Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Home
Android

How to Make Incoming Notifications Automatically Wake Your Android's Display

May 11, 2015 05:16 PM
Smartphone screen displaying notifications and weather information.

Unlike the Moto X with its Active Display or the Nexus 6 and its Ambient Display, some devices (especially those now running Lollipop) do not include a function that permits the display to turn on upon getting new notifications while the device remains locked or the display inactive.

The purpose of these features is to notify users of incoming notifications while simultaneously also allowing them to briefly glance at them at their convenience. While you may feel left out if your smartphone doesn't include this, the developers at Nullgrad Apps have created an application just for you.

Install Glimpse Notifications

Whereas Active Display and Ambient Display are specifically designed in black and white to help conserve battery life on AMOLED displays, Glimpse simply brightens up the screen when you get a new notification. Though it won't save power, it will allow you to view desired notifications and react in a timely manner.

Install Glimpse Notifications for free from the Google Play Store.

Glimpse Notifications app installation prompt

Grant Notification Access

Glimpse will not initially work unless you enable notifications access for it, so hit the "Enable" button after launching the app. You'll be directed to the "Notification access" settings page where you can toggle it on.

How to Make Incoming Notifications Automatically Wake Your Android's Display
Notification access settings on a mobile device, featuring FingerSecurity and Glimpse Notification List options.
How to Make Incoming Notifications Automatically Wake Your Android's Display
Notification access settings on a mobile device, featuring FingerSecurity and Glimpse Notification List options.

Set Up the App

With the app activated, you'll want to select which apps will wake up the display. This feature will aid you in conserving battery life, as not all app notifications are vital or important for you to see.

Notification settings menu on a mobile device with customizable options.
Email and app settings menu on a mobile device.
Notification settings menu on a mobile device with customizable options.
Email and app settings menu on a mobile device.

Additional features include Pocket Mode, which is meant to prevent the screen from turning on in your pocket, though I haven't had much success with it. There are also Quiet Time hours you can set which will disable Glimpse for a specified period of time.

How to Make Incoming Notifications Automatically Wake Your Android's Display
Time picker interface displaying 10:00 PM with an option to cancel or confirm.
How to Make Incoming Notifications Automatically Wake Your Android's Display
Time picker interface displaying 10:00 PM with an option to cancel or confirm.

Try It Out!

Once you've set up the app, tap that big "Test" button, lock your device, and wait for the Glimpse notification to come through. It should wake up the device automatically, allowing you to view the notification without pressing the home or lock button.

Notification settings screen with options for enabling notifications, pocket mode, and quiet time.
Notification screen on a smartphone displaying a message about a request not being completed.
Notification settings screen with options for enabling notifications, pocket mode, and quiet time.
Notification screen on a smartphone displaying a message about a request not being completed.

If this is something you've noticed and want to easily glimpse at lock screen notifications as they come in, then definitely give Glimpse Notifications a try.

Make sure to follow Android Hacks over on Facebook and Twitter, or Gadget Hacks over on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, for more Android tips.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!