What To Know
- While the Apple Watch SE doesn’t have a true “always-on” display, there are a few tricks and settings you can utilize to keep the screen illuminated for longer periods, giving you a similar experience.
- This blog post will guide you through the steps to maximize screen time on your Apple Watch SE, effectively making it “always on” in a way.
- While the SE can display information like the time and notifications on the watch face, it does so by dimming the screen and turning off certain elements, making it less visually appealing than a true always-on display.
The Apple Watch SE is a fantastic device, offering a wealth of features and functionality. But one feature that many users crave is the ability to have a constantly visible display, which is only available on the more expensive Apple Watch Series 5 and later models. While the Apple Watch SE doesn’t have a true “always-on” display, there are a few tricks and settings you can utilize to keep the screen illuminated for longer periods, giving you a similar experience. This blog post will guide you through the steps to maximize screen time on your Apple Watch SE, effectively making it “always on” in a way.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to understand why the Apple Watch SE doesn’t have a true always-on display. The primary reason is power consumption. The technology required to keep the display constantly lit drains the battery significantly.
The Apple Watch SE uses an LCD screen, which consumes more power than the OLED screens used in the Series 5 and later models. While the SE can display information like the time and notifications on the watch face, it does so by dimming the screen and turning off certain elements, making it less visually appealing than a true always-on display.
Maximizing Screen Time: The Key Settings
While you can’t achieve a true always-on display on the Apple Watch SE, you can still extend the screen’s visibility with these settings:
1. Enable “Wake Screen on Wrist Raise”: This is the most basic setting to ensure your screen turns on as you lift your wrist. To enable it, follow these steps:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Select General.
- Tap on Wake Screen on Wrist Raise.
- Turn the toggle on.
2. Adjust “Wake Screen Duration“: This setting allows you to control how long the screen stays on after you’ve raised your wrist.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Select General.
- Tap on Wake Screen Duration.
- Choose a duration that suits your needs, ranging from 15 seconds to 70 seconds.
3. Utilize “Always-On” Watch Faces: While the SE doesn‘t have a true always-on mode, some watch faces are designed to display more information even when the screen is dimmed.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Select Face Gallery.
- Browse through the available watch faces and look for those labeled as “Always-On.” These faces will display time and other basic information even when the screen is dimmed, providing a more “always-on” feel.
4. Minimize Brightness: Reducing the screen brightness can help conserve battery life and extend the time the screen stays on.
- On your Apple Watch SE, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Use the brightness slider to adjust the screen brightness to a comfortable level.
Exploring Third-Party Apps: A Potential Solution
While Apple doesn’t offer a true always-on display for the Apple Watch SE, some third-party apps can help you achieve a similar effect. These apps often use a combination of clever coding and background processes to keep the screen illuminated for longer periods. However, be aware that these apps might consume more battery than the standard settings.
Here are a few popular third-party apps that might help:
- Always On Watchface: This app provides a variety of watch faces designed to simulate an always-on display, offering a more visually appealing experience than the standard dimmed screen.
- Screen On: This app uses a combination of motion sensors and background processes to keep the screen on for longer periods.
Important Note: Using third-party apps to achieve an always-on effect can potentially impact your battery life. It’s essential to monitor your battery usage and adjust app settings accordingly.
Power Saving Tips: Extending Battery Life
Since achieving a truly “always-on” display on the Apple Watch SE comes with battery trade-offs, it’s crucial to implement power-saving strategies to maximize your watch’s runtime:
- Disable Features You Don’t Use: If you don’t need features like GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, disable them to conserve battery.
- Reduce Notifications: Limit the number of notifications you receive, as they contribute to battery drain.
- Adjust Brightness: Use the lowest brightness setting possible for comfortable viewing.
- Lower the Screen Wake Time: Set the “Wake Screen Duration” to a shorter interval if you find the longer durations unnecessary.
- Use “Power Reserve Mode”: If your battery is critically low, use “Power Reserve Mode,” which will turn off most watch features except for the time.
The “Always-On” Alternative: Embrace the Limitations
While the Apple Watch SE doesn‘t have a true always-on display, the features and settings discussed above can significantly enhance your experience, offering a more “always-on” feel. Embrace the limitations and find a balance between screen time and battery life that suits your needs.
Beyond the “Always-On”: The Apple Watch SE’s Value
Remember, the Apple Watch SE is still a powerful and versatile device, offering a wealth of features beyond just the display. Focus on the features you use most and utilize the settings and tips outlined in this blog post to maximize your experience.
Beyond the Display: The Apple Watch SE’s Strengths
While the lack of a true always-on display might be a disappointment for some, the Apple Watch SE shines in other areas:
- Affordability: The SE is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Series 5 and later models.
- Fitness Tracking: It offers robust fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, GPS, and workout tracking.
- Notifications: You can receive notifications from your iPhone, including calls, messages, and app alerts.
- Siri Integration: Use Siri to control your watch, make calls, and get information.
- Apple Pay: Make contactless payments with Apple Pay.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Features and Battery Life
The Apple Watch SE provides a fantastic user experience, even without a true always-on display. By utilizing the settings and tips outlined in this blog post, you can maximize the screen time and battery life, effectively achieving an “always-on” feel. Remember to prioritize the features you use most and balance them with power-saving strategies to enjoy the full potential of your Apple Watch SE.
What People Want to Know
1. Can I get a true always-on display on the Apple Watch SE with a software update?
Unfortunately, no. The Apple Watch SE‘s hardware limitations prevent it from supporting a true always-on display.
2. Are there any third-party apps that can achieve a true always-on display on the Apple Watch SE?
While some third-party apps might claim to provide an always-on experience, they usually achieve this by keeping the screen dimmed or using background processes that could significantly drain your battery.
3. Is it worth upgrading to a newer Apple Watch model for an always-on display?
If you prioritize a true always-on display, upgrading to a newer model like the Apple Watch Series 5 or later is your best option. However, consider the cost and whether the additional features justify the upgrade.
4. What are the best power-saving tips for the Apple Watch SE?
Disable features you don’t use, reduce notifications, lower screen brightness, set a shorter screen wake time, and use “Power Reserve Mode” when necessary.
5. Does the Apple Watch SE have a good battery life?
The Apple Watch SE‘s battery life is generally good, lasting around 18 hours on a single charge. However, using features like GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth will drain the battery faster.
