DeviceHowTo
iPad (iPadOS)⏱ 2 min

How to Change Screen Timeout on iPad (iPadOS)

Set how long before the screen locks or turns off when idle.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

iPhone auto-lock (the iOS term for screen timeout) is configured in Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock, with options from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes, plus Never which should only be used when the device is plugged in. The Auto-Lock timer resets with any touch or button press, so the value represents the idle time before the screen sleeps — the most battery-efficient setting for daily use is typically 1 or 2 minutes. When Playing Media or using Low Power Mode, iOS automatically extends the auto-lock timer to avoid interrupting active tasks, so you may notice the screen stays on longer than the configured interval during video playback.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock. Choose your preferred timeout from 30 seconds to Never.
  2. 2Use shorter timeouts on battery for energy savings; use longer or Never only when plugged in.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPad (iPadOS) have a built-in way to change screen timeout?
Yes. iPad (iPadOS) includes a native option to change screen timeout without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to change screen timeout on iPad (iPadOS)?
Most users complete this in about 2 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to change screen timeout on iPad (iPadOS)?
Yes — this is a standard iPad (iPadOS) operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if change screen timeout doesn't work on iPad (iPadOS)?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

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