StandBy turns a charging iPhone placed on its side into a display for clocks, photos, widgets, and more. It’s useful on a bedside table, kitchen counter, or desk when you want to glance at the screen from a little farther away.
Turn on StandBy and start it
- Check the StandBy setting.Open Settings, tap StandBy, and make sure it’s turned on.
- Connect your iPhone to a charger.StandBy works while the phone is charging.
- Set it on its side and keep it still.Use a stable stand or surface so the display is easy to view.
- Wake the StandBy display.Press the side button if it doesn’t appear. Swipe left or right to move between widgets, photos, and clocks.
Apple’s StandBy setup guide covers available views and display preferences. Some options depend on your iPhone model and software version.
Explore the StandBy views
StandBy has separate views for widgets, photos, and clocks. Swipe sideways to change the view. In the widget view, you can move through the widgets displayed there; touch and hold the view to look for the available editing and widget options on your device.
At night, the display can adapt to the room’s low light when Night Mode is enabled. You can also choose how long the display stays on in Settings → StandBy → Display. The options shown can vary by iPhone model.
Make a useful bedside setup
Pick a view you can read from where you sleep. A large clock is easy to see at a distance; a widget view can keep a few chosen items together. Place the phone where it can charge safely and where a quick glance won’t shine into your eyes.
Jubs is building festive StandBy clock widgets alongside its animated iPhone Home Screen scenes. Halloween is the first collection. You can preview how a little scene and clock might look in the Jubs StandBy section; more holiday and festival designs are planned for the future.
If StandBy doesn’t appear
- Confirm StandBy is enabled in Settings.
- Check that the iPhone is charging and resting on its side.
- Press the side button to wake the display.
- Review Apple’s setup guide for model-specific settings and behavior.
Common questions
Does StandBy work when my iPhone is upright?
StandBy is designed for an iPhone that is charging and positioned on its side in a stable place.
Can I use StandBy as a bedside clock?
Yes. Swipe to the clock view, then browse the clock styles available on your iPhone. StandBy also has widget and photo views.
Why does the StandBy screen turn off?
The display behavior depends on your iPhone model and StandBy display settings. Open Settings → StandBy → Display to review the available options.