iOS 17 introduces StandBy mode, a new feature for iPhones. When your iPhone is charging and placed horizontally, StandBy mode turns it into a smart display.
In this fullscreen view, you can see the date, time, incoming calls, Siri prompts, and other quick information. It’s perfect for desks, nightstands, or kitchen counters, offering updates like weather and sports scores at a glance.
To use StandBy mode, place your iPhone horizontally on a wireless or MagSafe charger. If using a wired charger, make sure your iPhone is in Landscape mode when the screen is locked. The feature is enabled by default, but you can check or adjust it in Settings under StandBy.
iOS 17 will automatically activate StandBy mode. A welcome screen will appear the first time you use this feature, introducing you to its capabilities.
Initially, StandBy mode displays an analog clock and a calendar widget showing the date and time. This view can be customized with various options.
For iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max users, the always-on display ensures that StandBy mode is active whenever the screen is off, and the device charges in landscape mode.
On other iPhones running iOS 17, the screen will turn off after 20 seconds, and a tap is needed to bring the StandBy view back up.
Customizing StandBy Mode in iOS 17
Add various photos and widgets, and change clock styles. StandBy mode also supports Siri, incoming calls, live activities, and larger notifications. Here are some ways to personalize StandBy on iPhones with iOS 17.
Adding Widgets on Standby Mode
By default, StandBy mode shows an analog clock and a calendar widget. To change the view, swipe up on either widget.
You can choose to display weather updates, stock information, upcoming events, reminders, or control HomeKit devices.
To manage widgets, press and hold the clock or calendar widget. Use the ‘-’ icon to remove a widget, or tap ‘+’ to add a new one. You can browse widget suggestions or search for specific widgets with the search bar.
You can also create widget stacks for easy access by swiping up and down. Swipe left to explore different screens. The first left swipe shows the Photos StandBy view, which displays photos and videos from your iPhone’s Photos app.
Customizing iPhone’s StandBy Face Clock
Swipe left in StandBy mode to find a full-screen clock you can personalize. Currently, there are five different clock styles to choose from.
To change the clock style, swipe up and down on the current one. Alternatively, press and hold the clock style to see all options. Select your favorite, then tap Done to apply the change.
In iOS 17, StandBy mode remembers your last-used view. StandBy mode dims red during nighttime for iPhones with Always-On-Displays to avoid disrupting sleep.
To stop notifications during StandBy, find the StandBy settings and switch Show Notifications off.
Keeping StandBy Mode Always On
For iPhones without an Always-On display, StandBy mode turns off automatically after a short time. However, iPhones with iOS 17 can keep StandBy mode active continuously. Here’s how:
- Open Settings on your iPhone and select StandBy.
- Tap Display.
- Select Never on the “Turn Display Off” option.
How to Disable StandBy Mode on iPhone?
Disabling StandBy mode on your iPhone can be straightforward if you find it unnecessary or distracting. To begin, open the Settings app on your device.
Scroll down and select the StandBy option from the list. Here, you will see a toggle switch labeled “Enable StandBy.”
To disable StandBy mode, simply turn off the toggle in the StandBy settings. This will stop your iPhone from entering StandBy mode while charging in landscape orientation.
You can also manage notifications by turning off the “Show Notifications” toggle in the same settings menu.
This will prevent alerts from appearing while your iPhone is charging and in StandBy mode. Customizing these settings helps reduce distractions and tailor your iPhone’s behavior to your preferences.