Preview notifications on black (not locked) screen - is this possible?

[bnabound]

Hi guys,

I've googled this and checked the forums here but haven't found a satisfying answer yet.

Here's what I would like my z5 compact to do:

When I lock my phone (the screen goes black), if a text or email or any other kind of notification arrives, I want to see a preview of it on the screen briefly (it can then disappear), instead of the little light flashing at the top right. I don't want to have to press the power button to bring up the lock screen in order to see what's just come in. Is this possible?

I have the following settings:

Android 6.0.1 

Notification Light - Use LED light to show incoming notifications

When device is locked - show all notification content

Keep notifications on lock screen - on

Notification access - style cover, on

App notifications are turned on, allow peeking and are treated as priority

I have tried everything, from not having any fingerprit/pattern on to toggling all the above mentioned options but no success.

Would really appreciate some input as it's been driving me crazy. I was looking forward to moving from a rubbish Windows 7.5 phone (I know, right?!?!?) to Sony with Android but this is the ONE feature I really, really liked on my old phone and would love to have here as well. 

Many thanks,

Maria

[_alexdon_]

@bnabound that's not possible on default android, if you turn on the screen after checking the notification led, you will see a preview. But nothing more, screen won't turn on when notifications arrive. Perhaps some 3rd party apps allow this.

[Emir1]

Hi @bnabound, welcome to the forum!

Text messages and emails don't light up the screen to show you the notifications using the pre-installed applications and there's currently no setting to allow it. However, there may be third party apps available in the Google Play Store which allow the screen to light up in order to show the notifications automatically.

Also, please note that I can't assist you with third party apps.

[dandy63]

@bnabound Hi, as mentioned there is no way to do this especially with using the style cover....been a bit of a bug bear for me using the style cover as when it is closed you can't see the LED Notification light (if your phone is on silent so you can't hear the tones) so it would have been better if as you say the screen was to light up with any form of messages....also a small hole on the cover would have been a good idea 

Interested if you can find a 3rd party app as i did originally try :smileysmileywink:

[ny75 · Accepted solution]

Hello, I've been using LightFlow for a while to control my notification led. It is able to turn screen on when a notification arrives. This is configurable for each notification type and the screen on time also. 

[dandy63]

@ny75 now that is interesting...i use Lightflow also but basically for the different coloured LEDs & alternating the speed of the flash.

Now how did i miss the option to turn on the screen etc 

I shall go have a look...many thanks 

[bnabound]

You guys, this is amazing, thanks so much for all your prompt replies!

@ny75 - I donwloaded the free version of Lightflow and it does exactly as you said and switches the screen on when a notification arrives, which totally rocks my socks! Many, many thank yous!!!

[listenjared]

Another alternative would be to use an alternative lockscreen altogether.

I've found ACdisplay to satisfy my needs. It's sleek and functional at the same time. It displays notification icons (on which app) and you can tap it to have a preview of its contents.

It can also wake the screen in the event of notifications. Just try it, it matches the Xperia design, and it's free!