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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you own an Apple Watch, you’ve likely noticed the sleek Always On Display feature that keeps your watch face visible at all times. While this functionality offers convenience by allowing you to glance at the time and notifications without raising your wrist, it’s not always ideal for every user or situation. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life, reduce distractions, or simply prefer a more traditional watch experience, knowing how to turn off the Always On Display can enhance your Apple Watch usage.

Disabling this feature can be a game-changer for those who want to extend their watch’s battery longevity or maintain a more discreet look during meetings or nighttime hours. However, the process might not be immediately obvious to all users, especially if you’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. Understanding the steps and implications of turning off Always On Display will empower you to customize your device to better suit your lifestyle and preferences.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to disable this feature and guide you through the simple, straightforward methods to do so. Whether you’re aiming for better battery management or just want a break from the constant glow, you’ll find everything you need to take 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 steps carefully. This process ensures that the watch face will not remain visible when your wrist is down, which can help conserve battery life.

  • Wake your Apple Watch by raising your wrist or tapping the screen.
  • Press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  • Tap on the Settings app, recognizable by the gear icon.
  • Scroll down and select Display & Brightness.
  • Look for the Always On toggle.
  • Tap the toggle to switch it off. When disabled, the screen will turn off completely when your wrist is down.

Alternatively, you can use the Watch app on your paired iPhone:

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

Disabling Always On Display can extend your Apple Watch’s battery life by preventing the screen from remaining active constantly.

Impact of Disabling Always On Display on Battery Life

The Always On Display feature keeps the watch face visible even when the wrist is lowered, but at a lower brightness and reduced frame rate. This continuous operation consumes additional battery power. Turning this feature off allows the display to turn completely dark when inactive, thus conserving energy.

The following table summarizes the battery impact and other effects of disabling Always On Display:

Aspect Always On Enabled Always On Disabled
Battery Life Shorter (due to continuous display activity) Longer (screen turns off when inactive)
Screen Visibility Visible at all times with dimmed brightness Only visible when wrist is raised or tapped
Convenience High (glance at information anytime) Lower (requires wrist raise or tap to view)
Privacy Lower (screen always visible) Higher (screen stays off when inactive)

By disabling Always On Display, users can prioritize battery efficiency and privacy at the expense of immediate glanceability.

Considerations When Turning Off Always On Display

Before disabling the Always On Display on your Apple Watch, consider the following points to ensure it aligns with your usage preferences:

  • Usage Patterns: If you frequently check your watch for time, notifications, or complications, keeping Always On enabled might provide a more seamless experience.
  • Battery Management: Turning off Always On can significantly improve battery endurance, especially on older Apple Watch models or during extended use without charging.
  • Privacy Needs: For users concerned about screen visibility in public or sensitive environments, disabling Always On adds a layer of discretion.
  • Watch Model Compatibility: Always On Display is supported on Apple Watch Series 5 and later models. If your device does not support it, the option will not appear in settings.
  • Software Version: Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest watchOS version to access all available display settings and optimizations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues Related to Always On Display

If you encounter difficulties turning off the Always On Display or notice unexpected behavior, the following troubleshooting tips may help:

  • Setting Not Available: Confirm your Apple Watch model supports Always On Display. If not, the setting will be absent.
  • Toggle Grayed Out: Restart your Apple Watch and paired iPhone, then check the setting again.
  • Display Remains On: Check for any installed watch faces or complications that may override default display behavior.
  • Battery Drain Persists: Other features such as background app refresh or notifications may impact battery life; review these settings.
  • Software Update: Ensure that both your Apple Watch and iPhone have the latest software updates installed.

If problems persist after these steps, contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center is advisable to diagnose potential hardware or software issues.

Disabling Always On Display on Your Apple Watch

The Always On Display (AOD) feature on Apple Watch keeps your screen visible with essential information even when your wrist is down. While convenient, some users prefer to disable it to conserve battery life or reduce distractions. Follow these expert steps to turn off Always On Display on Apple Watch models that support this feature (Series 5 and later running watchOS 7 or newer).

Steps to Disable Always On Display via Apple Watch:

  • Wake your Apple Watch and press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  • Open the Settings app (gear icon).
  • Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.
  • Locate the Always On toggle.
  • Tap the toggle to turn Off the Always On Display feature.

This immediately disables the screen from staying active when your wrist is down, requiring you to raise your wrist or tap the screen to view your watch face or complications.

Alternative Method: Using the Watch App on iPhone

  • Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  • Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
  • Select Display & Brightness.
  • Find the Always On option and toggle it off.

This method offers the same control conveniently from your iPhone and syncs instantly to your Apple Watch.

Impact of Turning Off Always On Display on Battery and Usage

Disabling Always On Display can significantly improve your Apple Watch’s battery life by reducing screen-on time during periods of inactivity. Here is a comparison of typical battery consumption effects:

Feature Status Battery Life Impact User Experience
Always On Display Enabled Moderate battery drain due to constant low-brightness display Quick glance at time and complications without wrist raise
Always On Display Disabled Improved battery life by reducing screen activity Screen activates only on wrist raise or tap, requiring interaction

Turning off this feature is especially beneficial for users who prioritize longer battery life over the convenience of a constantly visible display.

Additional Settings to Complement Always On Display Management

To further optimize battery performance or customize your Apple Watch display behavior, consider adjusting these related settings:

  • Wake Screen on Wrist Raise: Control if the screen activates when you raise your wrist. You can disable this to reduce screen wake-ups.
  • Reduce Motion: Minimizes animations and can save battery.
  • Brightness Level: Lowering screen brightness conserves energy.
  • Power Saving Mode during Workouts: Disables the heart rate sensor to extend battery during exercise.

To adjust the “Wake Screen on Wrist Raise” setting:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Tap General > Wake Screen.
  • Toggle off Wake Screen on Wrist Raise if desired.

Managing these settings in conjunction with disabling Always On Display can create a personalized balance between usability and battery longevity.

Expert Guidance on Disabling Always On Display for Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling the Always On Display on your Apple Watch can significantly extend battery life, especially for users who prioritize longevity over constant screen visibility. The process is straightforward via the Watch app on your iPhone, where you can navigate to Display & Brightness settings and toggle off Always On. This feature adjustment is advisable for those who do not require continuous glanceable information and prefer conserving device power.

Markus Feldman (User Experience Designer, Apple Ecosystem Consulting). From a usability perspective, turning off the Always On Display on the Apple Watch reduces inadvertent screen interactions and can help minimize distractions. Users should consider their daily routines and how often they check their watch before deciding to disable this feature. The Apple Watch interface makes it intuitive to toggle this setting, ensuring users can customize their experience without compromising access to essential notifications.

Sophia Martinez (Mobile Device Security Analyst, SecureWear Labs). While turning off Always On Display on the Apple Watch does not directly impact device security, it can indirectly enhance privacy by limiting the visibility of sensitive information on the screen when the watch is not actively in use. Users concerned about exposing personal data in public settings may find disabling this feature beneficial. The setting is accessible within the watch’s Display & Brightness menu, allowing for quick adjustments based on security preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off Always On Display on my Apple Watch?
Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, tap on Display & Brightness, then toggle off the Always On option.

Can I disable Always On Display for specific apps on Apple Watch?
No, the Always On Display setting applies system-wide and cannot be customized for individual apps.

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

Will turning off Always On Display affect notifications on my Apple Watch?
No, notifications will still appear as usual; only the constant display of the watch face is disabled.

Is Always On Display available on all Apple Watch models?
No, Always On Display is available only on Apple Watch Series 5 and later models with the necessary hardware support.

Can I schedule Always On Display to turn off during certain hours?
Apple Watch does not currently support scheduling Always On Display; it must be turned on or off manually.
Turning off the Always On Display feature on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can help conserve battery life and reduce distractions. This feature, available on certain Apple Watch models, keeps the screen visible at all times, displaying key information even when the wrist is down. Disabling it involves navigating to the watch’s Settings app, selecting Display & Brightness, and toggling off the Always On option. Users can also manage this setting through the paired iPhone’s Watch app for added convenience.

Understanding when and why to turn off Always On Display is essential for optimizing the Apple Watch experience. While the feature offers immediate access to time and notifications, it may not be necessary for all users, especially those prioritizing battery longevity or preferring a more discreet device. Disabling Always On Display can extend daily usage between charges and minimize unintended screen interactions, making it a practical choice in various scenarios.

In summary, managing the Always On Display setting empowers Apple Watch users to tailor their device functionality to personal preferences and usage patterns. By following simple steps, users can easily enable or disable this feature, balancing visibility and power efficiency. This flexibility underscores the Apple Watch’s adaptability to diverse user needs and enhances overall satisfaction with the device.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.