How To Get Always On Display On iPhone X

If you’ve ever placed your iPhone X next to a friend’s Android phone and watched
their screen quietly glow with time, date, and notifications all the time,
you’ve probably felt a tiny stab of tech envy. “Why can’t my iPhone do that? It has
an OLED screen! It should live its best Always-On Display life too!”

Here’s the honest truth up front: the iPhone X does not have a
native, system-level Always-On Display (AOD) feature. Apple only built that into
newer Pro models that can drop their refresh rate way down to save battery.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a boring, black slab when it’s on your
desk or nightstand. With a mix of settings, clever apps, and some automation, you
can get an “Always-On style” experience that comes surprisingly close.

This guide walks you through what’s possible on iPhone X, what’s not, and how to
do it safely without destroying your battery or burning a ghostly clock into your
OLED screen.

First, a Reality Check: What Apple Actually Supports

Apple’s official Always-On Display is reserved for newer Pro models (starting
with iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max) and relies on LTPO OLED hardware that can drop
down to a 1 Hz refresh rate. That low refresh rate keeps power use under control
while the screen stays dimly lit with a clock, widgets, and notifications.

The iPhone X does have an OLED screen, but it doesn’t have that power-saving LTPO
panel or Apple’s official AOD mode. That’s why you won’t find an
“Always On Display” toggle under Settings > Display &
Brightness it simply doesn’t exist for this model.

So instead of flipping a magic switch, you’ll be combining:

• Display settings (like Auto-Lock)
• Accessibility tools (like Guided Access)
• Specialized “OLED clock” apps
• Optional Shortcuts automations

The result isn’t 100% identical to Apple’s built-in AOD, but for many people,
it’s “good enough” for a desk clock, a nightstand display, or a low-key status
panel while working.

Option 1: Make the iPhone X Screen Stay On Longer

Step 1: Change Auto-Lock

Before you install anything, fix the most basic issue: your iPhone X
auto-locking too quickly.

Go to:

• Settings > Display & Brightness
• Tap Auto-Lock
• Select a longer time (e.g., 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or Never)

Choosing Never keeps the screen on until you manually lock it.
That’s handy for temporary use (like a stand-in clock), but don’t leave it there
permanently unless you enjoy charging your phone constantly.

Step 2: Turn Off “Attention Aware” (Optional)

iPhone uses Face ID sensors to decide when you’re looking at the screen and may
dim it more quickly if it thinks you’re not paying attention. If your phone keeps
dimming when it’s propped up across the room, you can loosen this behavior:

• Settings > Face ID & Passcode
• Enter your passcode
• Turn off Attention Aware Features

This doesn’t magically create an Always-On Display, but it helps your display
stay on as long as your Auto-Lock setting allows.

Option 2: Use an OLED Clock App (The “Fake It Till You Make It” Method)

If you truly want an Always-On style look, you’ll want an app that displays a
minimal clock on a mostly-black screen and keeps your phone awake as long as
it’s open. One of the best-known options for iPhone X is an app called
OLEDX.

What OLEDX Does

OLEDX is essentially an “Always-On clock” designed specifically for OLED iPhones.
It:

• Shows a big, high-contrast clock and optional info (weather, notes, icons).
• Uses a black background so most pixels are turned off on OLED.
• Subtly shifts the clock position by a few pixels every minute to reduce the
  risk of burn-in on the display.
• Is optimized for low power consumption on OLED screens.

How to Set Up OLEDX as a Nightstand or Desk Display

1. Install OLEDX from the App Store on your iPhone X.
2. Open the app and choose a clock face and layout that you like.
3. Enable any extra info you want, like weather, date, or a quick note (“Don’t
   forget your meeting at 9!”).
4. Connect your iPhone to power. Always-On style setups work best
   when the phone is charging, since the screen will be on for long stretches.
5. Dim the screen manually using Control Center so it’s comfortably visible but
   not blinding.
6. Set your phone in landscape or portrait mode on a stand or dock.

As long as OLEDX is open and Auto-Lock is set to Never, your
iPhone X can act like a small desk or nightstand display.

Lock It to the Clock with Guided Access

If you’re worried about accidentally closing the app, you can lock your iPhone
X into OLEDX using Guided Access, an accessibility feature that
restricts your device to a single app.

To set up Guided Access:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
2. Scroll down and tap Guided Access.
3. Turn it on and set a dedicated passcode (or enable Face ID to end sessions).

To use Guided Access with OLEDX:

1. Open OLEDX.
2. Triple-click the side button.
3. Tap Start to begin Guided Access.

Now your iPhone X is locked into the “Always-On style” clock until you
triple-click and enter your Guided Access passcode again. This is especially
useful if kids, pets, or clumsy adults are nearby.

Option 3: Automate Your Always-On Style Display with Shortcuts

If you’re the type who likes your tech to do things automatically (because same),
you can use the Shortcuts app to launch your clock setup whenever
certain conditions are met like when you plug your phone in at night.

Several community Shortcuts, such as OLED-themed automations and “Always ON
Display” shortcuts, have been shared to turn iPhones into nightstand clocks or
pseudo-AOD screens using OLED-friendly apps.

Create a Simple “Charging = Clock” Automation

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation at the bottom.
3. Tap New Automation > Charger.
4. Choose Is Connected and tap Next.
5. Tap Add Action, search for Open App, and
   select it.
6. Choose OLEDX as the app to open.
7. Turn off Ask Before Running so it launches automatically.
8. Tap Done.

Now, any time you plug your iPhone X in, it automatically opens your Always-On
style clock. Unplug it, lock it, and you’re back to normal phone life.

Option 4: Understand the Risks OLED Burn-In & Battery Life

Here’s the part where we talk about the “don’t break your phone” stuff.

Screen Burn-In on OLED

OLED screens can suffer from burn-in when the same static image
is displayed for a very long time. Over time, that image can leave faint,
permanent shadows on the screen. Apple themselves warned about this risk with
the iPhone X’s OLED when it launched, especially if you run static content at
high brightness.

While some long-term tests show that burn-in often takes a while and may not be
dramatic under normal use, static displays (like a clock in the exact same spot)
definitely increase the risk.

How to Protect Your Screen

• Use apps that shift the image slightly (like OLEDX), which
  move the clock by a few pixels every minute.
• Keep brightness low when using any Always-On style setup.
  Lower brightness = less stress on pixels.
• Don’t run it 24/7. Use it mainly when you actually need the
  display visible (nightstand mode, work sessions, etc.).
• Occasionally change layouts or themes so the same pixels
  aren’t always lit in the same shape.

Battery Life Considerations

Unlike the iPhone 14 Pro and newer models, the iPhone X is not optimized to
sip power while the display is on at a very low refresh rate. An app-based
Always-On style display will use more battery than Apple’s native AOD does on
newer hardware.

To keep your battery happy:

• Use Always-On style setups mostly while charging.
• Limit brightness and avoid running other heavy apps in the background.
• Use Shortcuts or routines so it’s only active when you really need it.

FAQs: iPhone X and Always-On Display

Can I get the same Always-On Display as iPhone 14 Pro?

No. The iPhone X doesn’t support Apple’s native Always-On Display. You can mimic
the look and functionality with apps and settings, but under the hood it works
differently and uses more power.

Is it safe to leave a clock app running overnight?

It can be reasonably safe if:

• The phone is plugged in.
• Brightness is low.
• The app shifts pixels or uses a mostly-black interface.

There is always some long-term burn-in risk with static OLED content,
but taking the precautions above helps lower it.

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone X?

Absolutely not. Everything in this guide uses official Apple features (Settings,
Guided Access, Shortcuts) and App Store apps. No jailbreaking, no sketchy hacks.

Will this work on other iPhones?

Yes, OLED-style clock apps and Guided Access work on many models, but only OLED
screens get the deep-black, low-power benefits. For true native Always-On Display
with full lock-screen integration, you’ll need a newer Pro model.

Real-World Experiences: What It’s Like Living with an “Always-On Style” iPhone X

So what is it actually like to use these tricks day to day? Let’s talk about
the practical side of turning your iPhone X into a pseudo Always-On Display
device.

On Your Nightstand

Picture this: your iPhone X is on a small stand next to your bed, plugged into a
charger. OLEDX (or a similar clock app) glows quietly with the time and maybe
the weather. You’ve dimmed the brightness so it’s not glaring, and Guided Access
is on so a random tap in your sleep doesn’t exit the app.

In this setup, the iPhone X becomes a surprisingly good bedside clock. Users who
run nightstand-style setups often report that after a few nights of adjusting
brightness and color style, it becomes second nature you glance over, check
the time, and go back to sleep without fumbling for the power button or lifting
the phone.

The trade-offs? You’ll likely:

• Keep your phone plugged in overnight (which many people already do).
• Spend a little time dialing in a brightness level that’s visible but not harsh.
• Occasionally tweak your clock theme to keep things visually fresh.

On Your Desk While You Work

Another popular scenario is turning the iPhone X into a mini status screen on
your desk. Instead of unlocking your phone every five minutes, you can:

• Prop it on a stand.
• Open your clock or “Always-On” app.
• Glance over to check the time or quick info without interrupting your work.

Some users combine this with notification summaries or use Focus modes so the
phone doesn’t constantly light up with alerts. You’re aiming for “calm, quiet
info panel,” not “slot machine of anxiety.”

Over a long workday, you’ll definitely notice more battery usage if the phone
isn’t plugged in, so a small charging dock or MagSafe-style stand (with a
compatible adapter) is your best friend here.

Travel, Coffee Shops, and “Status Display” Flex

Once you’ve got your pseudo Always-On Display dialed in, you may find yourself
using it in more casual situations:

• On a hotel nightstand so you can check the time without fumbling for a light.
• On a table while working from a café, showing a clock and maybe a quick
  reminder (“Flight at 4:30 PM, don’t miss it.”).
• As a mini ambient display during meetings with a subtle clock instead of
  distracting notifications.

Is it “necessary”? Not really. Is it oddly satisfying? Absolutely.

What Long-Term Users Have Learned

People who’ve experimented with Always-On style displays on iPhone X and other
OLED iPhones tend to land on a few common lessons:​

• Lower brightness is key. Once you dial it down, you often
  forget about battery worries.
• Burn-in fears are real but manageable. Smart apps that move
  pixels, plus occasional layout changes, keep things in a safe zone for most
  people.
• Automation makes it feel “native.” When a Shortcut opens your
  clock app automatically when you plug in your phone, the experience starts to
  feel more like a built-in feature and less like a hack.
• It’s a quality-of-life upgrade, not a must-have. You’ll
  survive without it, but if you enjoy glanceable info and little tech luxuries,
  it’s a fun way to get more out of your iPhone X.

The bottom line: while your iPhone X will never have the same Always-On Display
tech as Apple’s newest Pro models, you can absolutely get close in a way that
’s practical, reasonably safe for your screen, and kind of cool for a phone that
’s been around the block a few times.

Conclusion

Getting an Always-On Display on the iPhone X is less about flipping a secret
switch and more about combining Apple’s settings, clever apps like OLEDX, and a
bit of automation. You now know:

• Why the iPhone X doesn’t support true native Always-On Display.
• How to use Auto-Lock and Attention settings to keep your screen on longer.
• How to transform your phone into a nightstand or desk display using OLEDX and
  Guided Access.
• How to automate the whole thing with Shortcuts so it feels nearly built-in.
• How to protect your OLED screen and battery while enjoying a pseudo Always-On
  experience.

If you love your iPhone X and want to squeeze a little more modern magic out of
it, this is one of the best ways to do it. It may not be Apple’s official
Always-On Display, but it’s close enough to make your nightstand and your inner
gadget nerd very happy.