In this guide, we will show you how to fully customize the Galaxy S9 on the always-on display. Whether you want to add a background image, calendar or even a GIF directly to your locked screen. Samsung’s always-on display is a popular feature, and here’s how to make it better or get it back after the Android 9 Pie update.
Always-on display (AOD) gives you information at a glance, even when the display is “off”. Information such as time, date, battery level and incoming notifications. Yet that is not all.
Go to and to get started. Or go to Settings > and tap in the lower right corner.
With the Galaxy S9, Samsung added more clocks, calendars, and the option to use animated live wallpapers or GIFs on the always-on display. Actually, you can record 960 FPS slow motion video with the camera and turn it into a GIF for your lock screen or AOD.
It’s worth noting that the video above may be a bit outdated. Samsung’s recent updates like the Galaxy S9 One UI (Android Pie) update have changed the way we interact with what’s always on the screen.
How to Customize Galaxy S9 Always On Display
Add a GIF, download new themes, or choose from over a dozen different clock styles on the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Samsung recently changed how and where to change these settings, so follow our step-by-step instructions below. Here you can choose different styles, options, fonts, colors and more. Finally, there are hundreds of possible combinations when it comes to customizing your screen.
Initially, you can only choose from a few different clocks, add a calendar, and a few other things. Now, though, you have the entire Samsung theme store to choose from. Samsung creates tons of beautiful AOD options, developers sell their own, and the community can create and upload options.
Personally, the old style was easier to customize in the settings rather than the theme store, but from now on, where and how you can customize the Galaxy S9’s always-on display.
As you can see we have added a GIF to what is always displayed on the Galaxy S9. However, you can choose from hundreds, if not more, from the store or directly from your phone.
How to Get Back Your Galaxy S9 Always-On Display After Pie
In January 2019, Samsung updated the Galaxy S9 and S9+ to Android 9 Pie, also known as One UI. While adding a few cool features, it also replaced the always-on display. We see millions of people saying that the always-on screen is missing, but it isn’t. Just tap the screen and it opens.
By default, the Galaxy S9 is set to “Tap to Show” instead of showing the always-on screen 24/7 as before. Go to settings and change it again by following these steps.
Go to > > > > tap and select .
You will now have AOD on the screen every time you look, not just when you touch it. Personally, I like the new faucet to show the option more. You can even set a schedule to show it all day, but at night it switches to “tap to tap” mode. A perfect middle ground.
Galaxy S9 Face Widgets
Most Galaxy S9 owners don’t know this, but if you double-tap the always-on one, you’ll have more options without unlocking your screen. These include music controls, your schedule for the day, or upcoming alarms. You can interact with them too, just swipe left/right.
Go Samsung adds the music controls for you, but you can customize it however you want. It gives you a few more options and controls without unlocking your phone. You can also add them to the lock screen if you wish.
Additionally, here is another option to add a “Call if found” type message to your Galaxy S9. That way, you can put a secondary phone number, email address, Twitter handle or anything else on the lock screen and always in view. Or any message, for that matter.
How to Turn Off Always On Display
While this is a great feature that many people enjoy, some find what appears on screen all the time distracting. Especially at night or if you’re going to the movies. So, if you want to turn it off quickly, we’ve put together a quick guide that will show you how.
Go to the Always On display section and scroll down. Then uncheck the switch to turn it off and you’re ready. Try “show by touch” before disabling it completely.
Other Details and Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that anything you add to the always-on display can and will affect battery life. This is especially true for a GIF. Even if you only see it spinning once every time you lock the screen.
However, we recommend keeping this feature turned on and using it to some extent. You don’t need a bunch of colors or GIFs and a simple clock is fine. This is because studies show that most users make more than 150 calls a day. The always-on display reduces those by sharing the important information you’re probably looking for without ever waking your phone.
While you’re here, take a look at how to change your lock screen and wallpaper. Or keep your phone safe with these screen protectors.
