To edit StandBy mode on your iPhone, you primarily manage its activation through your device settings and then customize the displayed content directly within StandBy mode itself.
Accessing and Managing StandBy Mode Settings
The initial step to manage or "edit" StandBy mode functionality, such as turning it on or off, is through your iPhone's Settings app.
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone's Home screen.
- Navigate to StandBy: Scroll down through the list of settings and tap on StandBy.
- Activate/Deactivate StandBy:
- You will see an activation toggle next to StandBy.
- By default, StandBy mode is turned on when you upgrade to iOS 17.
- To ensure it's active or to turn it off, simply toggle this switch On or Off as desired.
- Within this section, you might also find options to enable or disable features like Night Mode (which displays content with a red tint in low light) or Show Notifications (to see critical alerts while in StandBy).
Customizing Content Within StandBy Mode
Once StandBy mode is active and your iPhone is in the correct orientation (horizontal) and charging, you can extensively customize the information displayed on your screen. "Editing" in this context refers to tailoring the widgets, photo albums, and clock styles.
Editing Widgets
StandBy mode features Smart Stacks of widgets on the left and right sides of the screen, which you can customize to show information most relevant to you.
- To Add or Remove Widgets:
- While in StandBy mode, long-press on any widget (either on the left or right side of the screen).
- If it's your first time, you might be prompted to unlock your iPhone using Face ID/Touch ID or your passcode.
- Tap the + icon in the top-left corner to browse and add new widgets.
- To remove an existing widget, tap the - icon that appears next to it.
- To Reorder Widgets:
- Long-press a widget stack.
- Drag and drop widgets within the stack to change their order.
- To Toggle Smart Rotate/Widget Suggestions:
- Long-press a widget stack.
- Toggle Smart Rotate to have the widgets automatically cycle through content based on relevance throughout the day.
- Toggle Widget Suggestions to allow the system to suggest widgets based on your usage patterns.
Customizing Photos
StandBy mode can also display your photo albums as a slideshow.
- To Select Photo Albums:
- Swipe left or right from the main widget view in StandBy mode until you reach the Photos view.
- Long-press anywhere on the photo display.
- Unlock your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon to select specific albums from your Photos library to be included in the slideshow.
- Tap the - icon next to an album to remove it from the rotation.
Changing Clock Styles
StandBy mode offers various full-screen clock styles, some of which also incorporate a small widget.
- To Browse Clock Styles:
- Swipe left or right from the main widget or photo view in StandBy mode until you reach the Clock view.
- Swipe up or down to cycle through different clock faces (e.g., Digital, Analog, World Clock, Solar, etc.).
- To Customize Clock Appearance:
- Long-press on a clock face.
- Unlock your iPhone.
- Tap the circle icon in the bottom-right corner to change the accent color for that specific clock style. Not all clock styles offer color customization.
Managing Notifications
While in StandBy mode, notifications will appear subtly from the top of the screen.
- You can choose to Show Notifications in the StandBy settings to see critical alerts.
- Tapping on a notification will take you to the app if your phone is unlocked, or prompt you to unlock it.
Practical Tips for Optimal StandBy Use
- Charging is Key: StandBy mode only activates when your iPhone is connected to power (wired or MagSafe).
- Horizontal Orientation: Ensure your iPhone is placed horizontally for StandBy mode to engage. MagSafe stands are ideal as they securely hold the phone in the correct position.
- Always On Display: For iPhone 14 Pro models and newer, StandBy mode can remain on indefinitely due to the Always-On Display. For other models, the display will turn off after a period of inactivity unless you interact with it.
