StandBy mode was added with the iOS 17 update, and it is now one of the handiest software features on the iPhone. Here we will show you how to turn it on and get the smart display mode working.
StandBy mode turns any iPhone running iOS 17 into something comparable to a smart display. It can highlight the time, weather, calendar appointments or show a photo slideshow and works brilliantly on a desk or bedside table.
While this feature works best with a wireless charging stand that sits the phone horizontally, it will work as long as the phone is charging in a horizontal position.
What you’ll need:
An iPhone running iOS 17A charger
The Short Version
Unlock the iPhoneOpen SettingsSelect StandByMake sure it’s toggled onPlace the iPhone horizontally on a charging standThe StandBy screen will appear
Step 1 Unlock the iPhoneFirst off, unlock your iPhone running iOS 17. Step 2 Open SettingsNext up, open the Settings app. This is the app represented by the cog icon you can see below. Step 3 Once you’re in Settings, scroll down to the menu labelled StandBy. Tap it. Step 4 Make sure StandBy is toggled onMake sure the toggle for StandBy is green. If it’s not, tap it to turn it on. Step 5 Place the iPhone in landscape on a charging standFor StandBy to spring to life, you need to place your iPhone in landscape on a standing wireless or Magsafe charger. We used this Anker 3-in-1 Cube and it worked very well. You can then swipe up, down, left and right to change the display configuration, and you can tap and hold to customise the look too.
Troubleshooting
What is StandBy? StandBy is a new mode introduced with iOS 17 that adds new functionality to an iPhone when it’s charging. The mode can show the time in various forms, photo albums, calendar appointments and Live Activities from within apps. Does it work differently on phones with an always-on display? Yes, if you’re using this on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, this StandBy screen will stay visible like the current AOD does. Does this work on the iPad? Sadly not. For now, this is an iPhone feature – however, there’s every chance it could come to the iPad in the future.
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