If your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max does not go into StandBy Mode when it should, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are doing everything correctly. There can be several possible reasons. In this article, I’ll guide you through several effective solutions that can assist you in fixing StandBy mode on your iPhone 18 Pro to get it working.
How StandBy works
StandBy lets you view information at a distance while iPhone is charging. It is activated when an iPhone is both charging and positioned on its side.
You can utilize the StandBy mode to conveniently access helpful information such as the date and time from a distance while your iPhone is in the process of charging.
Think of StandBy as a display option for your iPhone, providing swift access to various informative screens that can be effortlessly viewed from a distance. This feature can be activated when your iPhone is charging on surfaces like a desk or nightstand by propping the iPhone on its side or by using a wireless charger where the iPhone can charge in a horizontal position. In cases where you charge your iPhone during the night, StandBy intelligently adjusts to low-light conditions, casting a soothing red hue and can be used like a bedside clock.
How to activate StandBy on iPhone 18 Pro
Ensure that the following are met:
- StandBy is enabled in Settings (Settings > StandBy).
- Your iPhone should be in the locked state while connected to a charger. You must connect your iPhone 18 Pro to power for StandBy to function. Simply turning your phone sideways won’t activate StandBy.
- Ensure that your iPhone 18 Pro is in a stationary horizontal position.
When these conditions are met, the StandBy mode automatically appears. From my own experience, I know that the iPhone needs to be still, if you keep moving it, the StandBy mode will not come on.
Apple’s iOS 27 User Guide lists the steps as: Connect iPhone to a charger and set it down on its side, keeping it stationary. Press the side button.
The Guide also says you can activate Siri, then tell Siri to turn StandBy on or off. And in each location where you charge iPhone with MagSafe, StandBy remembers your preferred view, whether that’s a clock, photos, or widgets.
What to do if StandBy does not activate on iPhone 18 Pro
- Ensure that your device is locked, charging and is placed on its side.
- Ensure that StandBy is enabled (Settings > StandBy).
- Restart your iPhone and then try again.
- Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
- To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
