How to Customize the Clock on Your Samsung Galaxy Always On Display
The Always On Display (AOD) is a fantastic feature on Samsung Galaxy smartphones that allows you to see important information at a glance, such as the time, date, notifications, and battery percentage, without waking up your entire screen. One of the most customizable aspects of the AOD is the clock. You can change its style, color, and even add widgets to make it truly your own. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to change and customize the clock on your Samsung Galaxy’s Always On Display.
## Why Customize Your Always On Display Clock?
Before diving into the steps, let’s consider why you might want to personalize your AOD clock:
* **Personalization:** Make your phone feel more unique and tailored to your tastes.
* **Readability:** Choose a clock style that is easy for you to read at a quick glance.
* **Information at a Glance:** Tailor the AOD to show the information you need most often.
* **Aesthetics:** Match the clock style to your phone’s theme or wallpaper.
* **Reduce Screen On Time:** Accessing basic info without fully waking the screen can save battery life.
## Prerequisites
* **Samsung Galaxy Device:** This guide is specifically for Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Always On Display functionality. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your device model and Android version, but the general process remains the same.
* **Android Version:** Most modern Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later support Always On Display customization. Check your device’s software version in Settings > About phone > Software information.
* **Always On Display Enabled:** Make sure the Always On Display feature is enabled. You can typically find this option in Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Always On Display Clock
Here’s a comprehensive guide to customizing your AOD clock:
**Step 1: Accessing the Always On Display Settings**
There are several ways to access the AOD settings on your Samsung Galaxy. Here are the most common methods:
* **Method 1: Through the Settings App**
1. Open the **Settings** app on your Samsung Galaxy phone. You can find the Settings app icon in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel, then tapping the gear icon.
2. Scroll down and tap on **Lock screen**. This section manages all settings related to your phone’s lock screen, including the Always On Display.
3. Tap on **Always On Display**. This will take you to the AOD settings page.
* **Method 2: Through Quick Settings**
1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to expand the Quick Settings panel. You may need to swipe left or right to find all the available quick settings toggles.
3. Look for the **Always On Display** toggle. If you don’t see it, tap on the three vertical dots (menu button) in the top-right corner of the Quick Settings panel and select **Button order** or **Edit buttons**. Then, drag the Always On Display toggle from the available buttons to the active Quick Settings panel. Tap **Done** or **Save** after rearranging.
4. Long-press (touch and hold) the **Always On Display** toggle. This will directly open the Always On Display settings page.
**Step 2: Choosing a Clock Style**
Once you’re in the Always On Display settings, you can select a different clock style:
1. **Tap on ‘Clock style’**. This option usually appears prominently on the AOD settings page. Tapping it will open a screen where you can browse through various clock designs.
2. **Browse the Available Clock Styles:** Samsung offers a variety of pre-designed clock styles, ranging from digital and analog clocks to world clocks and image clocks. Swipe left or right to scroll through the different options. Some devices also offer the ability to download additional clock styles from the Galaxy Store, although this may require a Samsung account.
3. **Select Your Preferred Clock Style:** Tap on the clock style you want to use. A preview of the selected clock style will appear on the screen, allowing you to see how it will look on your AOD.
**Understanding the Clock Style Options:**
* **Digital Clocks:** Display the time in a numerical format. They often include additional information such as the date and battery percentage.
* **Analog Clocks:** Mimic traditional analog clocks with hour and minute hands. Some analog clocks offer different hand styles and face designs.
* **World Clocks:** Display the time in multiple time zones. You can customize which cities are shown.
* **Image Clocks:** Allow you to set a custom image as the background for the clock. This can be a personal photo or a pre-loaded image.
* **GIF Clocks:** Some Samsung devices allow you to use animated GIFs as your AOD clock. Keep in mind that using a GIF clock may consume more battery.
* **Analog/Digital Combo:** Some clock faces let you combine the functionalities of an analog and digital clock for that modern-meets-classic touch.
**Step 3: Customizing the Clock Style (If Available)**
Many clock styles offer further customization options:
1. **Look for Customization Options:** After selecting a clock style, check for any customization options. These options may appear as color palettes, settings icons, or toggles below the clock preview.
2. **Change the Clock Color:** Most clock styles allow you to change the color of the clock. Tap on the color palette or color options to choose a different color. You can often select from a range of pre-defined colors or use a color picker to choose a specific color.
3. **Adjust Brightness (If Available):** Some AOD implementations allow you to adjust the brightness of the AOD elements, including the clock. This can be found within the AOD settings or within the specific clock style customization settings.
4. **Add or Remove Information:** Some clock styles allow you to add or remove information, such as the date, battery percentage, or music controls. Look for toggles or checkboxes to customize which information is displayed.
5. **Font Customization:** Some Samsung devices now provide the option to customize the font of the clock, this can be changed on the Clock Style Menu and you can choose from a range of available fonts to suit your own personalization.
**Step 4: Setting an Image Clock (If Desired)**
If you want to use a custom image as your AOD clock:
1. **Select the Image Clock Style:** In the Clock style selection screen, look for an option labeled “Image clock” or something similar. Tap on it to select it.
2. **Choose an Image Source:** You will be prompted to choose an image source. You can typically select from your Gallery, Samsung Themes, or a pre-loaded image library.
3. **Select Your Image:** Browse through your chosen image source and select the image you want to use. You can often crop or resize the image to fit the AOD screen.
4. **Adjust Image Position (If Necessary):** Some devices allow you to adjust the position of the image on the AOD screen. This is useful if you want to center the image or focus on a particular part of the image.
**Step 5: Adding Widgets to the Always On Display**
Samsung Galaxy phones often allow you to add widgets to your Always On Display, enhancing its functionality:
1. **Return to the Always On Display Settings:** Navigate back to the main Always On Display settings page (Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display).
2. **Look for the ‘Widgets’ Option:** Search for an option labeled “Widgets” or “FaceWidgets.” The exact wording may vary depending on your device and Android version.
3. **Select Your Widgets:** Tap on the “Widgets” option. This will open a screen where you can choose which widgets to display on your AOD. Common widget options include:
* **Music Controller:** Control music playback directly from the AOD.
* **Calendar Events:** View upcoming calendar events.
* **Weather Information:** See the current weather conditions.
* **Next Alarm:** Display the time of your next alarm.
* **Bixby Routines (if supported):** Access and trigger your Bixby Routines.
4. **Rearrange Widgets (If Possible):** Some devices allow you to rearrange the order of the widgets on the AOD. You can usually do this by dragging and dropping the widgets in the desired order.
**Step 6: Configuring Always On Display Display Options**
Further customize how your AOD behaves:
1. **Display Mode:** Within the Always on Display settings, locate the “Display Mode” option. This setting determines when your Always on Display is active.
2. **Choose from the following options (Availability will vary by device):**
* **Tap to Show:** The AOD will only appear briefly when you tap the screen.
* **Show Always:** The AOD will remain visible continuously whenever the screen is off.
* **Scheduled:** Set specific start and end times for the AOD to be active. This is useful for saving battery life during periods when you don’t need the AOD.
* **Show for new notifications:** The AOD will only appear when there are new notifications.
**Step 7: Saving Your Changes**
After customizing your AOD clock and widgets, make sure to save your changes. In most cases, the changes are automatically saved as you make them. However, some devices may have a “Save” or “Apply” button. If you see such a button, tap it to save your customizations.
**Troubleshooting Common Issues**
* **Always On Display Not Working:**
* **Check if it’s enabled:** Make sure the Always On Display feature is enabled in Settings > Lock screen > Always On Display.
* **Check the Battery Saver:** Some battery saver modes disable the AOD to conserve power. Disable battery saver mode and see if the AOD works.
* **Check Proximity Sensor:** The AOD might turn off automatically if the proximity sensor is covered (e.g., if the phone is in your pocket). Ensure the sensor is not obstructed.
* **Software Update:** Ensure your phone’s software is up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause issues with the AOD.
* **Clock Style Not Changing:**
* **Restart Your Phone:** A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
* **Clear Cache:** Try clearing the cache for the Settings app. Go to Settings > Apps > Settings > Storage > Clear cache.
* **Factory Reset (Last Resort):** If all else fails, you can try a factory reset. This will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
* **Battery Drain:**
* **Reduce Brightness:** Lower the brightness of the AOD clock. This can help reduce battery consumption.
* **Use a Simpler Clock Style:** Complex clock styles, such as GIF clocks, consume more battery than simpler clock styles.
* **Disable Unnecessary Widgets:** Disable any widgets that you don’t use frequently.
* **Use Scheduled Mode:** Set the AOD to only be active during specific times of the day.
**Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Always On Display**
* **Use a Dark Background:** When using an image clock, choose a dark background to conserve battery life.
* **Choose a Readable Font:** Select a font that is easy to read at a glance.
* **Keep it Simple:** Avoid cluttering the AOD with too much information. Focus on the information that you need most often.
* **Experiment with Different Styles:** Try out different clock styles and widget combinations to find what works best for you.
* **Consider Battery Life:** Be mindful of the impact of your AOD settings on battery life. Adjust your settings as needed to strike a balance between functionality and battery conservation.
* **Check for Updates:** Samsung frequently releases software updates that include improvements and new features for the Always On Display. Make sure your phone is up to date to take advantage of the latest enhancements.
* **Use Themes:** Explore Samsung Themes for AOD-specific themes that include custom clock styles, wallpapers, and widgets that match a particular aesthetic.
**Conclusion**
Customizing the clock on your Samsung Galaxy’s Always On Display is a simple yet effective way to personalize your phone and make it more functional. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create an AOD that reflects your unique style and provides you with the information you need at a glance. Experiment with different clock styles, colors, widgets, and display options to create an AOD that you truly love. Remember to balance functionality with battery life to get the most out of this fantastic feature. With a little bit of tweaking, you can transform your Always On Display into a personalized and informative hub that enhances your overall smartphone experience.