How to Enable Nightstand Mode on an Apple Watch

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Nightstand Mode turns your Apple Watch into a small bedside clock while it charges. Lay the watch on its side on the charger and it shows the time, date, charging status and your next alarm, then gently brightens before the alarm goes off. It’s on by default on most watches, but if yours just shows a charging icon, here’s how to turn it on, use it, and fix it when it doesn’t appear.

Quick Answer

On your Apple Watch, open Settings > General > Nightstand Mode and turn it on. Or, on your iPhone, open the Watch app, tap My Watch > General > Nightstand Mode, and turn it on. Then put the watch on its charger lying on its side.

Smartwatch Nightstand Mode settings screen with the Nightstand Mode switch turned on and highlighted
The Nightstand Mode switch is in Settings > General on the watch.

Turn On Nightstand Mode on the Apple Watch

  1. Press the Digital Crown to open your apps, then open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Nightstand Mode.
  4. Turn on Nightstand Mode.

Turn It On From Your iPhone

  1. Open the Watch app on the paired iPhone.
  2. Tap the My Watch tab.
  3. Tap General, then Nightstand Mode.
  4. Turn on Nightstand Mode.

If you don’t see the option in the Watch app on your iPhone, use the watch itself; the setting location has moved in some versions of watchOS.

How to Use Nightstand Mode

  1. Connect the charger and lay the watch on its side, so the band is open and flat and the side button and Digital Crown face up. Some stands hold it in this position for you.
  2. The screen shows a large clock, the date, charging status, and the time of the next alarm set in the Alarms app.
  3. The display dims after a moment. To see the time again, tap the screen, gently nudge the watch, or press a button. Even tapping the nightstand may wake it.
Smartwatch lying on its side on a charger in Nightstand Mode showing a large green clock, the date, a charging indicator and the next alarm time
In Nightstand Mode the watch works as a bedside clock and shows your next alarm.

Using Alarms in Nightstand Mode

  • Set an alarm in the Alarms app on the watch (or ask Siri, “Set an alarm for 6:30 a.m.”). Alarms set on your iPhone don’t appear unless they were created for the watch.
  • Before the alarm, the screen slowly brightens to help you wake up.
  • When the alarm sounds, press the side button to turn it off or the Digital Crown to snooze for nine minutes.
  • According to Apple, an alarm set on the watch plays a sound in Nightstand Mode even if Silent Mode is on.

Nightstand Mode Not Working? Try These Fixes

  • Check the position. The watch must be lying on its side while charging. Lying face up doesn’t trigger the clock.
  • Turn off Sleep Focus. When Sleep Focus or a sleep schedule is active, the watch keeps the screen dark to avoid disturbing you, and Nightstand Mode may not appear.
  • Check Theater Mode. Theater Mode keeps the screen off; swipe up (or press the side button) to open Control Center and turn it off.
  • Toggle the setting. Turn Nightstand Mode off and on again, then restart the watch by holding the side button and choosing the power icon.
  • Update watchOS. On the iPhone, open Watch > General > Software Update.
  • Use a working charger. If the watch isn’t charging (no lightning bolt), Nightstand Mode won’t start. Clean the back of the watch and try another cable.

Nightstand Mode vs. Sleep Tracking

You can’t use Nightstand Mode and sleep tracking at the same time, because sleep tracking requires wearing the watch. Many people charge the watch in Nightstand Mode during the evening or first thing in the morning, then wear it to bed. If you track sleep, charge to at least 30% before bed so the battery lasts the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the Nightstand Mode clock color or face?

No. Nightstand Mode uses its own built-in clock display, and you can’t pick a different face or color.

Does Nightstand Mode use more power?

Very little, and the watch is charging anyway. The screen stays dim most of the time.

Will my alarm go off if the watch is in Silent Mode?

Apple says alarms sound in Nightstand Mode even with Silent Mode on. Outside Nightstand Mode, a silenced watch only taps your wrist.

Is there a similar feature on the iPhone?

Yes. iPhone StandBy (iOS 17 and later) shows a clock, widgets or photos when the iPhone is charging on its side and locked.

Summary

  1. On the watch, go to Settings > General > Nightstand Mode and turn it on.
  2. Or use the Watch app on iPhone: My Watch > General > Nightstand Mode.
  3. Charge the watch lying on its side.
  4. Set alarms in the watch’s Alarms app.

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