How to Resolve Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Always On Display Not Working

If your Galaxy S26 Ultra is not showing Always On Display, the screen may stay completely black when locked. That means no clock, no notifications, and no quick glance information. This usually happens because of a disabled setting or a system restriction in One UI 8.5, and you can fix it in just a few minutes.

Why Your Galaxy S26 Ultra Always On Display Is Not Working

• Always On Display is turned off in Lock screen settings.
• Power saving mode is limiting background display features.
• A schedule is set, so AOD only appears at certain times.
• The phone detects it is in a pocket or face down.
• Temporary system glitches after a software update.

Make Sure Always On Display Is Enabled

Always On Display needs to be manually turned on before it can show anything on the lock screen. If this setting is off, your display will remain completely blank when the device is locked.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Lock screen.
2. Tap Always On Display, and then toggle it on.
3. Tap Show always, and then select it to keep AOD active at all times.

Turn Off Power Saving Mode

Power saving mode limits visual features to extend battery life. This includes Always On Display, which may be disabled automatically when this mode is active.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
2. Tap Power saving, and then turn it off.
3. Lock your phone, and then check if AOD appears.

Disable Any AOD Schedule

If AOD is scheduled, it will only appear during specific hours. Outside those hours, the screen will stay off, making it seem like the feature is not working.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Lock screen.
2. Tap Always On Display, and then tap Show as scheduled.
3. Select Show always, and then apply the change.

Check Accidental Touch Protection

Your Galaxy S26 Ultra uses sensors to prevent accidental touches when inside a pocket or bag. This can stop AOD from appearing if the phone thinks the screen is covered.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Display.
2. Tap Accidental touch protection, and then toggle it off for testing.
3. Lock your phone, and then place it on a flat surface to check AOD.

Restart Your Phone

A restart refreshes system processes and clears minor glitches. This often fixes display-related issues without changing any settings.

1. Swipe down from the top right, and then open Quick Settings.
2. Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart.
3. Wait for the phone to reboot, and then check the lock screen.

Reset Always On Display Settings

If the problem continues, some AOD configurations may be corrupted. Resetting them helps restore the feature to its default working state.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Lock screen.
2. Tap Always On Display, and then adjust settings back to default.
3. Turn the feature on again, and then test it.

Always On Display issues on the Galaxy S26 Ultra are usually caused by simple settings that are easy to overlook. Once you enable the feature and remove restrictions like power saving or scheduling, it should work instantly again.

FAQs