Change the screen timeout on your Samsung Galaxy to save power
Your Samsung Galaxy device includes a power-saving feature called screen timeout, which turns off the display after a set period of inactivity. You can adjust the timeout between 15 seconds and 10 minutes to suit your needs. Screen timeout is one of the most effective settings for managing daily power usage. Although many factors affect long-term battery health, reducing screen-on time helps lower energy consumption and heat, supporting better battery performance over time.
Note:
- Information provided applies to Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets sold in Canada.
- Available screens and settings may vary by model or for devices sold in other countries.
- For security and system reasons, it is not possible to turn off screen timeout completely and the lock screen timeout cannot be customized.
Screen timeout does not control how long the screen stays on while you are actively using your device. Instead, it sets the amount of time the screen will wait before turning off after a period of inactivity. Choosing a shorter timeout helps conserve battery by ensuring the screen shuts off when it's not in use.
Step 1. Open the Settings menu. Then, scroll through the menu and tap Display.
Step 2. Navigate to and tap Screen timeout.
Step 3. Choose a screen timeout duration between 15 seconds and 10 minutes.
Note:
- We recommend choosing a timeout duration of 1 minute or less to help save battery without interrupting regular use.
- Only the durations listed in the menu can be selected. It is not possible to disable screen timeout entirely, as doing so would affect battery life and overall device performance.
- Screen timeout settings apply to the main screen. The lock screen may turn off automatically after a shorter period and cannot be adjusted.
If your screen still turns off while you're actively using your device, even after adjusting the timeout setting, there are a few additional options you can try. These features help keep the screen on in specific situations, like when you're reading or watching content without touching the screen.
Advanced tips
- Use the Keep screen on while viewing feature: This setting uses the front camera to detect your face and keeps the screen on as long as you're looking at it. It may not work well in low light or if your face isn't clearly visible.
Navigate to Settings > Display > Screen timeout, then tap the switch next to “Keep screen on while viewing” to turn the feature on.
- Watch videos in full screen: When watching a video in apps like YouTube, Netflix or Samsung Gallery’s built-in player, the screen typically stays on. However, if you play videos inside a browser without full-screen mode, the screen timeout may still activate.
If the video appears in a smaller window while browsing, tap the video once to reveal playback options. Then, tap the full screen icon (highlighted with a blue circle in the screenshot above) to expand the video and help prevent the screen from turning off.
- Explore the Interaction and dexterity settings: For users with motor impairments or those who need more time between interactions, the Interaction and dexterity menu in the Accessibility settings offers several tools to improve usability.
Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity, and explore the available options. For example, a feature like Touch and hold delay can help make the screen easier to use. This setting adjusts how long you need to touch the screen before it registers a long press, which may reduce accidental timeouts during use.
Common situations where screen timeout still occurs
- Using third-party launchers or apps that don’t request screen-on privileges: These apps may not prevent the screen from timing out, even during active use.
- Using power saving mode: This mode may automatically reduce the screen timeout to 15 seconds to extend battery life.
- When the proximity sensor is covered (e.g., by a finger, case or debris): The device may think it's in a pocket or near your face, and turn off the screen to save power.
- Using VPN or screen-mirroring tools: Some tools can interfere with screen-on behavior, especially if the device detects inactivity.
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