How to Easily Customize Standby in iOS 17 on iPhone

One of the standout features of iOS 17 is the new StandBy mode for iPhones. This mode transforms your iPhone into an intelligent display while charging in landscape mode.

It shows the date, time, incoming calls, Siri responses, and other essential details in a full-screen format. It works great on a desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter. 

You can also view weather updates and sports scores even when the iPhone is not nearby. Overall, this feature in iOS 17 adds more functionality while your iPhone charges and isn’t in use.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to activate and use StandBy mode on your iPhone. We’ll also cover how to customize StandBy mode, so let’s begin!

How to Access StandBy Mode in iOS 17?

  • StandBy mode comes pre-activated in iOS 17. However, go to Settings -> StandBy and check if the switches are enabled.
How to Access StandBy Mode in iOS 17
  • Place your iPhone sideways on a wireless or MagSafe charger. You can also use a wired charger and switch to Landscape mode. Ensure the screen is locked.

  • Afterward, StandBy mode in iOS 17 will turn on automatically. A welcome screen will appear the first time you use this feature.
How to Access StandBy Mode in iOS 17 (2)
  • You will initially notice the default StandBy mode, which shows an analog clock and a calendar widget displaying the date and time. You can adjust this layout using the provided options (details below).
How to Access StandBy Mode in iOS 17 (3) (1)
  • Due to their always-on display, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max offer StandBy mode continuously. This feature activates when the screen is off, and the device is charging in landscape mode.

  • On other iPhones running iOS 17, the screen goes dark after 20 seconds. You need to tap the screen to see the StandBy view again.

If StandBy mode isn’t functioning on your iPhone, read our article. We have listed solutions to fix StandBy not working.

Customizing StandBy Mode in iOS 17

You can personalize the iPhone’s StandBy mode by selecting widgets, photos, and clock styles.

StandBy mode also works with Siri, lets you answer calls, view live activities, and displays more extensive notifications. Below are the steps to adjust StandBy in iOS 17 on iPhone.

Adding Widgets to StandBy Mode

  • The StandBy feature initially shows the analog clock and a calendar widget. You can swipe up on them to switch the view. Options include showing stock updates, weather forecasts, reminders, upcoming events, or controlling HomeKit devices directly from StandBy mode.
Adding Widgets to StandBy Mode
  • After that, hold down the clock or calendar to add or remove StandBy widgets.

  • To delete a widget, tap the ‘-’ symbol in the top-left corner of the widget.
Adding Widgets to StandBy Mode (2)
  • Tap the ‘+’ icon in the top left corner to add a new widget.
Adding Widgets to StandBy Mode (3)
  • Next, pick a widget from the suggestions on the left side or search for your preferred widget using the bar at the top.
Adding Widgets to StandBy Mode (4)
  • Create widget stacks to switch between multiple widgets by swiping up or down in StandBy mode.

  • Swipe left on the StandBy screen to view all available screens.

  • The first left swipe reveals the Photos StandBy view in iOS 17, which shows photos and videos from your iPhone’s Photos app.

How to change the StandBy Clock Face on iPhone?

In StandBy mode, swipe left to show a full-screen clock you can personalize. There are five clock styles to choose from.

Swipe up or down on the existing clock to switch the clock style. Another way is to press and hold the clock to see all options. Pick your desired style and tap Done to save it.

How to change the StandBy Clock Face on iPhone

The latest iOS 17 feature remembers your chosen view. On Always-On-Displays, iPhone StandBy dims to red at night to avoid disturbing sleep.

To turn off notifications in StandBy mode, go to Settings -> StandBy and turn off the Show Notifications toggle.

How to Keep StandBy Mode Active?

On iPhones without the Always-On display, StandBy mode turns off by itself after a few seconds.

However, if you own an iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max, you can set StandBy mode in iOS 17 to stay on constantly. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings on your iPhone and select StandBy.

  • Tap Display.

  • In the Turn Display Off section, select Never.
How to Keep StandBy Mode Active

How to Turn Off Standby Mode on iPhone?

Open Settings on your iPhone. Select StandBy and switch off the toggle to disable the feature.

How to Turn Off Standby Mode on iPhone

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