How to remove auto-lock screen on Android: 7 proven methods

Automatic screen lock on Android is a useful feature for saving battery power and protecting privacy, but sometimes it interferes with the comfortable use of your smartphone. For example, when you read a long article, watch a video, or play a game where you have to unlock your device every time. Fortunately, manufacturers have provided several ways to disable or configure this behavior, both temporarily and permanently.

In this article we will look at all possible methods: from standard settings in the phone menu to hidden functions for advanced users. You will learn how to disable auto-locking on pure Android (for example, on Google Pixel), in branded shells MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi), One UI (Samsung), ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) and others. We will also consider alternative solutions for devices with root access and through ADB.

It is important to understand that completely disabling auto-lock may affect battery life and data security. Therefore, in some cases it is better not to disable it completely, but to increase the time before blocking or use “smart” functions like Smart Lock.

1. Standard method: lock screen settings

The easiest method is to change the settings in the settings menu. It works on most devices, but the path to options may differ slightly depending on the Android version and shell.

Open Settings → Display → Lock screen (or Settings → Security → Screen lock). Next, follow the instructions:

• 🔍 Find the item "Sleep mode" or "Auto-lock" (may be called "Screen timeout").
• ⏱️ Select the maximum time value - usually up to 30 minutes (on some devices up to 10 minutes).
• ⚠️ If the option "Never" is missing, then the manufacturer has limited this function.

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI the path will be like this: Settings → Lock screen → Automatic screen lock. Here you can select an interval from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. On Xiaomi s MIUI go to Settings → Display → Sleep mode.

2. Disabling through developer mode

On some devices (especially those with pure Android), you can completely disable auto-lock through a hidden menu for developers. This method requires first activating the developer mode.

First enable it:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Find the item "Build number" and tap on it 7 times in a row.
3. Enter the PIN code or pattern if required.

Now return to the main settings and open a new section For developers. Scroll down and find the option "Disable automatic locking" (or "Stay awake" — "Keep the screen on while charging"). Activate it.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung), the option "Stay awake" works only when the charger is connected. To completely disable auto-lock, other methods will be required.

3. Using Smart Lock

Smart Lock is an Android feature that allows you to keep your device unlocked in certain conditions (for example, when you are at home or connected to a trusted Wi-Fi network). This is a compromise solution for those who do not want to completely disable auto-lock, but want convenience.

To configure:

1. Open Settings → Security → Smart Lock (on some devices the path may be different, for example, Settings → Google → Security → Smart Lock).
2. Enter your PIN code or password.
3. Select one of the options:
   • 🏠 Trusted places —the phone is not locked at home/at work.
   • 🔄 Trusted devices —unlocking when connected to a Bluetooth device (headphones, smartwatches).
   • 👤 Face/voice recognition —less reliable, but convenient.

Smart Lock especially useful for Xiaomi i Samsung, where there is no option to completely disable auto-blocking. For example, you can add your home Wi-Fi network to your trusted ones - and the phone will not be blocked while you are at home.

4. Applications to disable auto-locking

If the built-in settings do not give the desired result, you can use third-party utilities. There are several proven applications: Google Play There are several proven applications:

• 📱 Keep Screen On - a simple utility that keeps the screen on while the application is active. Suitable for reading or watching videos.
• 🔄 Caffeine - adds a button to the notification panel to quickly enable/disable the function.
• 🛠️ Tasker - for advanced users. create automatic rules (for example, disable blocking only in certain applications).

Before installation, check the reviews and rating of the application. Some utilities require additional permissions, for example, Accessibility or Overlay on top of others. windows.

⚠️ Attention: Applications from third-party sources (not from Google Play) may contain malicious code. Install only trusted utilities with a large number of downloads.

How does Keep Screen On work?

The application uses a feature WAKE_LOCK in Android that prevents the device from going into sleep mode. However, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) limit the operation of such utilities in the background.

5. Disabling via ADB (for advanced)

If you are ready. work with the command line, you can disable auto-lock via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for devices without root access, but requires connection to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (see section 2).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter command:

   adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 3

   This command disables auto-lock when connected to a charger.

4. To completely disable it (does not work on all devices):

   adb shell settings put global lock_screen_lock_after_timeout 0

After executing the commands, reboot the device. If screen auto-off still works, then the manufacturer has blocked this feature at the software level.

ADB Command	Effect	Works on
stay_on_while_plugged_in 3	The screen does not turn off when charging	Most devices
lock_screen_lock_after_timeout 0	Complete shutdown auto-lock	Pure Android, some Xiaomi
pm grant [package] android.permission.WAKE_LOCK	Gives the application the right to control the blocking	For third-party utilities

6. Solutions for devices with root access

If your smartphone has root access, you can completely delete or modify the system files responsible for auto-locking. This is the most radical method, and it is suitable only for experienced users.

One way is to edit the file /system/build.prop:

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer).
2. Open the file /system/build.prop in a text editor.
3. Add the line:

   ro.lge.proximity.delay=255

   or (for some devices)

   ro.config.lockscreen.timeout=0

4. Save the file and restart the device.

You can also use modules for Magisk, for example "Disable Lockscreen", which completely remove the lock screen. However, this can lead to problems with the security and operation of some applications (for example, banking).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of warranty or “bricking” the device (complete inoperability). Before making changes, make a backup copy build.prop.

7. Features for different manufacturers

Each manufacturer modifies Android to suit its needs, so the methods for disabling auto-lock may vary. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung there is no option to completely disable auto-locking, but you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Also works Smart Lock and applications like Keep Screen On.

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

In MIUI path to settings: Settings → Display → Sleep mode. The maximum time is 30 minutes. To completely disable it you will need ADB or root.

Oppo/Realme/OnePlus (ColorOS/OxygenOS)

Here auto-lock is configured in Settings → Convenience → Sleep mode. On some models there is an option "Never", but it may be hidden in the advanced settings.

Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

Huawei aggressively optimizes background processes, so third-party applications to disable Auto-locks may not work. It is better to use Smart Lock or ADB.

Make sure that there are no important notifications on your phone that require locking

Check the battery level (always on screen drains it faster)

Set up Smart Lock for safe environments (home, trusted devices)

Make a backup copy of your data (in case of failure when using ADB/root)-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disable auto-lock only for certain applications?

Yes, applications are suitable for this like Tasker or Stay Alive!. They allow you to create rules, for example: "Keep the screen on while YouTube is open." Also, some shells (for example, MIUI) have a built-in "Game Mode" function, which disables auto-locking in games.

Why does it turn on again after turning off auto-lock via ADB?

Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) reset ADB settings after a system update or reboot. To consolidate the changes, you can create a script that will apply the command automatically when the device starts (you will need Tasker or root).

Will the battery drain faster if you disable auto-lock?

Yes, the screen consumes a significant portion of the charge. According to tests, an always-on display (even with minimum brightness) can reduce operating time by 20–40%, depending on the model. If autonomy is important to you, it is better to use Smart Lock or increase the time before locking to 5-10 minutes.

Can you disable auto-lock on an Android tablet?

On tablets (for example, Samsung Tab or Lenovo Yoga) auto-blocking settings are usually more flexible. There is often an option "Never" in the menu Settings → Display → Sleep mode. If it is not there, use the same methods as for smartphones: ADB, Smart Lock or third-party applications.

Why is there no "Never" option in the settings on my phone auto-lock?

Manufacturers often limit this function for reasons of safety and energy saving. For example, Samsung and Google in the latest versions of Android they removed the ability to completely disable it. In this case, there are alternative methods: ADB, Smart Lock or root.