Customizing the Always On Display (AOD) on Android devices—particularly Samsung Galaxy phones—allows users to personalize their lock screen with essential information like time, notifications, and weather while conserving battery life. The process varies slightly by manufacturer, with Samsung offering the most extensive customization options through its One UI interface, while Google Pixel and other brands provide more limited controls. Most customizations begin in the device’s Lock Screen or Display settings, where users can adjust clock styles, colors, schedules, and even add personal images or themes.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Samsung Galaxy devices support clock style changes, color adjustments, and widget additions through Settings > Lock screen and AOD ^{[1][3][5][8][9]}
• Good Lock modules (like "Home Up") enable advanced AOD customization, including app shortcuts and layout tweaks ^[10]
• Google Pixel phones have a simpler AOD setup, accessible via Settings > Display > Lock screen > Always show time and info, with fewer options than Samsung ^[4][6]
• Users can download third-party AOD themes from the Galaxy Store or Samsung Themes app for additional styles ^[7]

Customizing Always On Display on Android

Samsung Galaxy AOD Customization

Samsung’s One UI provides the most robust AOD customization tools, available on flagship models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S25 Ultra, and mid-range devices such as the Galaxy A55 5G and A36 5G. To begin, users must enable AOD by navigating to Settings > Lock screen and AOD and toggling the feature on ^[1][8]. From there, the customization options expand significantly.

Key customization features include:

• Clock styles and colors: Users can select from predefined clock designs (analog, digital, or minimalist) and adjust their size, position, and color. Some models support dynamic color matching with the wallpaper ^[3][5][9].
• Example: The Galaxy S25 Ultra allows resizing the clock by pinching or dragging it to a preferred location ^[3].
• Paid and free clock styles are available for download via the Galaxy Store ^[5].
• Display modes: AOD can be set to always show, tap to show, or scheduled (e.g., only active during work hours). Enabling "Show lock screen wallpaper" adds color to the otherwise monochrome display ^[1][3].
• Widgets and information: Weather, battery percentage, and music playback controls can be added or removed. Notifications can be styled to show icons, text previews, or nothing at all ^[1][4].
• Personal images and stickers: Users can upload custom photos or apply thematic stickers (e.g., holidays or memes) as part of the AOD layout ^[1][9].
• Good Lock integration: For advanced users, Samsung’s Good Lock app offers modules like "Home Up" to customize app shortcuts and AOD layouts beyond stock options ^[10].

Samsung also recommends using the Samsung Members app for troubleshooting or exploring additional themes ^[1]. For devices running One UI 7 (e.g., Galaxy A36 5G), the process remains consistent, though newer models may introduce minor UI changes ^[5].

Google Pixel and Other Android Devices

Google Pixel phones and non-Samsung Android devices offer a more streamlined—but limited—AOD experience. On Pixel phones (including the Pixel 4a and newer), the feature is labeled "Always show time and info" and is tucked under Settings > Display > Lock screen ^[6]. Customization options are restricted compared to Samsung:

• Basic toggles: Users can enable/disable AOD and choose whether to display the wallpaper or notifications. There is no scheduling or brightness control ^[4][6].
• Clock styles: A few preset clock designs are available, but resizing, recoloring, or repositioning is not supported ^[4].
• Text additions: Limited to adding a single line of custom text (e.g., a name or short message) ^[4].
• No third-party themes: Unlike Samsung, Pixel devices do not support downloading additional AOD styles or widgets.

For other Android brands (e.g., OnePlus, Xiaomi), the process may vary, but most follow a similar path:

1. Open Settings > Display or Lock Screen.
2. Look for an "Always On Display" or "Ambient Display" option.
3. Enable the feature and adjust available settings (often limited to clock style and notification previews) ^[4].

Advanced Customization with Third-Party Tools

For users seeking deeper personalization, third-party apps and Samsung’s Good Lock suite provide extended functionality. The Samsung Themes app (preinstalled on Galaxy devices) allows downloading AOD-specific themes, including animated or seasonal designs ^[7]. Steps to apply these:

1. Open the Samsung Themes app.
2. Search for "AOD" or "Always On Display" in the themes section.
3. Select and apply a theme, which may include custom clock faces, backgrounds, or icon sets ^[7].

• "Home Up" module: Customizes the number of app shortcuts on the AOD and their arrangement ^[10].
• "LockStar" module: Offers additional clock styles, notification layouts, and quick-action toggles.
• "Theme Park" module: Lets users create custom color palettes for AOD elements.