Although most users prefer to keep their smartphone's screen off when not in use, some do prefer to keep it on. By default, it turns off automatically after a few seconds. One can increase this time too. But, what if we want to keep the screen on—permanently? There are several ways to achieve it. We'll take a look at each of these methods. Depending on your smartphone's model, you may opt for one of these to keep your phone's screen, always on. But, before you do it, here's a warning. Keeping a smartphone screen always on will drain its battery much faster than ever. So, think before you exercise this option.
If your smartphone is more than a couple of years old, I suggest not using this option as it may drain your battery—too fast. And, consider keeping your lock screen—simple—in such a condition.
So, without further delay, let's take a look at all these methods to permanently keep an Android phone's screen in an always-on mode. You may try it and turn it off after some time.
1. Use Built-in Settings
Almost all modern smartphones have customization settings for the display to behave in different ways. Depending on the model, these settings are located in a slightly different path in the settings menu.
For example, on my phone, this setting can be accessed through two different paths. Either through Settings → Display & brightness → Always-On Display, or through Settings → Home screen, Lock screen & Always-On Display.
In most cases, this setting can be found in the Display sub-menu.
Again, depending on the phone's model, the always-on mode settings can be different giving you various ways to fill the lock screen with custom content.
2. Use Developer Options
Developer Options have dozens of phone customization settings not available in general settings in the normal operating mode. Here, you can find an option related to display as well.
Depending on your smartphone model, the way to enable developer options may differ—slightly. To get started, go to the Settings → About Phone menu option.
Go to the Version → Build number option. In your smartphone, you may access it through the Software Information → Build number menu option.
To enable the Developer Options menu, you need to tap on the Build number option 7 times. During this process, your phone may prompt you to enter the unlock code to enable this option.
Different smartphones may have different paths to enable and access the Developer Options mode. Here's a generic guide to enable developer options on your smartphone.
On my smartphone, once enabled, the Developer Options menu can be accessed through Settings → Additional settings → Developer options path. On your phone, it may be different.
Here, I can find the Keep screen on while charging option which I have activated. On your phone, you may get a different option with more flexible settings to keep your screen on in different ways.
When you combine this option with the built-in option discussed in the previous section, you can keep your Android phone screen—on—in almost every condition.
3. Use 3rd-Party Applications
In case you do not to mess with different settings on your phone, the best option is to go for a specialized application built to keep the screen on for an indefinite period.
Some of the best apps you can try out are Screen Alive, KinScreen, and Caffeine.
All of these apps provide custom options to keep your Android phone's screen in an on state under different conditions. This gives you flexibility in choosing the time you want to keep the screen—on.
4. Use the Smart Lock Feature
Another way that can be used in conjunction with other options (discussed above) is the Smart Lock feature available on Android 10+ devices.
This option is generally present in the Privacy & Security menu option. Through it, you can keep your screen on based on different conditions.
Though it's not a true always-on feature, but, using it smartly can keep your phone's screen in an on state, when you need it the most.
5. Use Custom ROMs and Mods
If you're a savvy user and are not afraid of trying out custom Android builds with a rooted device, go for one that supports always-on display. But, using such a mod will void the warranty of your device and may introduce security risks.
Some of the popular custom ROMs you can use for keeping your Android screen always on are:
If your device supports one of the mods listed above, you can try it out and see if it gives you the AOD experience you're looking for.