Whether you have a new iPhone or just got around updating the older one, the latest iOS 17 has a lot of features to get to know. Among them, one of the most exciting features is the function to turn your iPhone into a smart display with Standby mode feature.
While being new to latest iOS, many users may wonder how to enable and use the standby mode. If you’ve same query, fuss not; here, we’ll explain everything about the feature and how you can use it for making the experience even better. So let’s get started!
What is Standby mode?
The Standby mode is all new full-screen experience you can utilize when connecting your iPhone to a charger and placing it in the landscape orientation. The main purpose of it is to make your device useful even when kept idle.
When your iPhone is in Standby mode, it will display your widgets, other important information like Time, Weather, and more at a glance. Besides, it also works with Homekit-enabled devices, Siri, Live Activities, etc. In addition, it also shows Music playback controls via unique full-screen visuals.
This iPhone’s customizable smart display feature is helpful, especially if you charge your flagship in the kitchen while cooking or on the table beside your bed.
How to turn on and use Standby Mode in iOS 17
By default, Standby mode is enabled in iOS 17. However, if you have turned it off unintentionally, here’s how you can turn on and use standby mode on your iPhone.
- Go to the Settings on your iPhone.
- Search and select Standby.
- Enable the toggle next to the Standby.
- From the same screen, enable the toggle next to the Night Mode to get the red text in low lighting surrounding. However, for iPhone 14 Pro or later, you need to tap on Night Mode > enable the toggle next to the Night Mode.
- After this, connect your iPhone to the power via Lightning Cable or Magsafe.
- Now place your iPhone in the landscape orientation and the Standby mode is activated. You can swipe vertically to cycle between widgets, photos, and clocks. If it’s not working, read out article on how to standby
Note: Right now, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max can use this feature effectively because this flagship includes an AOD (Always-On-Display) feature. Earlier models can use this feature, but your screen will turn off after a certain time.
How to Personalize the Standby Mode Interface on iPhone
What makes the Standby mode more admirable is that it lets you customize its interface as per your liking with multiple options for Clock faces, Widgets, and pictures. Here’s how.
- First thing first, unlock your lock screen. Now, touch and hold any widget if you want to add a new one.
- Tap the Minus Icon on the left top corner of the widget to remove it.
- Tap on the + Icon on the top left corner. Select the desired Widget from the left pane and then click on + Add Widget from the right side.
- Select Done in the top right corner of the screen to save your changes.
- Now swipe left to enter the Gallery view. If the screen shows, Unlock to view photos, tap on it. And enter your iPhone’s password to unlock the lock.
- Now tap anywhere on the Finding Photos… screen to open a menu and select the photos that can appear in Standby Mode. After this, tap + Icon on the left top corner and then tap on Done to save changes. Later, you can tap on the “- Icon” to remove it.
- Lastly, swipe left to enter Clock View.
- In the Clock View, tap and hold to access the edit menu. From there, swipe down to cycle between Clock Styles and select the one you like.
Other Standby features for iPhone 14 Pro and later
If you own iPhone 14 Pro & later, you get two additional features in Standby mode: Motion To Wake and Always On.
- To enable the Always On, head to Settings > Standby > toggle to enable Standby > enable Always On.
- To enable Motion To Wake, head Settings > Standby > toggle to enable Standby > Night Mode > toggle on Motion To Wake.
Which one should I use to access Standby Mode: MagSafe or Lighting Cable?
Personally, I recommend using MagSafe as they’re handy to use. Just you have to snap your phone on or off and then plug the cable in, and you are good to go. In addition, there’s a Magsafe charger out there that can act as a stand where you easily control the angle of your phone.
Another benefit of using the MagSafe is your iPhone will remember the location of each of your MagSafe Chargers as you switch the location, it will know where they are and accordingly display different versions of standby mode. You may have a standby version you prefer using at your Office, which is different from the one you use in the Kitchen or bed, so everything we move between the MagSafe Charger, it brings up the correct version of Standby.
Get the first Apple’s Smart Display!
By following this guide, you should handily use the Standby mode on your iPhone and receive real-time information at a glance. If you find this guide helpful, share as much as possible.
How do I turn On Standby on my iPhone?
The Standby feature is automatically enabled by default. If you want to access it, plug your iPhone to power via Magsafe or a lightning cable and place it on a stable surface in landscape orientation.
Which iPhone Model supports Standby Mode?
Standby mode is available on all iPhone models that support iOS 17. But the ability to use Always-On-Standby and Motion To Wake is available from iPhone 14 Pro and later devices. If you own an older iPhone, tap on the screen to access Standby.
Does the iPhone support Standby?
All iPhone running on iOS 17 supports standby mode. But it won’t work as efficiently as on iPhone 14 Pro and later models.
Where is Standby Mode on the iPhone?
Remember, landscape is automatically enabled when you put your iPhone on Charge in landscape orientation. You will find this aspect in Settings > Standby.
How do I turn off Standby on my iPhone?
Go to Settings and select Standby. Now, turn off the toggle next to the Standby.
Is Standby Mode available on iPadOS 17?
Unfortunately, the Standby mode is limited to iOS 17. So if you own an iPad with iPadOS 17, you cannot use it.
