Apple Watch always on not working while charging post-update

Does the Apple Watch "always on function" also include while recharging the phone? Prior to the recent update, my watch would display the time when being charged. Now it no longer does this. I saw in another post the "always on" only works when it is on the wrist.

Posted on May 9, 2026 10:37 AM

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Posted on May 9, 2026 10:52 AM

As far as I recall, Always On Display on the Apple Watch has only ever worked when you are wearing it. When charging, it enters Nightstand Mode, which will turn the screen off to save energy, and only display the time when you tap the screen or it detect movement on the surface. This is different from the iPhone, where when your iPhone is charging, it has the option to continue the Always On Display in the Nightstand Mode.

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May 9, 2026 10:52 AM in response to eachow

As far as I recall, Always On Display on the Apple Watch has only ever worked when you are wearing it. When charging, it enters Nightstand Mode, which will turn the screen off to save energy, and only display the time when you tap the screen or it detect movement on the surface. This is different from the iPhone, where when your iPhone is charging, it has the option to continue the Always On Display in the Nightstand Mode.

Apple Watch always on not working while charging post-update

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