How to use Left widgets in iPhone StandBy mode

StandBy turns your charging iPhone into an always-on display. Left widgets in StandBy let you see your countdown or time remaining from across the room — great for a bedside or desk setup.

What is StandBy?

StandBy is an iPhone feature introduced in iOS 17. When your iPhone is placed horizontally while charging, it switches to a full-screen display showing the time, widgets, photos, or a clock face. It's designed to be visible from a distance — ideal as a bedside display, desk clock, or kitchen counter screen.

Requirements

• iOS 17 or later
• iPhone on a MagSafe charger, Lightning cable, or Qi charger, placed horizontally
• StandBy enabled in Settings → StandBy
• Always On Display (iPhone 14 Pro and later) keeps StandBy visible without tapping; other models require a tap to wake

Step 1 — Enable StandBy

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap StandBy.
3. Make sure StandBy is toggled On.

Step 2 — Enter StandBy and switch to the Widgets view

1. Place your iPhone horizontally on a charger.
2. StandBy activates automatically. If it shows a clock or photo, swipe right to reach the Widgets view (two widget stacks side by side).

Step 3 — Add Left to a widget stack

1. In StandBy's Widgets view, long-press on either widget stack (left or right).
2. Tap the + button at the top of the stack editor.
3. Search for "Left" and select a Left widget.
4. Tap Add Widget and then Done.

Swipe between widgets in StandBy

Each side of the StandBy Widgets view is a stack — swipe up or down on a stack to cycle between widgets you've added. This lets you keep multiple Left countdowns (or other widgets) accessible without crowding the display.

Night mode

In a dark room, StandBy automatically switches to a red-tinted Night mode that preserves your night vision and doesn't disturb sleep. Left widgets adapt to this mode automatically.