How to Set Up Always-On Display on Samsung Tablets

Always-On Display keeps a low-power information panel visible on your Samsung tablet screen even when the device is locked and sleeping. It shows the time, date, battery level, and notification icons without requiring you to wake the tablet, making it useful as a desk clock or quick-glance information source.

Which Samsung Tablets Support Always-On Display

Always-On Display works on Samsung tablets with AMOLED or Super AMOLED screens. The Galaxy Tab S7+, Tab S8+, Tab S9+, Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S9 Ultra, and Tab S9 FE+ support AOD because their OLED displays can illuminate individual pixels while keeping the rest of the screen off. LCD-equipped tablets like the base Tab S9 FE and Tab S8 do not support AOD because their backlights would illuminate the entire screen, defeating the low-power purpose.

Enabling Always-On Display

Go to Settings, Lock Screen, and tap Always-On Display. Toggle it on. The AOD appears on the lock screen whenever the tablet is sleeping. Samsung provides several configuration options on this screen.

Display Modes

Tap to Show

The AOD appears only when you tap the screen and turns off after a set duration, typically 10 to 30 seconds. This uses the least battery since the display is only active when you interact with it.

Show Always

The AOD remains visible whenever the tablet screen is off. This uses more battery but provides constant at-a-glance information. Best for tablets used as desk displays or nightstand clocks.

Scheduled

Set specific hours for AOD to display. For example, show AOD from 7 AM to 11 PM and turn it off overnight to save battery. This balances availability with power consumption.

Choosing a Clock Style

Samsung offers multiple AOD clock styles in Settings, Lock Screen, Always-On Display, Clock Style. Choose from analog clocks, digital clocks, calendar displays, and artistic designs. Some styles show additional information like the day of the week or a second time zone.

Third-party clock faces are available through the Galaxy Themes store. Browse the AOD category for free and paid designs. Some integrate weather information, step counts, or motivational quotes.

Showing Notifications on AOD

AOD shows notification icons from apps so you can see at a glance whether you have unread messages, emails, or other alerts without waking the tablet. Configure which apps show icons on the AOD in Settings, Lock Screen, Notifications.

For privacy, notification icons show the app but not the message content. You can further restrict AOD notifications to show only the total count without identifying which apps sent them.

Battery Impact

AOD uses between 1 and 3 percent of battery per hour depending on the display mode and screen brightness. The Tap to Show mode uses the least battery. If battery life is a concern, use scheduled mode to limit AOD to your waking hours. On tablets that spend most of their time plugged in at a desk, battery impact is irrelevant.

AOD and Screen Burn-In

Samsung’s AOD implementation shifts the display content periodically to prevent burn-in on OLED screens. The clock and notification icons move slightly every few minutes so no single pixel stays illuminated for extended periods. This protection is automatic and does not require user configuration.

Useful AOD Scenarios

A Samsung tablet with AOD makes an excellent desk clock when propped up on a stand. In a bedroom, the AOD provides a dim time display without the harsh light of waking the full screen. In a home office, notification icons on AOD let you monitor incoming messages without picking up the tablet and breaking your workflow on another device.

Final Thoughts

Always-On Display adds practical value to Samsung tablets with OLED screens. Use Tap to Show mode for the best battery balance, or Show Always for tablets that stay on a desk charger. Choose a clock style that fits your aesthetic and enjoy at-a-glance time and notification information without waking your tablet.