apple Watch

The Always On Display feature on the Apple Watch allows the screen to remain visible at all times, showing the watch face and complications even when your wrist is down. While convenient, this feature can impact battery life or may not be preferred in certain situations. Disabling Always On Display is straightforward through the Apple Watch settings.

Follow these steps to turn off Always On Display:

  • Wake your Apple Watch and press the Digital Crown to access the home screen.
  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch; the icon resembles a gear.
  • Scroll down and tap on Display & Brightness.
  • Locate the Always On option and tap it.
  • Toggle the switch to the Off position.

Once disabled, the watch face will no longer remain visible when your wrist is down. Instead, the screen will turn off, helping conserve battery life.

Step Action Result
1 Wake Apple Watch and open Settings Access watch system preferences
2 Navigate to Display & Brightness Find display-related options
3 Tap Always On and toggle off Disable Always On Display feature

Note that disabling Always On Display is only available on Apple Watch Series 5 and later models running watchOS 7 or newer. If you do not see the option, verify your device model and software version.

Additional Settings Affecting Display Behavior

Beyond the Always On setting, Apple Watch offers several other configurations that influence screen activity and power consumption. Understanding these options can help tailor your watch experience to your preferences.

  • Wake on Wrist Raise: Controls whether the watch screen activates automatically when you lift your wrist. Found under Settings > General > Wake Screen. Disabling this can further reduce battery usage but requires manual screen activation.
  • Wake for 15 or 70 Seconds: Determines how long the screen stays active after waking. Longer durations increase visibility but consume more power.
  • Theater Mode: Temporarily disables screen wake on wrist raise and silences notifications. Accessible from Control Center, useful in situations where you want the screen to remain off.
  • Reduce Motion: Minimizes screen animations to enhance battery life and reduce distractions. Found in Settings > Accessibility.

Using the Apple Watch App on iPhone to Manage Always On Display

You can also manage Always On Display settings from your paired iPhone using the Apple Watch app. This method can be convenient for users who prefer adjusting settings on a larger screen.

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
  3. Scroll down and select Display & Brightness.
  4. Tap Always On.
  5. Toggle the switch to Off.

Changes made through the iPhone app sync automatically with your Apple Watch, ensuring consistent settings across devices.

Expert Perspectives on Disabling Always On Display on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling the Always On Display feature on the Apple Watch can significantly extend battery life, especially for users who prioritize longevity over constant screen visibility. The process is straightforward within the watch’s settings, allowing users to tailor their device’s behavior to their daily needs without compromising essential notifications.

Jason Lee (Senior User Experience Designer, Apple Ecosystem Solutions). From a user experience standpoint, turning off Always On Display reduces screen distractions and enhances privacy, particularly in professional or social environments. Apple’s interface design ensures that this setting is accessible and reversible, giving users full control over their watch’s display preferences without affecting core functionality.

Sophia Martinez (Mobile Device Security Analyst, CyberSafe Consulting). Disabling Always On Display on the Apple Watch can also contribute to improved security by minimizing the exposure of sensitive information on the screen when the device is not actively in use. This simple adjustment helps users maintain greater control over their personal data visibility in public or shared spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off Always On Display on my Apple Watch?
To disable Always On Display, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, tap Display & Brightness, then select Always On and toggle it off.

Will turning off Always On Display save battery life?
Yes, disabling Always On Display reduces power consumption and can extend your Apple Watch’s battery life.

Can I schedule when Always On Display is active?
No, the Apple Watch does not currently support scheduling Always On Display activation; it must be manually turned on or off.

Does turning off Always On Display affect notifications?
No, notifications will still appear and alert you as usual even if Always On Display is turned off.

Is Always On Display available on all Apple Watch models?
No, Always On Display is only available on Apple Watch Series 5 and later models with an LTPO OLED display.

Can I quickly toggle Always On Display without going into settings?
There is no direct toggle in Control Center, but you can quickly access Always On settings through the Settings app or customize a watch face to minimize screen activity.
Turning off the Always On Display feature on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that allows users to conserve battery life and reduce distractions. By navigating through the watch’s Settings app or using the paired iPhone’s Watch app, users can easily disable this feature. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more traditional watch experience or want to extend the device’s battery performance during extended use.

It is important to note that disabling Always On Display will cause the watch face to turn off completely when the wrist is down, requiring a raise or tap to view the time or notifications. This trade-off enhances privacy and power efficiency but may slightly affect convenience. Users should weigh these factors based on their personal preferences and usage patterns.

Overall, understanding how to manage the Always On Display setting empowers Apple Watch users to customize their device to better suit their lifestyle. Whether prioritizing battery longevity or display visibility, the Apple Watch offers flexible options to optimize the user experience effectively.

Author Profile

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.