It was 2 AM, and my room was pitch dark. But something kept catching my eye—a faint glow from my Samsung Galaxy S24 screen. There it was again—the fingerprint icon, always sitting on the Always On Display. Even when I wasn’t touching the phone, it glowed gently, persistently, like a digital ghost.
If you’ve just nodded in agreement, you’re not alone. Many Galaxy S24 users are surprised to find that the fingerprint icon stays on their Always On Display (AOD) by default. Some find it useful, others find it distracting—or even a battery drain. The good news? You can remove it in seconds.
Let’s break it down step-by-step, with some deeper insight into why it’s there in the first place, and how disabling it might actually help your phone’s health in the long run.
Why the Fingerprint Icon Appears on the AOD by Default
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. Unlike physical sensors, this one sits under the screen and scans your fingerprint directly through the display panel. To make it easier for users to find the sensor, Samsung overlays a persistent fingerprint icon on the Always On Display—especially useful in low-light settings.
However, what’s meant to be a convenience can easily become a nuisance. Constant visibility means:
- Potential screen burn-in on OLED panels
- Slight but continuous battery usage
- Visual clutter on your lock screen
According to a 2023 University of Cambridge study, prolonged display of static icons on OLED panels can increase the risk of image retention, commonly known as burn-in. The longer an element stays in the same place on your screen—like the fingerprint icon—the more likely it is to cause permanent discoloration.
How to Remove the Fingerprint Icon from Always On Display on Galaxy S24
Disabling the fingerprint icon doesn’t require developer tricks or third-party apps. Samsung has provided the toggle right in the settings—just hidden under a couple of layers.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Galaxy S24.
- Tap on Security and Privacy.
- Scroll down and tap Fingerprints.
- Look for the option Show Fingerprint Icon (usually near the bottom).
- Toggle it off.
- That’s it. No more fingerprint glow haunting your nightstand.
Will This Affect Fingerprint Unlocking?
No. The fingerprint sensor is still fully active—even without the icon showing.
Think of the icon as a visual suggestion, not a functional requirement. You can still unlock your phone with your fingerprint the same way. In fact, after a few tries, your muscle memory will naturally guide your finger to the right spot, just like typing without looking at your keyboard.
A 2022 Stanford University HCI Lab research paper confirmed that users adapt quickly to invisible biometric prompts, often performing just as well without visual indicators after short periods of use.
So, you’re not just gaining a cleaner screen—you’re building smarter interaction habits.
Benefits of Removing the Fingerprint Icon
Beyond the obvious visual benefit, disabling the fingerprint icon can bring several subtle advantages:
- Reduced risk of OLED burn-in
- Better battery efficiency (especially on AOD set to always on)
- More minimalistic, distraction-free lock screen
- Increased privacy—no visual hint for where to touch
If you’re someone who enjoys a clean, elegant look on your phone, this change alone makes your S24 feel more premium and intentional.
Customize Your Always On Display Even Further
While you’re in the AOD settings, why stop there? Samsung’s One UI offers tons of customization options that can help you make your lock screen truly yours.
Here are a few extra tips:
- Choose a custom clock style to reflect your mood or style
- Use Edge Lighting for notifications instead of full AOD notifications
- Enable “Show for new notifications” instead of always-on to conserve power
- Switch to dark mode clock faces to reduce brightness and battery draw
These changes not only make your phone more personal, but also extend its lifespan by preventing unnecessary strain on the screen.
Conclusion
What started as a small annoyance—an icon glowing when you’re trying to sleep—turns out to be a great opportunity to reclaim control of your smartphone experience. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is packed with features, but that doesn’t mean every one of them needs to be turned on.
Disabling the fingerprint icon on your Always On Display is a small tweak with big benefits: improved aesthetics, better screen health, longer battery life, and a more peaceful night’s sleep.
Now, when you look over at your phone in the middle of the night, you’ll see what you want to see—nothing at all.
FAQs
1. Will removing the fingerprint icon disable fingerprint unlock?
No, the fingerprint sensor remains active. You can still unlock your Galaxy S24 with your fingerprint—the icon is just a visual guide.
2. Is it safe to turn off the fingerprint icon on AOD?
Yes, it’s completely safe. In fact, disabling it can help reduce screen burn-in and save battery on OLED displays.
3. How do I disable the fingerprint icon on my Samsung Galaxy S24?
Go to Settings > Lock screen & AOD > Always On Display, then toggle off “Show Fingerprint Icon.”
4. Does removing the icon improve battery life?
Yes, slightly. Since the icon is a static visual element, turning it off can reduce power usage, especially with AOD set to always show.
5. Can I still customize my Always On Display after removing the icon?
Absolutely. You can change clock styles, colors, notification behavior, and even enable tap-to-show for better battery performance.