Is the iOS 17 StandBy Mode not working on your iPhone? You're not alone. The StandBy mode is an incredibly useful feature, keeping your iPhone functioning like a smart display when charging, showing the time, calendar, weather updates, notifications, and other glanceable information. If you're having issues with this feature. it can be frustrating. But worry not.
This guide delves into the potential reasons why your StandBy Mode is not working and provide effective solutions to address the problem. We'll also share some useful tips to help you make the most of this feature for your daily routine.
What Is StandBy Mode on iPhone?
The StandBy mode is a lockscreen feature introduced with iOS 17 that turns your iPhone into a smart display when the device is charging and placed horizontally. With StandBy Mode, your iPhone can show you real-time updates such as the current time and date, weather conditions, calendar events, notifications for incoming calls and messages, and other more. It also provides quick access to Siri, allowing you to issue voice commands without having to unlock your phone.
It can operate both with a charging cable and wirelessly, offering flexibility in how you use your iPhone during charging periods. The StandBy mode automatically activates under the right conditions (device locked, connected to power, and placed horizontally), acting as a convenient glanceable dashboard on your desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter.
{{ component: "product", handle: "a2544", sku: "A2544J11"}}Why Is StandBy Mode not Working?
If you're asking, "Why is my StandBy Mode not working?", below are some possible reasons:
- Incompatible iOS Version:The StandBy Mode only works on iPhones running iOS 17. So, if your iPhone is not updated to this version, the feature won't be available. You can check your iOS version by going to Settings > General > About.
- Incompatible iPhone Model:Not all iPhone models support upgrading to iOS 17. iOS 17 is available from the most recent iPhone models back to the iPhone XR, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). If your device is older, it won't support this feature.
- Charging Requirement:Standby Mode only activates when your iPhone is charging. If your device isn't connected to a charger, Standby Mode will not activate. Ensure your phone is properly connected to a power source.
- Screen Orientation:The device needs to be in a horizontal orientation to activate StandBy Mode. If your iPhone is upright or tilted, the mode may not activate.
- Lock Screen Not Activated:It could also be that your iPhone's is not locked. StandBy Mode requires that you lock your screen and then place it on the charger.
- Software Glitches:Like any software feature, StandBy Mode can encounter glitches. Occasionally, a little glitch somewhere can lead to StandBy Mode not working on iPhone.
Fixes to iPhone StandBy Mode Not Working
Now that you know the potential reasons why iOS StandBy Mode is not working, let's delve into the troubleshooting methods to resolve the problem:
Update to iOS 17
Since StandBy Mode works only on iPhones running on iOS 17, the first step is to verify that your iPhone is compatible and upgraded to iOS 17. Simply head to 'Settings', and under 'General', check for 'Software Update' to see if there's an update available.
Enable StandBy Mode Settings
The StandBy Mode is automatically turned on once your iPhone is upgraded to iOS 17, but sometimes, the settings might be accidentally toggled off. To double-check, go to 'Setting,' tap on 'StandBy', and make sure the toggle is activated.
Use the Right Charger
The StandBy Mode only activates when the device is charging. To fix StandBy Mode on iPhone not working, try changing your current charger to rule out any issues with your charging equipment.
This feature works both with wired chargers and Qi or MagSafe wireless chargers. Investing in a quality MFI (Made for iPhone) certified wired or wireless charger not only powers up your iPhone efficiently but also ensures the StandBy Mode works seamlessly.
Place Your iPhone Correctly
To activate the StandBy Mode, ensure your iPhone is locked and placed in a horizontal orientation while charging, especially if you're using a wireless charging stand. StandBy mode does not work in portrait orientation.
Check StandBy Mode Settings
The Always-On display feature of StandBy Mode, which allows the screen to stay on indefinitely with minimal power consumption, is exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
If you're facing iPhone 11 StandBy Mode not working issue, it might just be because the StandBy Mode automatically turns off after 20 seconds of inactivity for your model. You can simply tap the screen to reactivate the StandBy view.
For iPhone 14 and 15 Pro models, navigate to Settings > StandBy > Display, and select 'Never' in the TURN DISPLAY OFF menu to keep the display always on.
Disable Low Power Mode
Generally, Low Power Mode limits certain features on your iPhone to save battery. This might lead to the Apple StandBy mode not working issue. So, check to see if the Low Power Mode on your iPhone is enabled, then turn it off.
Reset All Settings
If the issue persists, consider resetting all settings on your iPhone. This won't delete your data, but it will reset system settings such as Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can often resolve many issues by clearing temporary glitches and refreshing system operations. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears, then slide to power off. Turn your device back on after a few seconds.
Tips and Tricks for Using StandBy Mode
StandBy Mode in iOS 17 offers a host of possibilities to enhance your iPhone experience. To make the most out of this feature, here are some practical tips and tricks:
- Customize your widgets:If you want more information displayed on your phone, simply enter the customization mode and choose the widgets you want.
- Use MagSafe charger for optimal performance: You'll get the best experience of the StandBy Mode with a MagSafe wireless charger, like the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe. You can just snap you iPhone onto the stand and it will align perfectly due to their magnetic nature. This not only charges your iPhone efficiently at up to 15W output but also ensures that the StandBy Mode stays activated and works seamlessly.
- Choose your clock style:StandBy Mode allows you to switch between different clock styles. There are analog and digital options. Tap on the clock in StandBy Mode and swipe to choose your favorite style.
- Select your favorite photos:With the photo widget, you can choose the album or specific pictures you want to see. Nothing is as delightful as sitting back to watch these beautiful pictures rotate, especially when with friends or family.
- Enable smart stacks:As the name implies, Smart Stacks allow you to stack multiple widgets on top of each other. This way, it's easier to access more information without cluttering your screen.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting StandBy Mode not working on your iPhone can be straightforward when you understand the underlying issues and the appropriate fixes. By identifying why it might not be working and implementing the fixes outlined, such as enabling it in the 'Settings', updating to the latest iOS 17, and using the right charger, you can easily resolve these problems. Additionally, we've shared some tips and tricks to enhance your experience with this feature, helping you make full use of the smart display while your iPhone is charging.
FAQ
How do I enable StandBy Mode on my iPhone?
To enable StandBy Mode on your iPhone, ensure you're running iOS 17, then go to 'StandBy' under your 'Settings,' and toggle it on. Additionally, ensure your iPhone is locked and placed in landscape mode while charging. StandBy Mode will activate automatically.
Does StandBy mode only work with wireless charging?
StandBy Mode on iPhones can be used with any charging method, not just wireless charging. It works whether you're using a MagSafe charger, a standard Qi wireless charger, or a regular lightning or USB-C cable. The key requirement is that the iPhone must be locked, connected to power, and placed in a horizontal orientation.
Why doesn't my iPhone stay on nightstand mode?
To ensure the nightstand StandBy Mode stays active, first check that you have the right StandBy setting enabled. Go to 'Settings,' click on 'StandBy' then tap 'Display.' Under 'Turn Display Off,' select 'Never'. If that's not the issue, make sure Low Power Mode is turned off on your iPhone. Additionally, only the iPhone 14 and 15 Pro models support the Always-On display feature of StandBy Mode. For other models, the screen will turn off after 20 seconds of inactivity.
