To keep your iPad screen from turning off and have it always on, you need to adjust the Auto-Lock setting to "Never" within your device's display settings.
Your iPad is designed to automatically lock and turn off its screen after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life and enhance security. However, for specific use cases like digital displays, monitoring, or Kiosk mode, you might want the screen to remain active continuously. This can be achieved by modifying the Auto-Lock setting.
Steps to Set Your iPad Screen to Always On:
Follow these simple steps to prevent your iPad from going to sleep automatically, as of the information available up to May 27, 2021:
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPad's Home screen.
- Navigate to Display & Brightness: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on Display & Brightness.
- Access Auto-Lock: Under the Display & Brightness options, locate and tap on Auto-Lock.
- Set to "Never": From the list of time options (e.g., 30 Seconds, 1 Minute, 2 Minutes, 5 Minutes, 10 Minutes), select Never.
This table summarizes the effect of the Auto-Lock setting:
| Setting Option | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Never | Prevents the iPad screen from automatically turning off. | Screen stays on until manually turned off, the power button is pressed, or the battery depletes. |
| 30 Seconds - 10 Minutes | Sets a specific time before the iPad locks and the screen turns off. | Screen turns off after the selected duration of inactivity, conserving battery and enhancing security. |
By setting Auto-Lock to "Never," your iPad screen will remain active indefinitely, provided it has sufficient battery power or is connected to a power source.
Important Considerations for "Always On" Mode:
While keeping your iPad screen always on can be beneficial for certain applications, it's crucial to be aware of the implications:
- Battery Drain: An "always on" screen consumes significantly more battery power. For extended use, it is highly recommended to keep your iPad connected to a power source.
- Security: An unlocked screen means anyone can access your device. If your iPad contains sensitive or personal information, consider the security implications of leaving it unlocked and accessible to others.
- Device Lifespan: While modern iPad screens are robust, prolonged continuous operation can, over time, contribute to component wear, particularly if not properly ventilated.
- Screen Burn-in (for OLED models): Although less common with modern LCD screens, prolonged display of static images on OLED screens (found in some newer iPad Pro models) could potentially lead to screen burn-in or image retention over extremely long periods. For most users, this is not a significant concern.
This "always on" setting is particularly useful for specific scenarios, such as:
- Using your iPad as a digital photo frame.
- Operating a point-of-sale (POS) system.
- Setting up an interactive kiosk in a public space.
- Displaying monitoring dashboards or smart home controls.
- Keeping recipes visible while cooking.
Remember to adjust this setting back to a shorter auto-lock duration if you no longer require the "always on" functionality, to optimize battery life and enhance device security.
