An Apple fan recently uncovered a secret “red mode” on the iPhone that has several benefits and uses. The feature is known as StandBy and was introduced in Apple’s iOS 17 update in 2023. StandBy mode transforms the iPhone into a bedside clock, a photo frame, or a display for widgets or Live Activities in full screen. To activate StandBy, go to Settings, select StandBy, ensure the feature is toggled on, connect the iPhone to a charger in landscape position, press the side button, and begin customizing the display by swiping left or right to switch between widgets, photos, and clocks. StandBy works best on specific iPhone models, but other models can activate it by tapping the screen, nudging the surface the iPhone is on, or using Siri.
Users can control the length of time the iPhone screen stays on in StandBy mode by selecting one of three options: Automatically, After 20 Seconds, or Never. Additionally, the screen may appear completely red in StandBy mode in a dark room due to the Night Mode feature. This reduces the intrusiveness of the screen while sleeping and preserves low-light vision. Reddit users praised the red color in StandBy mode for being comfortable to look at in the dark and not disrupting night vision. The red tint is designed to be the most accommodating color to view at night without squinting. Therefore, the red color in StandBy mode is a helpful feature rather than a cause for concern.
StandBy is a feature that provides users with additional functionality for their iPhone when not in use. By activating StandBy mode, the iPhone can be transformed into a useful device for various purposes, such as a bedside clock or photo frame. The red color display in StandBy mode is meant to be non-intrusive and easy on the eyes in low-light conditions, preserving night vision and providing a comfortable viewing experience in the dark. Users can customize the StandBy display by swiping to switch between widgets, photos, and clocks, and adjusting the screen timeout settings to their preference. StandBy works best on specific iPhone models but can be activated on other models through alternate methods like tapping the screen or using Siri.
To access StandBy mode on the iPhone, ensure that you have updated to iOS 17 or later and have the feature toggled on in the Settings menu. Connect your iPhone to a charger in landscape position, press the side button, and begin customizing the display by swiping to switch between different views. StandBy mode is particularly useful for Always-On iPhone models, allowing users to utilize their device for various functions even when not actively using it. The red color display in StandBy mode is a unique feature that adjusts to low ambient light at night to avoid being intrusive while sleeping. Users can set their preferred view for different locations or purposes, such as family photos in the kitchen or an alarm clock at the bedside, making StandBy a versatile and convenient feature on the iPhone.
In conclusion, StandBy mode on the iPhone offers users the ability to customize their device for different purposes like a bedside clock, photo frame, or full-screen widgets. The red color display in StandBy mode is designed to be non-intrusive and comfortable to view in low-light conditions, preserving night vision and providing a pleasant viewing experience in the dark. Users can adjust the display settings to their preference, including the screen timeout duration and preferred view for different locations. StandBy mode is a useful feature that enhances the functionality of the iPhone, allowing users to make the most of their device even when not actively using it.


