Have you ever been in the middle of reading something or following a recipe on your iPad, only for the screen to dim and lock itself? Annoying, right? That’s because of the Auto-Lock feature. While it’s useful for saving battery life and keeping your iPad secure, sometimes you need the screen to stay awake longer—or not lock at all.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to turn Auto-Lock off on iPad, why you might want to, and other helpful tips to customize your screen settings.
What Is Auto-Lock on iPad?
Auto-Lock is a built-in feature that automatically turns off your iPad’s display after a set period of inactivity.
Think of it as your iPad’s way of saying, “Hey, you’re not using me, so I’ll save power!”
Why Would You Want to Turn Auto-Lock Off?
Turning Auto-Lock off can be helpful in many situations:
-
Reading eBooks or PDFs – No more screen dimming mid-chapter.
-
Watching recipes or workout guides – Keeps instructions visible.
-
Presentations and Displays – Perfect if your iPad is being used as a kiosk or monitor.
-
Using with External Keyboards – Avoids interruptions while typing.
How to Turn Auto-Lock Off on iPad
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your iPad’s home screen.
Step 2: Tap on Display & Brightness
Scroll down the left menu and select Display & Brightness.
Step 3: Select Auto-Lock
Find the Auto-Lock option and tap it.
Step 4: Choose “Never”
From the list of options (30 Seconds, 2 Minutes, 5 Minutes, etc.), tap Never.
Now your iPad screen won’t lock automatically—it’ll stay awake until you manually lock it.
Alternative Way: Using Control Center (Quick Settings)
While you can’t directly change Auto-Lock from Control Center, you can temporarily prevent screen lock using the Guided Access or Screen Recording features. Handy for quick sessions.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Auto-Lock Option?
Sometimes, the Auto-Lock option is greyed out. Why?
-
Low Power Mode is enabled.
-
Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode and turn it off.
-
Now you’ll be able to adjust Auto-Lock.
-
-
Device restrictions may be applied (like on a work iPad).
-
Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
-
Does Turning Auto-Lock Off Drain Battery?
Yes, it can. Leaving your screen on constantly uses more battery. If you’re using your iPad for long periods while plugged in, that’s not a problem. But on the go, it’s better to pick a longer Auto-Lock time instead of disabling it completely.
Other Useful Screen Settings
While you’re in Display & Brightness, you can also adjust:
-
True Tone: Adjusts screen color automatically.
-
Night Shift: Warms up screen colors at night.
-
Brightness slider: Manually control display brightness.
These settings, combined with Auto-Lock, give you full control of your iPad’s screen behavior.
When Should You Keep Auto-Lock On?
Even though turning it off is convenient, Auto-Lock has its benefits:
-
Battery saving when you’re not using your device.
-
Security—prevents unauthorized access.
-
Prevents screen burn-in (though rare on modern iPads).
If you don’t need the screen to stay awake constantly, it’s safer to leave Auto-Lock on.
Best Practice: Adjust Instead of Turning Off
Instead of setting Auto-Lock to “Never,” try choosing a longer time (like 10 minutes). This way, you get convenience without sacrificing battery life or security.
Conclusion
Turning Auto-Lock off on your iPad is simple and takes just a few taps in the Settings app. Whether you’re using your iPad as a display, reading, or following along with recipes, setting Auto-Lock to Never can make life easier.
Just remember—while convenient, it can drain your battery faster. So use it wisely depending on your needs.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I change the Auto-Lock setting on my iPad?
Because Low Power Mode is turned on. Disable it in Settings > Battery.
2. Will turning off Auto-Lock damage my iPad?
No, but it may reduce battery life since the screen stays on longer.
3. Can I set different Auto-Lock times for different apps?
Not directly. Auto-Lock is a system-wide setting.
4. What’s the longest Auto-Lock time on iPad?
The longest option is 5 minutes, unless you select Never.
5. Does Auto-Lock affect alarms or timers?
No, your alarms and timers will still go off even if the screen locks.