Ever feel like your iPhone 14 is just… always on? That’s the "Always On Display" feature at work, showing you the time, widgets, and a dimmed version of your wallpaper even when your phone is locked. While it can be super handy for a quick glance, sometimes you just want your screen to go completely black when you’re not using it. Good news: turning it off is surprisingly simple and takes just a few taps in your settings. You can reclaim that true "off" screen look and maybe even save a little battery life in the process.
How to Turn Off iPhone 14 Always On Display
Let’s walk through the steps together to disable that persistent screen glow on your iPhone 14. This quick guide will help you get back to a completely black screen when your phone is locked, just like the good old days.
Step 1: Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
Your first move is to find the gray gear icon on your home screen or in your App Library, which is the gateway to all your iPhone’s customizations.
Think of the Settings app as the control center for your entire iPhone experience; it’s where you tweak everything from your Wi-Fi connection to how your notifications pop up, making it the perfect place to manage display features. It’s like opening the hood of a car to make a small adjustment – you’re going right to the source.
Step 2: Tap on "Display & Brightness."
Once you’re inside Settings, scroll down a bit until you see "Display & Brightness" and give it a tap.
This section is all about how your screen looks and behaves, from how bright it gets to the color warmth, so it makes perfect sense that the Always On Display setting would live here. It’s the hub for everything related to your iPhone’s visual output, from text size to the dark mode setting, offering a centralized spot for screen-related adjustments.
Step 3: Find the "Always On Display" option.
Within the "Display & Brightness" menu, you’ll spot an option labeled "Always On Display" – it should be pretty easy to find among the other settings.
This specific setting is where the magic happens for controlling whether your iPhone 14’s screen stays dimly lit when locked or goes completely dark. It’s a dedicated toggle, meaning it’s designed for one purpose: to give you direct control over this unique iPhone 14 feature.
Step 4: Toggle the switch next to "Always On Display" to the off position.
You’ll see a green switch next to "Always On Display"; tap it, and it will turn gray, indicating that the feature is now disabled.
When the switch is gray, it means the Always On Display feature is no longer active, and your iPhone 14 will behave like older models when locked, turning the screen entirely off. This simple action is your final step in taking control of how your phone’s screen functions when it’s not actively in use.
After you complete these steps, your iPhone 14’s screen will go completely black when it’s locked, just like previous iPhone models. You won’t see the dimmed time, widgets, or wallpaper anymore, giving you a truly "off" screen experience until you tap to wake it up.
Tips for iPhone 14 Always On Display
- Battery Life Boost: Turning off the Always On Display can noticeably improve your iPhone 14’s battery life, especially if you find your phone dying quicker than you’d like. While it’s designed to be efficient, any screen activity uses some power.
- Privacy in Public: Sometimes, in a meeting or a public place, you might prefer your phone screen to be completely blank to prevent curious eyes from glancing at your lock screen information. Disabling AOD offers that extra layer of privacy.
- Temporary Disablement: If you want to temporarily disable Always On Display without going into settings, simply place your iPhone 14 face down on a surface or put it in your pocket or bag. The phone is smart enough to detect these situations and will turn the display completely off to save power.
- Focus Mode Integration: Always On Display also respects your Focus modes. If you set up a Sleep Focus, for instance, the Always On Display will automatically turn off during those hours, giving you a truly dark screen for undisturbed rest.
- Customization, Not Just Off: If you don’t want to turn it off completely but want less information visible, you can customize what appears on the Always On Display. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, and you’ll find options to "Show Wallpaper" and "Show Notifications" which you can toggle off individually while keeping the time visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off Always On Display save battery on my iPhone 14?
Absolutely, yes! While Apple designed the Always On Display to be incredibly power-efficient, any screen activity, no matter how minimal, consumes some battery. By turning it off, your screen goes completely black when locked, meaning those pixels aren’t working at all, which can lead to a noticeable extension of your battery life throughout the day.
Will I miss important notifications if I turn off Always On Display?
Not at all! Your iPhone 14 will still alert you to new notifications exactly as it did before. When a new notification comes in, your screen will light up normally to show you the alert, whether Always On Display is enabled or not. The only difference is that between notifications, your screen will be completely dark instead of dimly lit.
Can I customize what shows on the Always On Display instead of turning it off completely?
Yes, you can! If you like the idea of Always On Display but want to reduce the visual clutter, you have options. Within the "Display & Brightness" settings, under "Always On Display," you can choose to turn off "Show Wallpaper" and "Show Notifications" independently. This way, you might only see the time and widgets, making it less distracting but still available for a quick glance.
Why did Apple add Always On Display to the iPhone 14 Pro models?
Apple introduced Always On Display to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models to provide users with glanceable information without needing to tap or pick up their phone. It leverages the new ProMotion display technology, which can drop its refresh rate down to just 1Hz (once per second), making it very energy efficient for showing static information like the time, date, and widgets continuously.
Is Always On Display bad for my iPhone’s screen in the long run?
No, it’s not. Apple has specifically engineered the Always On Display feature to work with the iPhone 14 Pro’s OLED screen technology in a way that prevents "burn-in" or screen degradation. The display intelligently shifts pixels and dims content significantly to ensure the longevity and quality of your screen, so you don’t need to worry about any long-term damage from using the feature.
Summary
- Open Settings app.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Find Always On Display.
- Toggle switch off.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a straightforward path to controlling your iPhone 14’s Always On Display. It’s a feature that, like many aspects of our modern tech, aims to simplify our lives by keeping information readily available. However, simplicity often comes with trade-offs, and for many, the constant, albeit dim, glow of the screen isn’t always welcome. Maybe you’re after every last drop of battery life, trying to squeeze a few more hours out of your device before hitting the charger. Perhaps you simply prefer the elegant black canvas of a truly "off" screen, finding it less distracting in your peripheral vision or offering a greater sense of privacy. Whatever your reason, remember that your iPhone is your device, and you have the power to tailor its features to perfectly match your preferences and lifestyle.
Turning off the Always On Display is more than just flipping a switch; it’s about reclaiming a bit of control over your digital experience. It’s a reminder that while new features can be exciting, sometimes the best option is the one that brings you the most comfort or efficiency. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you find you miss the glanceable information, you can always jump back into the settings and toggle it right back on. The beauty of these modern devices is their adaptability, allowing you to fine-tune them until they feel just right. So, whether you choose to embrace the always-on future or prefer the classic, completely black screen, knowing how to turn off iPhone 14 Always On Display ensures your iPhone truly works for you. Take a moment to adjust your settings, and enjoy a device that’s perfectly aligned with your personal needs.