The StandBy mode is one of the coolest features of iOS 17, turning your iPhone into a smart display while it's charging in landscape mode. This innovative mode not only displays the current date and time but also allows you to view incoming calls, Siri responses, and other essential information at a glance.

If you're wondering how to utilize and make the most of this feature, we're here to help. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Standby Mode in iOS 17, from how to activate and how to edit Standby Mode to fit your style to the best widgets available for an enhanced experience.

What Is StandBy Mode in iOS 17?

StandBy Mode in iOS 17 is a unique customizable lock screen feature that activates automatically when your iPhone is locked, placed in landscape mode on an upright angle, and connected to a charging source.

This mode turns your iPhone into a smart display that shows useful, glanceable information like time, calendar events, photos, widgets, weather updates, sports scores, and notifications for incoming calls and messages. It also provides quick access to Siri, allowing you to issue voice commands without having to unlock your phone.

It's like having a mini dashboard on your desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter, making it easier to glance at important information even from a distance. Whether you're cooking, working, or just waking up, Standby Mode adds more functionality to your iPhone while it's charging and not in use.

What iPhone Models Support StandBy Mode?

The StandBy Mode is available on all iPhone models that support iOS 17, spanning from the most recent releases back to the iPhone XR. Here's a full list of iPhones that support Standby Mode:

• iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

However, the Always-On display feature of Standby Mode, which allows the screen to stay on indefinitely with minimal power consumption, is only available on the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This means, Standby Mode on other models, like the iPhone 15 StandBy Mode, will automatically turn off after 20 seconds of inactivity.

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How to Activate StandBy Mode

The StandBy Mode is turned on by default when you upgrade to iOS 17. But if you want to double-check, or should you want to turn off the feature, head to your 'Settings', scroll down to find the 'StandBy' option, and switch the activation toggle on.

That being said, here's how to active the feature on your iPhone:

1. To activate StandBy Mode, you need to lock your iPhone, connect it to a charger, and place it in a horizontal orientation. You can use both wired and wireless charging: plugging it into a lightning or USB-C cable on a regular phone stand or place it on a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi wireless charger
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2. Once these conditions are met — locked, charging, and horizontal — StandBy Mode will activate automatically. If it's your first time using StandBy Mode since updating to iOS 17, you'll see a welcome screen guiding you through the features.
3. Initially, StandBy Mode displays an analog clock and a calendar widget showing the current date and time.
4. For users with iPhone 14 and 15 Pro models, the Always-On Display feature allows Standby Mode to be accessible at all times. For other iPhone models running iOS 17, like the StandBy Mode on iPhone 13, the screen turns off after 20 seconds of inactivity. You can simply tap the screen to bring up the StandBy view again.

How to Customize StandBy Mode in iOS 17

By default, you'll get three types of displays in the StandBy Mode. They include Widgets, Photos, and Clocks. Simply swiping left or right allows you to move between different StandBy display screens. Here's how you can customize the StandBy Mode to make it work best for you:

How to Customize Widgets on StandBy Mode

The first screen of StandBy Mode features an analog clock and a calendar widget by default. To customize this:

1. Press and hold a widget to enter the customization menu. Here, you can add or remove widgets by tapping the '+' or '-' icons respectively, located at the top left of each widget.
2. Explore the widget suggestions in the left pane or use the search bar at the top to find your favorite widgets.
3. Create widget stacks that allow you to access multiple widgets by swiping up or down, maximizing the utility of your StandBy screen space.
4. When you're done with your selections, simply tap 'Done.' This saves all the adjustments made.

How to Customize Photo Display StandBy Screen

Swipe left from the widgets screen to access the Photos StandBy view. This screen automatically showcases a rotating selection of photos and videos from your iPhone's Photos app, turning your device into a dynamic digital photo frame.

1. To adjust your photo display, long press on the photo and unlock with Face ID, then you can swipe between specific themes of your photos, including Nature, Cities, Pets, and People.
2. You can also add specific albums to be displayed using the '+' button and hide themes that you don't like using the 'eye' icon.

How to Customize StandBy Clock Face Screen

A further swipe left from the Photos view brings up a full-screen clock display. To customize this view:

1. Swiping up or down on the current clock style to cycle through the available options, including Digital, Analogue, World, Solar, and Float.
2. Pressing and holding on the clock face will display all available clock styles. Select your preferred style and tap the white circular button to change the color.

How to Use StandBy MagSafe Location Awareness

If you're using the Standby Mode on iPhone 12 and later models, which are equipped with MagSafe capabilities, you can use a unique MagSafe Location Awareness feature when paired with a MagSafe-certified charging dock.

When you dock your MagSafe-enabled iPhone on different MagSafe chargers located at various places like your work desk, bedside, or kitchen, the device can recognize each location and automatically display the appropriate Standby Mode configuration for that specific setting.

Best StandBy Mode Widgets for Your iPhone

If you're not sure which widgets to include in your iPhone's StandBy Mode, you can start with these:

1. Weather:Stay updated on the latest weather conditions without needing to unlock your phone. The weather widget can show current temperatures, forecasts, or severe weather alerts, making it indispensable for planning your day right from the moment you wake up.
2. Calendar: Keep your schedule at your fingertips. The calendar widget displays upcoming events and appointments directly on your StandBy screen, ensuring you never miss an important date or meeting as soon as you glance at your phone.
3. Reminders: Manage your tasks efficiently with the Reminders widget. This widget keeps your to-do list front and center, ensuring you can see your most urgent tasks at a glance, helping you stay organized throughout the day.
4. Battery:The Battery widget is crucial for monitoring your iPhone's charge level and other connected devices, such as AirPods and the Apple Watch. This widget ensures you always know how much battery life you have left, helping you manage your device usage efficiently.
5. News:Keep up with the latest headlines with the News widget. This widget streams current news directly to your StandBy screen, providing you with timely updates on global events and stories that matter to you.
6. Activity Rings:Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Activity Rings widget from the Fitness app. It shows your daily activity progress, encouraging you to meet your fitness goals by displaying your movement, exercise, and stand statistics.
7. Stocks:Ideal for investors or anyone who likes to keep an eye on the market, the Stocks widget shows real-time updates on your chosen stocks, helping you make informed financial decisions without needing to dive into apps.
8. HomeKit:For those integrated into the Apple ecosystem with smart home devices, the HomeKit Controls widget allows you to manage your devices directly from StandBy Mode. Adjust lights, control thermostats, or check security cameras with just a few taps.

Conclusion

Learning how to edit Standby Mode in iOS 17 is an excellent way to take full advantage of your iPhone while it charges. By following our detailed steps to activate and customize this feature and integrating the best widgets we explored, you can truly tailor your iPhone's standby screen to your personal needs and lifestyle. Start experimenting today with the features and widgets to optimize your iPhone experience and make Standby Mode work best for you.

FAQs

How to disable StandBy mode on iPhone?

By default, StandBy Mode is turned on once your iPhone is upgraded to iOS 17. If you want to turn it off, go to your 'Settings', scroll down, and tap on 'StandBy'. Switch off the mode by toggling off the switch.

Can I change the color of StandBy Mode?

Yes. If you want to change the color of the Clock screen on StandBy Mode, long-press on the Clock screen to enter customization mode. Tap the white circle at the bottom right to open the Color menu and select your preferred color.

If your StandBy Mode appears red, it's due to the Night Mode being enabled, which applies a red tint in low-light conditions. You can turn off Night Mode by going to Settings > StandBy and toggling off the Night Mode option.