To stop your iPhone screen from dimming, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and adjust the Auto-Lock setting to ‘Never.’ You can also turn off the Auto-Brightness feature in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. After adjusting these settings, your screen will no longer dim automatically.
After completing these steps, your iPhone screen will stay bright and visible until you decide to manually lock it or adjust the brightness.
Introduction
We’ve all been there, engrossed in an article or deep into a game, when suddenly the iPhone screen starts dimming. It’s distracting, isn’t it? You tap the screen frantically to keep it alive, but it’s a temporary fix. This dimming feature is designed to conserve battery life, but it can be a nuisance when you’re trying to use your phone. For those of us who want to keep our screens bright and shiny all the time, there’s a way to stop this automatic dimming.
This topic is not just about convenience; it’s also about accessibility. Some users may have visual impairments that require a consistently bright screen to interact with their devices effectively. Moreover, in certain situations, like when you’re using your phone for navigation on the road, having the screen dim could be downright dangerous. So, whether you’re looking to improve the functionality of your device or you just want to keep playing Candy Crush without interruption, this guide is relevant to you.
How to Stop iPhone Screen from Dimming
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know what we’re aiming for here. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your iPhone screen stays lit and visible according to your preferences, giving you control over when it dims, if at all.
Step 1: Adjust Auto-Lock Settings
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and select ‘Never.’
Auto-Lock controls how long your iPhone stays active before the screen locks itself. Setting it to ‘Never’ means your phone won’t automatically lock or dim due to inactivity. Be cautious with this setting though, as leaving your phone unlocked can pose a security risk and drain your battery faster.
Step 2: Turn Off Auto-Brightness
Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle off Auto-Brightness.
Auto-Brightness adjusts your screen’s brightness based on ambient light conditions. Turning it off ensures your screen brightness remains constant, regardless of the lighting around you. Remember, you may need to manually adjust your brightness from time to time once this feature is off, especially if you’re moving between very bright or dark environments.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Extended Screen Visibility | By stopping the screen from dimming, you ensure that your iPhone remains visible for as long as you need. This is particularly useful during long reads, navigation, or when showing content to others. |
| Improved Accessibility | People with visual impairments may need the screen to stay bright to interact with their devices effectively. Disabling automatic dimming caters to these needs, making the iPhone more accessible. |
| Control Over Phone Use | Giving users the ability to control when their screen dims puts them in charge of their device usage. This could lead to better control of battery life and security, as users can adjust settings based on their immediate needs. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased Battery Usage | Disabling Auto-Lock and Auto-Brightness can lead to increased battery consumption since the screen is one of the most power-hungry components of a smartphone. |
| Potential Security Risks | With Auto-Lock set to ‘Never,’ your phone remains unlocked all the time, which could be a security risk if it gets into the wrong hands. |
| Manual Brightness Adjustment | Turning off Auto-Brightness means you lose the convenience of your phone automatically adapting to lighting conditions, which could be a hassle for some users. |
Additional Information
When it comes to stopping your iPhone screen from dimming, it’s all about finding the right balance between usability and battery life. While following the steps provided will certainly keep your screen from dimming, it’s important to note that these changes may have implications for how frequently you need to charge your device. Additionally, consider the environments in which you use your phone. A constantly bright screen in a dark room can be uncomfortable for your eyes, so don’t forget to adjust your brightness manually when necessary.
For users who frequently switch between settings—like those who need a bright screen for work presentations but prefer a dimmer screen for personal use—Siri shortcuts can be a convenient tool. You can create custom shortcuts to quickly switch between brightness settings without going through the Settings app every time.
Summary
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and select ‘Never.’
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle off Auto-Brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stopping the screen from dimming affect battery life?
Yes, it can lead to increased battery consumption, as the screen is one of the most power-intensive components of your iPhone.
Is it possible to prevent the iPhone screen from dimming during certain activities, like reading?
Yes, by following the steps outlined in the tutorial, you can stop your screen from dimming during any activity.
Can I still manually adjust my brightness after turning off Auto-Brightness?
Absolutely, you can manually adjust your screen’s brightness at any time from the Control Center.
What should I do if I want my screen to dim under certain conditions?
You can manually enable Auto-Lock and Auto-Brightness whenever you want your screen to dim automatically, or create custom Siri shortcuts for quick toggling.
Will my screen stay on forever if I set Auto-Lock to ‘Never’?
Yes, unless you manually lock your phone, the screen will stay on indefinitely, which could impact battery life and security.
Conclusion
Stopping your iPhone screen from dimming is a simple way to enhance your user experience, especially if you require a consistently bright screen for accessibility or convenience. While there are clear benefits to this, there’s no denying the trade-offs in terms of battery life and security.
As with any customization, it’s about personal preference and finding what works best for you. Remember to weigh the pros and cons, adjust your settings based on your needs, and enjoy having control over your iPhone’s display. Happy undimmed viewing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.