You can use Galaxy S10 always-on display (AOD) to check notifications, the time, next alarm, today’s schedule, and the weather, and to control music play without waking up the phone.
On Galaxy S10, Samsung added a few new features for the always-on display and the default behavior. So, do NOT assume the AOD on Galaxy S10 is identical to that on older phones like S9.
This Galaxy S10 how-to guide explains the new features of the Galaxy S10 always-on display (AOD), the difference between Galaxy S10 lock screen and AOD screen, how to enable and customize the always-on display screen on Galaxy S10.
Please note, the always-on display is identical among all Galaxy S10 phones. In this guide, Galaxy S10 refers to Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+, and S10 5G,
What is new in Galaxy S10 Always On Display (AOD)?
In all previous Galaxy phones, the always-on display screen will not be turned off automatically unless it is turned on by the scheduler.
So, once you turn on the always-on display on these devices, you have to choose to show the AOD screen all the time when the phone is locked or to show the AOD screen based on your designated period.
On Galaxy S10, Samsung added the show mode for the always-on display screen: tap to show. And this is the default option.
So, after enabling Galaxy S10 always-on display, by default, the AOD screen will NOT show up after you lock the phone unless you tap the screen (once).
The AOD screen will display only about 10 seconds, and then the screen is off.
If you need to show Galaxy S10 AOD screen all the time, you need to change the show mode.
This new show mode is also available on Android Pie update for Galaxy S9, S8, Note 9 and Note 8.
Please note, if you tap Galaxy S10 screen twice when the screen is off, you will wake the screen and get the Galaxy S10 lock screen, instead of the always-on display screen.
Of course, you can disable this feature in Settings —Advanced features —Motions and gestures — Double tap to wake.
Other new features of Galaxy S10 Always on Display include:
- Landscape mode for Galaxy S10 AOD screen.
- Brightness adjustment for the AOD screen.
- Quick settings for AOD.
AOD Quick settings can also be found on Galaxy S9, S8, Note 8 and Note 9 if you updated these phones to Android Pie.
What is the difference between the lock screen and the always-on display screen?
Although Galaxy S10 always-on display screen is part of the Galaxy S10 lock screen and shares the identical FaceWidgets, they serve different purposes.
The major differences between the AOD screen and lock screen include:
- Galaxy S10 lock screen shows up when the phone wakes up and is in the locked state. While Galaxy S10 AOD screen shows up only when the phone is NOT waking up.
- You can use app shortcuts in