To stop your iPhone from locking automatically, you can adjust the Auto-Lock setting found within your iPhone’s Display & Brightness settings. By choosing ‘Never,’ you will prevent your iPhone screen from automatically locking.
After completing this action, your iPhone’s screen will stay on indefinitely until you manually lock it. This means the screen won’t turn off after a period of inactivity, which can be useful during certain activities like reading a recipe while cooking or displaying a boarding pass at the airport.
You can also check out this video about how to stop an iPhone screen from locking automatically for additional information.
Introduction
Have you ever been annoyed by your iPhone screen dimming and eventually locking while you’re in the middle of something important? Maybe you’re trying to follow a recipe, reading an article, or watching a video and suddenly, the screen goes black. This automatic feature is designed to save battery life and enhance security, but let’s be honest – sometimes it can be a real inconvenience. But fear not, there’s a way to keep your iPhone screen awake for as long as you need it.
This is especially relevant for those who recently updated their device to iOS 17 and are still figuring out the tweaks and changes. So, whether you’re a long-time Apple user or new to the ecosystem, this guide will help you take control of your screen’s auto-lock feature. Let’s dive into the simple steps to keep your iPhone’s screen from locking automatically.
Related: How to Change iPhone 14 Portrait Orientation Lock
A Step by Step Tutorial
This tutorial will guide you through the process of changing the Auto-Lock settings on your iPhone to prevent the screen from locking automatically.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
In the Settings app, scroll down and tap on “Display & Brightness,” which is where the Auto-Lock settings are located.
Step 2: Tap on ‘Display & Brightness’
Select the ‘Display & Brightness’ option within the Settings.
Once you’re in the Display & Brightness menu, you’ll find a variety of options to customize your screen’s appearance, including the Auto-Lock feature.
Step 3: Select ‘Auto-Lock’
Find and tap on the ‘Auto-Lock’ option.
The Auto-Lock feature determines how long your iPhone will wait before locking the screen after you’ve stopped interacting with it.
Step 4: Choose ‘Never’
Choose ‘Never’ to prevent your iPhone from automatically locking the screen.
By selecting ‘Never,’ you ensure that your screen stays on until you decide to lock it manually, giving you complete control over your device’s screen behavior.
Pros
There are several benefits to keeping your iPhone screen from locking automatically.
Pro 1: Convenience
It’s more convenient when your screen stays on during certain activities.
For example, if you’re following a recipe, you won’t have to keep touching the screen to prevent it from locking.
Pro 2: Accessibility
It can be easier for those with accessibility needs.
People with certain disabilities might find it difficult to keep unlocking their screen, so having it stay on can be a significant help.
Pro 3: Monitoring
It’s useful for monitoring live updates without interaction.
If you’re waiting for a live event to start or tracking your ride-share, you won’t miss a thing with the screen staying active.
Cons
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Con 1: Battery Drain
Your battery will drain faster with the screen always on.
The display is one of the biggest battery consumers on your iPhone, so consider this if you’re away from a charger for an extended period.
Con 2: Security Risk
It poses a security risk if your phone is left unattended.
An unlocked screen can give anyone access to your apps and personal information if you’re not careful.
Con 3: Screen Burn-In
There’s a risk of screen burn-in on OLED displays.
If static images are displayed for too long, they can get permanently burned into the screen, which is especially a concern for iPhone models with OLED screens.
Video About Auto Lock
Additional Information
Managing your iPhone’s Auto-Lock feature is just one way to customize your user experience. If you’re worried about battery life but still want to prevent your screen from locking during certain activities, consider using Low Power Mode to save energy. Additionally, always remember to manually lock your phone when you’re finished using it to maintain security.
If you’re using a work device, check with your IT department before making changes, as they may have specific settings in place for a reason. Lastly, remember that screen burn-in is a risk with OLED displays, so it’s a good idea to change your display settings back when you don’t need your screen to stay active for extended periods.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on ‘Display & Brightness’
- Select ‘Auto-Lock’
- Choose ‘Never’
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my iPhone lock automatically if I receive a call or notification?
No, your phone will remain unlocked unless you lock it manually or reset your Auto-Lock settings.
Can I still lock my iPhone screen manually if I choose ‘Never’?
Yes, you can always lock your screen by pressing the side or top button on your iPhone.
Will changing the Auto-Lock setting affect my screen’s timeout while charging?
No, it will not. Your screen will stay on as long as it’s set to ‘Never,’ whether charging or not.
Is there a way to temporarily override the Auto-Lock setting?
Yes, certain apps have the ability to keep your screen on while in use, regardless of your Auto-Lock settings.
Will this setting affect my battery life?
Yes, it will. Since the screen is one of the biggest consumers of battery life, keeping it on indefinitely will drain the battery faster.
Conclusion
Controlling your iPhone’s Auto-Lock feature can significantly improve your user experience, providing convenience and accessibility when you need it most. Whether you’re cooking, reading, or waiting for an important update, knowing how to keep your screen awake can save you from constant taps and swipes. However, it’s crucial to balance this convenience with the potential downsides, like increased battery usage and security risks.
By understanding the pros and cons and following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on how to manage your iPhone’s screen behavior in a way that best suits your needs. Happy tapping, or in this case, not tapping!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.