If you use your iPhone for reading, following recipes, watching tutorials, or monitoring apps, it can be frustrating when the screen keeps turning off automatically. Apple iPhones have a default Auto-Lock setting to save battery and protect the screen, but you can adjust it to keep your iPhone screen on for longer.
This detailed guide will show you how to keep your iPhone screen on using built-in settings, accessibility features, and other tips.
1. Why iPhone Screen Turns Off Automatically
iPhones automatically turn off the screen after a certain period of inactivity to:
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Save battery life
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Prevent accidental touches
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Reduce screen burn-in
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Protect privacy
The default time is usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your model.
2. How to Keep iPhone Screen On Using Auto-Lock Settings
The simplest way to keep your iPhone screen awake is by adjusting Auto-Lock settings:
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock.
Step 2: Select a Longer Duration
You’ll see options ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes and Never.
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Choose “Never” to keep the screen on indefinitely.
⚠️ Note: Selecting “Never” will drain your battery faster and can increase screen wear over time.
Step 3: Exit Settings
Your changes are applied automatically. Now your iPhone screen will stay on until you manually lock it.
3. How to Use Attention-Aware Features (Face ID Models)
iPhones with Face ID have an Attention-Aware feature:
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When enabled, the phone detects if you’re looking at the screen and keeps it on.
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To check: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Attention-Aware Features.
This is useful if you want the screen to stay on while reading or viewing content, without changing Auto-Lock settings permanently.
4. How to Keep Screen On Using Guided Access
Guided Access is an accessibility feature that locks your iPhone into a single app and prevents the screen from sleeping:
Step 1: Enable Guided Access
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Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → Turn On.
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Set a passcode for Guided Access.
Step 2: Start Guided Access
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Open the app you want to stay on.
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Triple-click the side button (or Home button on older iPhones).
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Tap Start.
Step 3: End Guided Access
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Triple-click the side/Home button → Enter passcode → Tap End.
Guided Access is perfect for situations like following recipes, reading, or using a single app for a long time.
5. Using Low Power Mode and Its Effects
If your iPhone is in Low Power Mode:
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Auto-Lock may be forced to a shorter duration (like 30 seconds) to save battery.
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To prevent this, disable Low Power Mode: Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → Off.
You can then set Auto-Lock to a longer duration.
6. How to Prevent Screen Timeout for Apps
Some apps, like video players or eBook readers, automatically override Auto-Lock to keep the screen awake.
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Check app settings: Many apps have a “Keep Screen On” or “Prevent Sleep” option.
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Use Guided Access: If an app doesn’t have this feature, Guided Access keeps it awake.
7. How to Use Third-Party Apps to Keep Screen Awake
If you need more control, some apps can prevent your iPhone from sleeping while active:
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Kiosk apps for presentations
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Screen-on apps for timers or monitoring
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eReader apps with built-in “keep awake” options
Always check reviews to ensure the app doesn’t drain your battery excessively.
8. Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Screen still turns off after changing Auto-Lock | Check Low Power Mode; disable if active |
| Guided Access not working | Ensure it’s enabled in Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access |
| Battery drains too fast | Reduce brightness, avoid “Never” Auto-Lock for long periods |
| Screen dimming | Turn off Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Auto-Brightness if needed |
9. FAQs
Q1: Will keeping my iPhone screen on damage it?
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Prolonged screen-on time may slightly increase battery wear and risk screen burn-in, but modern iPhones are designed to handle it.
Q2: Can I keep the screen on only when charging?
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Yes. Combine Auto-Lock Never with Low Power Mode off while plugged in.
Q3: Does Guided Access work for all apps?
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Yes, but it locks you into a single app until you manually exit.
Q4: Can I use Siri to keep my screen on?
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Siri can’t directly prevent screen timeout, but you can open apps with Siri and then use Guided Access.
10. Final Thoughts
Keeping your iPhone screen on can be essential for productivity, learning, or entertainment. By adjusting Auto-Lock, using Guided Access, or leveraging app-specific features, you can control how long your screen stays awake.
⚠️ Always monitor battery usage and screen health when keeping your iPhone awake for long periods.
