Changing the screen saver on your smart watch is a simple way to personalize your device and reflect your style. This guide walks you through step-by-step instructions for popular smart watch platforms, including Apple Watch, Wear OS, and Samsung Galaxy Watch, so you can easily update your display when the screen is idle.
Key Takeaways
- Screen savers conserve battery and protect the display by activating when the watch is idle, reducing screen burn-in on OLED models.
- Most smart watches allow customization through the companion app or directly on the device, giving you control over appearance and functionality.
- Apple Watch uses “Always-On Display” settings rather than traditional screen savers, but you can customize the dimmed watch face.
- Wear OS watches support ambient mode, which acts as a screen saver and can be personalized with colors, complications, and watch faces.
- Samsung Galaxy Watches use “Always On Display” (AOD) with customizable themes, colors, and layouts for a personalized look.
- Third-party apps expand customization options on some platforms, offering animated or interactive screen savers.
- Regularly updating your screen saver keeps your smart watch fresh and engaging, enhancing your daily user experience.
Introduction: Why Change Your Smart Watch Screen Saver?
Your smart watch is more than a timepiece—it’s a personal assistant, fitness tracker, and fashion statement all in one. One of the easiest ways to make it truly yours is by changing the screen saver. Whether you call it a screen saver, ambient mode, or always-on display, this feature activates when your watch is idle, showing a simplified version of the watch face or a custom image. It helps save battery, prevents screen burn-in, and adds a touch of personality to your device.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to change the screen saver on the most popular smart watch platforms, including Apple Watch, Wear OS (used by brands like Fossil and Google), and Samsung Galaxy Watch. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and creative ideas to help you get the most out of your device. By the end, you’ll be able to customize your screen saver with confidence and keep your smart watch looking fresh and functional.
Understanding Screen Savers on Smart Watches
Before diving into the how-to steps, it’s important to understand what a screen saver actually does on a smart watch. Unlike traditional computer screen savers that prevent phosphor burn-in on old CRT monitors, smart watch screen savers serve a different purpose. Most modern smart watches use OLED or AMOLED displays, which are susceptible to burn-in—a permanent ghost image that appears when static elements are displayed for too long.
Visual guide about How to Change Screen Saver on Smart Watch
Image source: wpxbox.com
To combat this, smart watches use features like ambient mode or always-on display (AOD). These modes dim the screen and simplify the interface when the watch is not in active use. Instead of turning off completely, the screen shows a minimal version of the watch face, often with reduced brightness, fewer colors, and limited animations. This not only protects the display but also allows you to quickly glance at the time or notifications without waking the full interface.
While the term “screen saver” is still commonly used, it’s more accurate to think of these features as low-power display modes. They’re customizable on most devices, letting you choose colors, styles, and even add complications like date, weather, or step count. Some watches even support animated or photo-based screen savers, turning your idle screen into a mini digital photo frame.
How to Change Screen Saver on Apple Watch
Apple Watch doesn’t use traditional screen savers. Instead, it relies on the Always-On Display feature (available on Series 5 and later) to show a dimmed version of your watch face when your wrist is down. However, you can fully customize what appears in this mode, effectively creating your own “screen saver.” Here’s how.
Step 1: Open the Watch App on Your iPhone
To change your Apple Watch screen saver, start by opening the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This app is your central hub for managing all watch settings, including watch faces, complications, and display options.
Step 2: Select “Face Gallery” or “My Watch”
Tap on “Face Gallery” to browse available watch faces, or go to “My Watch” and select “Face” to edit your current one. The Face Gallery offers a wide range of designs, from classic analog to modern digital styles, each with unique customization options.
Step 3: Choose or Customize a Watch Face
Pick a watch face that suits your style. For a minimalist screen saver, consider faces like “Numerals Duo” or “Simple”, which display clean, bold numbers. Tap on the face to customize it further.
Step 4: Adjust Always-On Display Settings
Scroll down and tap “Customize”. Here, you can change colors, add complications (like weather or activity rings), and adjust the layout. For the always-on display, choose a simpler version of the face—fewer colors, no animations, and minimal details. This ensures the screen saver is easy to read and battery-friendly.
Step 5: Set as Default and Sync
Once you’re happy with your design, tap “Add” to save it to your watch. Your Apple Watch will automatically sync the new face. To make it your default, press and hold the watch face on your Apple Watch, swipe to your new design, and tap the “+” icon to set it as the main face.
Pro Tip: Use a Photo as Your Screen Saver
Want something more personal? Use a photo from your iPhone as your watch face. In the Watch app, go to “Face Gallery”, select “Photo” or “Kaleidoscope”, and choose an image from your library. Adjust the layout and colors to match your style. The photo will appear in always-on mode, dimmed and simplified.
How to Change Screen Saver on Wear OS Smart Watches
Wear OS, developed by Google and used by brands like Fossil, Mobvoi, and Montblanc, offers robust customization for screen savers through its ambient mode. This mode activates when the watch is idle and can be tailored to your preferences. Here’s how to change it.
Step 1: Wake Your Wear OS Watch
Tap the screen or raise your wrist to wake the watch. Make sure it’s connected to your phone via Bluetooth and the Wear OS app is installed.
Step 2: Open the Settings Menu
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel. Tap the gear icon to access the full settings menu.
Step 3: Navigate to “Display” Settings
Scroll down and tap “Display”. This section controls brightness, timeout, and ambient mode settings.
Step 4: Select “Ambient Mode”
Tap “Ambient mode” to customize what appears when the screen is idle. You’ll see options like “Always on”, “Lift to wake”, and “Tap to wake”. Choose “Always on” to keep the screen saver active.
Step 5: Customize the Ambient Watch Face
Some Wear OS watches allow you to set a different watch face for ambient mode. If available, tap “Ambient watch face” and select a simpler design. You can also adjust colors and complications to reduce visual clutter.
Step 6: Use the Wear OS App for More Options
For deeper customization, open the Wear OS app on your phone. Go to “Watch faces” and browse the gallery. Download new faces that support ambient mode customization. Some third-party faces offer animated or interactive screen savers.
Pro Tip: Enable Theater Mode for a True Screen Saver
If you want the screen to turn off completely (like a traditional screen saver), enable Theater Mode. Swipe down from the top, tap the theater mask icon, and the screen will go dark. Tap it again to exit. This is useful during meetings or sleep.
How to Change Screen Saver on Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watches use Always On Display (AOD) as their screen saver solution. This feature keeps a simplified version of your watch face visible at all times. Samsung offers extensive customization through the Galaxy Wearable app. Here’s how to change it.
Step 1: Open the Galaxy Wearable App
On your Android phone, open the Galaxy Wearable app (previously called Samsung Gear). Make sure your watch is connected via Bluetooth.
Step 2: Go to “Watch Faces”
Tap “Watch faces” from the home screen. You’ll see your current face and a gallery of downloadable options.
Step 3: Choose a New Watch Face
Browse the collection and select a face that supports AOD customization. Look for faces labeled “Always On” or “Minimal” for a clean screen saver look. Tap “Download” and then “Apply” to set it.
Step 4: Customize the Always On Display
After applying the face, tap the “Customize” button. Here, you can adjust the AOD style—choose a different color scheme, hide complications, or switch to a monochrome version. This ensures the screen saver is easy on the eyes and battery.
Step 5: Adjust AOD Settings on the Watch
You can also change settings directly on the watch. Swipe up from the bottom to open the app drawer, then tap “Settings” > “Display” > “Always On Display”. Toggle it on and choose your preferred style.
Pro Tip: Use a Photo or GIF
Some Galaxy Watch models support photo or GIF watch faces. In the Galaxy Wearable app, select “My styles” > “Add” > “Photo” or “GIF”. Choose an image from your gallery and adjust the layout. The image will appear in AOD mode, dimmed and simplified.
How to Change Screen Saver on Other Smart Watches
Not all smart watches use Apple, Wear OS, or Samsung platforms. Brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and Amazfit have their own systems. Here’s a quick guide for changing screen savers on these devices.
Garmin Smart Watches
Garmin devices use “Always-On Display” on select models. To customize it, open the Garmin Connect app, go to “Devices” > “Watch Faces”, and download a new face. Some faces support AOD customization. On the watch, press the menu button, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Display”, and toggle AOD on or off.
Fitbit Smart Watches
Fitbit devices like the Sense and Versa use “Sleep Mode” and “Do Not Disturb” to dim the screen. To customize the display, open the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture, select “Clock Faces”, and choose a new design. Some faces are optimized for low-power mode.
Amazfit and Zepp Watches
Amazfit watches support AOD on many models. Use the Zepp app to browse and apply new watch faces. Look for faces labeled “Always On” or “Minimal.” On the watch, swipe down from the top, tap “Settings” > “Display” > “Always On Display”, and customize the style.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, you might run into problems when changing your screen saver. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Screen Saver Not Activating
If your screen saver doesn’t appear when the watch is idle, check the following:
- Ensure Always-On Display or ambient mode is enabled in settings.
- Verify the watch face supports AOD or ambient mode.
- Check battery level—some watches disable AOD when battery is low.
- Restart the watch to refresh settings.
Custom Watch Face Not Syncing
If your new face doesn’t appear on the watch:
- Make sure your phone and watch are connected via Bluetooth.
- Open the companion app and manually sync the watch.
- Update the app and watch software to the latest version.
- Remove and re-pair the watch if the issue persists.
Battery Draining Too Fast
AOD and ambient mode can drain battery faster. To reduce impact:
- Use a simpler watch face with fewer colors and animations.
- Reduce screen brightness in settings.
- Disable AOD during sleep or low-battery periods.
- Enable power-saving mode when needed.
Screen Burn-In Concerns
While rare, OLED burn-in can occur. To prevent it:
- Avoid static elements (like always-on complications) for long periods.
- Rotate between different watch faces regularly.
- Use AOD with moving elements or shifting layouts.
- Turn off AOD when not needed.
Creative Ideas for Your Screen Saver
Your screen saver is a canvas for creativity. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Use a favorite photo of family, pets, or travel memories.
- Try a minimalist design with bold numbers and no complications.
- Experiment with colors—match your screen saver to your outfit or mood.
- Add motivational quotes using text-based watch faces.
- Use seasonal themes—snowflakes in winter, flowers in spring.
- Try animated faces with subtle movements for a dynamic look.
- Create a custom face using apps like Facer (for Wear OS) or Watch Master (for Galaxy Watch).
Conclusion: Make Your Smart Watch Truly Yours
Changing the screen saver on your smart watch is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your device. Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Wear OS, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or another brand, the process is straightforward and rewarding. By customizing your always-on display or ambient mode, you not only protect your screen and save battery but also express your unique style.
Remember to explore the full range of options available in your watch’s companion app. Try different faces, colors, and layouts to find what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to switch things up regularly—your smart watch should evolve with your lifestyle.
With the steps and tips in this guide, you’re now equipped to change your screen saver with confidence. So go ahead, give your watch a fresh look, and enjoy a more personalized smart watch experience every day.