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

However, the screen always on can drain the battery quickly. So, in this article, I will walk you through the process of automating your iPhone’s always-on display by using focus modes and applying shortcuts.

How to automate an iPhone that’s always on focus filters

  1. Launch the Settings app on the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max → go to the Focus menu.
  2. You can either select an existing focus or click the (+) symbol in the upper right corner to create a new focus.
    I’ve shown the current focus setting process.

    Click

  3. Go to Smart Activation under Set A table → enable Smart Activation.
    If you don’t find it or want to add a new table, you can do so by clicking on Add Table.

    Click

  4. Now go back to the previous menu → select Add filter.

    Click on

  5. Select Always On Display under System Filters → enable Always On Display.
  6. Click “Add” in the upper right corner.

    Automate iPhone Always On Display

That’s it! We have automated AOD for this particular focus.

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

Set up always-on screen control in the Shortcuts app

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Click on the (+) icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
  3. Select Add Action.

    Click the plus sign and add an action in the Shortcuts app.

  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.

    Set up always-on screen control in the Shortcuts app

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.

Troubleshoot common AOD problems

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

  • Auto-turning on the always-on display can increase battery drain because the display is always on.
  • Sometimes, the always-on display may become unresponsive and need to be restarted.
  • Always-on display automation can expose hard-to-fix bugs or glitches.

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

Instructions

Can I automate the Always On Display feature on my iPhone?

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

What is Always On Display on iPhone?

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

minimum!

AOD is a great feature of the iPhone, but it can be a bit annoying, especially if you have a busy routine. Fortunately, automating the process gives you rest only for certain hours.

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

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