A method for controlling display of at least one item in an electronic device is provided. The method includes, while a display screen of the electronic device is in an off state, detecting a gesture performed on a portion of the display screen using a low power controller and controlling, by the low power controller, to display the one or more items on the display screen in response to the detecting of the gesture. The one or more items are displayed in part of the portion of the display screen of the electronic device.