Keep Screen Awake
Tap the switch and your screen stays on while this tab is open, so it won't dim or lock while you read a recipe, follow a tutorial or present. Set a timer to let it sleep again automatically.
Last updated:
Activity log
How to use the Keep Screen Awake
- Open this page in the tab or window you want to keep on screen, or alongside your other work.
- Choose a timer if you want the screen to sleep again later, or leave No limit.
- Tap Keep screen awake. The indicator turns green while the lock is held.
- Keep this tab visible. If you switch tabs, the browser releases the lock and the page grabs it again when you come back.
- Tap Stop keeping awake when you are done, or let the timer finish.
What the Screen Wake Lock does
Phones and computers turn the display off after a period without touches or key presses to save power. A screen wake lock tells the system that the page is showing something you are actively watching, such as a recipe, sheet music, a slide deck or a dashboard, so the idle timer is paused. This page requests the lock when you tap the switch, shows whether it is held, and releases it when you stop or the timer ends.
The lock is tied to this tab being visible. When you hide the tab, the browser releases it automatically; when you return, the page re-acquires it (unless you turn that option off). The activity log records each change so you can see exactly what happened.
Browser support
| Browser | Screen Wake Lock API | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome, Edge, Opera (desktop and Android) | Version 84 and later | May be refused in battery saver mode |
| Samsung Internet | Version 14 and later | Same behavior as Chrome |
| Safari (iPhone, iPad, Mac) | Version 16.4 and later | Low Power Mode can still dim the screen |
| Firefox (desktop and Android) | Version 126 and later | Older versions use the video fallback |
Other ways to stop the screen from sleeping
- Windows: Settings → System → Power & battery → Screen and sleep, then set a longer time or Never.
- macOS: System Settings → Lock Screen → "Turn display off on battery/power adapter when inactive". The built-in Terminal command
caffeinate -dkeeps the display on until you press Ctrl+C. - Android: Settings → Display → Screen timeout. Developer options also has "Stay awake" while charging.
- iPhone and iPad: Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → Never.
Those settings affect everything on the device until you change them back. This page only keeps the screen on while you need it, then restores normal behavior automatically. Need light in the dark too? Try the phone flashlight or the screen flashlight.
Frequently asked questions
How does a web page keep my screen awake?
Modern browsers offer the Screen Wake Lock API. When you press the switch, the page calls navigator.wakeLock.request('screen'), and the operating system stops dimming and locking the display while the lock is held. It does not change your device settings; releasing the lock restores normal behavior.
Does it keep working if I switch to another tab or app?
No. For battery and privacy reasons, browsers release a screen wake lock as soon as the tab is hidden or minimized. With Re-acquire on, the page takes the lock again the moment you return. To keep another app on screen, open this page in a separate window that stays visible, such as a split screen.
Which browsers support it?
The Screen Wake Lock API works in Chrome and Edge 84 and later, Opera, Samsung Internet, Safari 16.4 and later on iPhone, iPad and Mac, and Firefox 126 and later. For older browsers the page plays a tiny silent looping video, which many browsers treat as active media and keep the screen on, but this is not guaranteed.
Does it stop my computer from going to sleep?
It stops the display from turning off or locking, which also prevents idle sleep on most systems while the screen is on. Closing a laptop lid, pressing the power button, or a low-battery shutdown still work as normal.
Why was the lock released on its own?
The operating system can cancel a wake lock at any time, for example when battery saver or low power mode turns on, or when the battery is low. The activity log shows when that happens, and the page tries to take the lock again if the tab is still visible.
Does keeping the screen on drain the battery?
Yes, the display is one of the biggest power users. Lower the brightness, plug in for long sessions and use the timer so the screen does not stay on longer than needed.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.