By default, an iPhone dims and locks its screen after 30 seconds without a touch. That’s frustrating when you’re following a recipe, reading sheet music, or using the phone as a display. You can keep your iPhone 7, or any iPhone, awake longer or indefinitely with the Auto-Lock setting. This guide covers how to change it, why the option is sometimes greyed out, and tips to avoid draining the battery.
Quick Answer
Open Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and choose Never, or a longer time like 5 minutes. If Auto-Lock is greyed out and stuck on 30 seconds, turn off Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery.
How to Change Auto-Lock
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Tap Auto-Lock.
- Choose a time from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or Never.
With Never, the screen stays on until you press the side (or top) button. Lock it manually when you’re done.
Which Setting Should You Choose?
| Setting | Best for |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds to 1 minute | Maximum battery life and security |
| 2 to 5 minutes | Reading, recipes, and following directions |
| Never | Presentations, dashboards, or when plugged in. Remember to lock it manually. |
Auto-Lock Greyed Out? Turn Off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode forces Auto-Lock to 30 seconds. To change it:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Turn off Low Power Mode.
- Go back to Auto-Lock and choose your time.
A yellow battery icon in the status bar means Low Power Mode is on. You can also toggle it in Control Center.
If Auto-Lock is still locked, a work or school management profile may enforce it. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Newer iPhones: Attention Awareness
On iPhones with Face ID, Attention Aware Features (Settings > Face ID & Passcode) keep the screen from dimming while you’re looking at it. The iPhone 7 uses Touch ID and doesn’t have this feature, so Auto-Lock is the only control.
Keep the Screen On in Specific Situations
- Videos and games usually keep the screen awake automatically.
- Guided Access (Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access) locks the phone to one app and has its own display auto-lock option. It’s handy for kiosks or kids.
- Navigation apps keep the screen on during directions.
Battery and Screen Tips
- Lower brightness when using Never for long periods.
- Plug in the charger for extended always-on use.
- Avoid leaving the same bright image on for many hours on OLED models, to reduce the risk of burn-in. The iPhone 7 has an LCD screen, which isn’t prone to burn-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone still dim before locking?
The screen dims a few seconds before Auto-Lock kicks in. Touch the screen to reset the timer. Also check that Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size) isn’t dimming it in low light.
Is it safe to set Auto-Lock to Never?
It’s safe for the phone, but someone could access it if you leave it unattended. Lock it manually when you put it down.
Does Auto-Lock affect the alarm or music?
No. Alarms and audio work whether the screen is locked or not.
Summary
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
- Choose a longer time or Never.
- Turn off Low Power Mode if the setting is greyed out.
- Lock the phone manually and lower brightness to save battery.
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.