Have you ever wished your iPhone screen would stay on longer while reading an article, following a recipe, or using an app? By default, iPhones automatically lock the screen after a short period to save battery life. However, you can adjust your settings to keep the iPhone screen on for as long as you need.
This guide covers all methods to prevent your iPhone from going to sleep, whether you want a temporary solution or a more permanent setup.
Why iPhones Turn Off the Screen Automatically
iPhones use an Auto-Lock feature to:
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Save battery life
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Protect your device from accidental taps
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Improve security by locking the phone automatically
By default, Auto-Lock is usually set to 30 or 60 seconds, which may be too short for some users.
Method 1: Adjust Auto-Lock Settings
The most straightforward way to keep your iPhone screen on is by changing the Auto-Lock timer.
Steps:
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Open the Settings app.
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Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.
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Tap Auto-Lock.
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Select a longer time, such as:
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2 minutes
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5 minutes
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10 minutes
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Never (keeps the screen on indefinitely)
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⚠️ Note: Choosing “Never” will prevent the screen from turning off automatically, which may drain your battery faster.
Method 2: Enable Guided Access (Temporary Screen-On)
If you want your iPhone to stay on while using a specific app, Guided Access is a great option.
Steps:
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Open Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access.
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Turn on Guided Access.
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Tap Passcode Settings to set a passcode.
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Open the app you want to keep active.
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Triple-click the side button to start Guided Access.
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Tap Options and turn off Sleep/Wake Button.
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Tap Start to keep the screen on indefinitely within that app.
This method is perfect for reading, displaying recipes, or using a presentation app.
Method 3: Use Low Power Mode Carefully
Low Power Mode reduces background activity and can slightly extend battery life, but it does not prevent Auto-Lock. If you want the screen to stay on longer, disable Low Power Mode temporarily, because it sometimes limits the Auto-Lock maximum duration.
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Go to Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode
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Toggle it off
Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps
Certain apps, like video players, PDF readers, and presentation apps, include a Keep Screen On option built into the app. Look for this feature in the app’s settings to avoid changing system-wide settings.
Tips to Keep Your iPhone Screen On Safely
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Use Auto-Brightness: Prevents screen burn and saves battery.
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Keep iPhone plugged in: Recommended if the screen will stay on for hours.
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Enable Night Shift or Dark Mode: Reduces eye strain during prolonged use.
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Use Guided Access for specific apps: Avoids keeping the whole phone awake unnecessarily.
Common Questions About Keeping iPhone Screen On
Q1: Will keeping the screen on reduce battery life?
Yes, using “Never” in Auto-Lock or Guided Access will drain battery faster.
Q2: Can I set different Auto-Lock timers for different apps?
Not system-wide. Use Guided Access or app-specific “Keep Screen On” features.
Q3: Does Low Power Mode affect Auto-Lock?
Yes. Low Power Mode may limit the maximum Auto-Lock time to 30 seconds.
Conclusion
Keeping your iPhone screen on is easy once you know the right settings. Whether it’s changing Auto-Lock, using Guided Access, or relying on app-specific features, you can prevent your screen from dimming or locking automatically. Just remember to monitor battery usage if you plan to keep the display active for extended periods.