iOS 17: How to Use iPhone's New StandBy Mode

When an iPhone is placed on its side while charging, iOS 17's new Lock Screen mode, StandBy, is triggered. Everything you need to know to begin using the feature is outlined here if you're running the beta version of iOS 17.

How to Activate StandBy

StandBy can be considered as a smart display for your iPhone, providing instant access to several screens with glanceable information that can be viewed from afar, such as when your smartphone is charging in the kitchen, on a desk, or in bed. StandBy changes color to red in low light, which is helpful if you tend to charge your iPhone at night. All iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 17 have access to StandBy mode, however only iPhone 14 Pro models have access to StandBy mode's always-on capability.

If you have enabled StandBy and your iPhone is locked while charging through MagSafe, Qi-based wireless charging, or a Lightning charger, then StandBy will be activated. In most circumstances, a charging stand will be required due to the iPhone's requirement that it be locked, kept in a stationary horizontal (or landscape) posture, and positioned at an angle (i.e., not on a flat surface).

StandBy is activated by default, but you may turn it off or on in the settings menu by selecting StandBy.

Customizing Different StandBy Screens

The three screens that make up StandBy are accessed by swiping horizontally across the iPhone screen. Your Photos library is showcased one-by-one on the second screen, while a massive clock takes up most of the real estate on the third.

The widgets screen features two distinct widget stacks that may be slid up and down with the sweep of a finger. The stacks are essentially enlarged copies of the widget stacks found on the Home Screen and provide similar controls, such as Smart Rotate and Widget Suggestions. 

To-do items in a Reminders list, for instance, can be marked as completed thanks to the widget's interactive nature. An on-screen arrow indicates interaction with a non-interactive widget, like the Calendar, when it is tapped. You may avoid unintentionally opening the app by tapping the arrow, which will take you to the related app.

Press and hold a stack of widgets to modify its settings. When you unlock your iPhone with Face ID, the stack will automatically align with the middle of the screen while in jiggle mode. The plus sign at the top left allows you to add widgets to the stack, while the two toggle switches on the right allow you to activate Smart Rotate and Widget Suggestions.

The images screen in StandBy is similarly responsive and editable. After using Face ID, tapping the photo's location or date will take you to it in your Photo Library. 

If you long-press on a photo after unlocking with Face ID, you'll be able to swipe through categories like "Nature," "Pets," "Cities," and "People." StandBy will automatically display featured photos and memories from your library. The plus button can be used to see additional albums, and the eye icon can be used to conceal unpopular themes.

The time and date are shown in a variety of themes on StandBy's third panel, which you may scroll through with a vertical swipe. The weather and the time of your next alarm are only two examples of the supplementary data displayed by some themes. By tapping and holding on a clock face, you'll be able to toggle between the Digital, Analogue, World, Solar, and Float themes. 
 

The Float style displays the time in colorful bubbles, the Solar style uses a more conventional font styled after a solar flare, and the global style displays the time alongside a global map with your present position highlighted. Both the Analog and Digital themes offer color customization for the accent colors and the large numerals.

Notifications, Live Activities, and Siri

The Float style displays the time in colorful bubbles, the Solar style uses a more conventional font styled after a solar flare, and the global style displays the time alongside a global map with your present position highlighted. Both the Analog and Digital themes offer color customization for the accent colors and the large numerals.

The outcomes of Siri searches and actions are also presented in a full-screen fashion, just like Live Activities. Note that in StandBy mode, you won't see anything that wouldn't ordinarily be presented in a notification until you are close by and have unlocked your smartphone with Touch ID or Face ID.

MagSafe Location Awareness

Apple claims that the MagSafe functionality included into StandBy remembers the last used screen and widget setup for your iPhone. The widgets screen may be used in the workplace, while the clock screen could be used at night while charging.