How to Edit StandBy Mode: Customise Screens & Solve Issues

StandBy Mode changes how an iPhone behaves while charging, turning it into a useful glanceable display. Many people know it exists but do not explore its full potential. Learning how to edit StandBy Mode helps you control what appears on screen, protect your privacy, and avoid small issues that can affect daily use. With a few adjustments, this feature becomes a practical part of your routine rather than a background extra.

How to Activate StandBy Mode: The Basics

StandBy Mode works quietly in the background, but it still needs the right setup to appear when you expect it. Before customising anything, it helps to understand how activation works and how to switch it off when needed.

Step-by-Step Activation

StandBy Mode is already available once your device runs iOS 17. Still, checking the settings ensures nothing blocks it.

• Start by opening Settingsand selecting StandBy. Make sure the main toggle is on. Without this, the feature will not appear at all.
• Next, connect your iPhone to power. You can use wireless chargers, MagSafe chargers, or a standard wired cable. Place the phone in landscape position and lock the screen. Once charging begins, StandBy Mode activates on its own.

The first time you use it, a welcome screen appears. After that, the default view shows a clock and a calendar. This screen works as a starting point and can be adjusted later when learning how to edit StandBy Mode on iPhone.

On models with an always-on display, StandBy remains visible while charging. On other supported devices, the screen goes dark after a short time. A simple tap brings the StandBy view back.

Exit / Deactivate StandBy Mode

There may be times when you prefer not to use StandBy Mode. Turning it off is quick.

Open Settings, tap StandBy, and switch the main toggle off. The device will then charge normally without entering the StandBy screen. You can re-enable it at any time by following the same steps in reverse.

How to Edit & Customise StandBy Mode

Once StandBy Mode is active, personalisation makes it useful. Each screen serves a different purpose, and small changes can improve clarity, access, and comfort.

Add Widgets to StandBy Mode

Widgets form the core of StandBy Mode. They provide quick information without unlocking the phone.

Press and hold any widget on the StandBy screen until edit mode appears. Small plus and minus icons let you add or remove widgets. You can browse suggestions from the side panel or search for specific ones.

Stacks allow more than one widget in the same space. Swiping up or down cycles through them, which helps reduce clutter. After finishing, tap Done to save changes.

This process reflects the basics of how to edit iPhone StandBy Mode, keeping the screen useful without feeling crowded.

Customise StandBy Clock Face

A swipe brings up the full-screen clock view. This display suits bedside or desk use, where time matters most.

Swipe up or down to cycle through clock styles. Options include digital, analogue, world time, solar, and floating designs. Each offers a different look without affecting function.

Press and hold the clock to open all styles at once. Choose one and adjust the colour using the circular selector. This simple step helps the clock match your room lighting or personal taste while charging overnight.

Customise the Photos Screen

The Photos view adds a more personal feel to StandBy Mode. It works like a smart frame, pulling images from your library.

Swipe from the widgets screen to reach it. To make changes, long press on the image and confirm with Face ID. You can then choose themes such as people, pets, cities, or nature.

You may also add albums using the plus button or hide themes you do not want using the eye icon. This keeps the display relevant and avoids unwanted surprises on screen.

Manage Notifications & Privacy in StandBy Mode

StandBy Mode often sits across a room, so privacy matters. Notification controls help protect personal details.

To hide previews, open Settings, go to StandBy, and enable Show Preview on Tap Only. Notifications stay hidden until tapped and confirmed with Face ID. This prevents others from reading messages at a glance.

If privacy is a bigger concern, you can turn off notifications in StandBy Mode altogether. In the same menu, disable Show Notifications. Alerts will no longer appear on the StandBy screen, except for important time-sensitive ones designed to break through.

These settings allow a balance between awareness and discretion without affecting normal phone use.

Recommended Widgets to Add for a Useful StandBy Setup

Choosing the right widgets makes StandBy Mode feel practical rather than decorative.

• The Weather widget gives quick updates on temperature and forecasts. It works well in the morning before leaving home.
• The Calendar widget keeps upcoming plans visible, helping avoid missed appointments. Pair it with Reminders to see tasks alongside events.
• A Battery widget shows charge levels for your phone and connected accessories. This is helpful when using wireless chargers
• The News widget offers quick headlines without opening apps. Activity Rings suit those tracking daily movement, while Stocks provide simple market updates.
• For smart home users, the HomeKit widget allows control of devices straight from the StandBy screen. Together, these widgets show how flexible StandBy Mode can be.

Common Troubleshooting Issues

Even with careful setup, StandBy Mode may occasionally run into glitches. Most problems have simple fixes, but sometimes adjusting your charging setup can make a real difference.

StandBy Mode Exits Unexpectedly

If StandBy Mode keeps closing, ensure your iPhone stays in landscape while charging. Confirm that StandBy is still enabled in Settings, and check that your cable or Wireless Charger connection is secure. Minor shifts in positioning can trigger unexpected exits.

Widgets or Photos Not Loading

When widgets or photos fail to load, start by checking your internet connection. Restarting the iPhone often clears temporary issues. Removing and re-adding widgets or confirming that the selected albums are accessible can also solve most display problems.

StandBy Settings Not Saving

If changes don’t stick, make sure your device is running the latest iOS update. Background processes can sometimes prevent settings from saving. Restarting the iPhone and repeating the edits usually restores proper function.

For a smoother StandBy experience, choosing the right charging setup is equally important. High-quality wireless chargers can keep your device stable, powered efficiently, and ready for all the customisations StandBy Mode offers. Here are some recommended options:

• Anker MagGo Wireless Chargerdelivers fast 15W charging, powering your iPhone 15 Pro up to 25% in just 21 minutes. It can charge two devices simultaneously, offers 45° vertical and 360° horizontal rotation for the perfect angle, and dual LED indicators show charging status for both devices.
• Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Stationis an ultra-fast 15W charger for phones and other essential devices. Compact design fits any desk while supporting three Apple devices at once. Certified for Apple Watch charging and allows vertical adjustment up to 45° for optimal StandBy orientation.
• Anker Prime Wireless Charging Stationis a 25W ultra-fast wireless charger with TEC active cooling to maintain safe temperatures. Features a 1.65" HD display for real-time charging status and three smart modes for daily routines. Connect via NFC or Bluetooth to customise schedules, screensavers, and sleep cycles for an enhanced StandBy setup.

Conclusion

StandBy Mode offers more than a simple charging screen. When you understand how to edit StandBy Mode, it becomes a flexible display that fits daily habits, privacy needs, and personal style. From widgets to photos and notifications, each setting adds value without extra effort. Taking time to adjust these options ensures StandBy Mode works smoothly and remains helpful whenever your iPhone is charging.

FAQs

Can you edit standby on iPhone?

Yes, you can edit StandBy Mode on your iPhone. Once activated, it allows you to add or remove widgets, change the clock style, and adjust how photos are displayed. You can also manage notifications and privacy settings to control what appears on the screen while your phone charges. Learning how to edit StandBy Mode ensures your iPhone shows only the information and visuals you prefer.

Can StandBy be customized?

StandBy Mode is highly customizable. You can personalize the clock face, add multiple widgets, and display specific photos or albums. Notifications can be hidden or shown selectively for privacy. Swiping between different screens allows you to adjust layouts and create a display that suits your daily routine. Customisation makes StandBy Mode more practical and visually appealing while your iPhone charges.

How to change StandBy Mode in iOS 17?

In iOS 17, changing StandBy Mode is simple. Open Settings and go to StandBy, then adjust the main toggle if needed. To customize further, press and hold widgets or the clock on the StandBy screen to access editing options. You can add new widgets, swap clock styles, or adjust notifications. These steps let you tailor StandBy Mode for both functionality and personal style.

How to customize StandBy mode on iPhone 16?

On iPhone 16, you can fully customize StandBy Mode to fit your preferences. Press and hold widgets or the clock to access editing menus. Add or remove widgets, stack multiple ones, change the clock face, and select specific photo albums. You can also manage notifications and privacy settings. These adjustments allow your StandBy screen to display relevant information while keeping it visually appealing and practical during charging.