To stop tablet screen from turning off, you need to adjust the display timeout setting, which controls how long the screen stays on before it locks or goes dark. The exact method depends on whether you use an iPad or an Android tablet, and we will cover both below, along with what to do if the entire tablet is powering off completely.
Why your tablet screen keeps turning off (and how to stop it)
Most users searching for this want to prevent the screen from going dark during a task like reading a recipe, following a workout video, or monitoring a live feed. This is a screen timeout issue, not a full shutdown. The screen timeout is a power-saving feature that automatically turns off the display after a set period of inactivity. While this is helpful for battery life, it can be disruptive. The solutions differ by device: iPads offer a "Never" option, while most Android tablets, including Samsung models, have a maximum timeout of 10 minutes. For Android users who need the screen on longer, a special developer setting can keep the display active while charging. If your tablet is actually turning off completely (not just the screen going dark), the problem is likely battery or software related, which we will address separately. If a crashing system process is the culprit, you might see an error like my tablet keep saying Google play services has stopped before the shutdown.
Stop an iPad screen from turning off
To keep your iPad screen on indefinitely, you can set the auto-lock feature to "Never." This is the most direct way to stop tablet screen from turning off on an iPad.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Tap Auto-Lock.
- Select a longer time interval or "Never."
Be aware that setting auto-lock to "Never" will significantly increase power consumption and can lead to faster battery drain. You may want to revert to a shorter timeout when you are not actively using the screen.
Stop an Android tablet screen from turning off
Standard Android tablets, including Samsung models, typically have a maximum screen timeout of 10 minutes and do not offer a "Never" option in their standard settings. To stop Samsung tablet screen from turning off, or any Android tablet, for longer than this limit, you can use the "Stay awake" option in Developer Options. This setting keeps the screen on while the device is charging, which is ideal for tasks where the tablet is plugged in.
How to enable Developer Options on Android
Developer Options are hidden by default. You must enable them before you can use the "Stay awake" toggle.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to About tablet (or About phone). You may need to look under Software information.
- Locate Build number and tap it seven times. You will see a message indicating that you are now a developer.
- Go back to the main Settings menu. You will now see Developer options near the bottom.
- Open Developer options and toggle on Stay awake. This will prevent the screen from turning off while the charger is connected.
This method is useful for scenarios like using your tablet as a digital photo frame or a cooking display while it is plugged in. For concerns about keeping the screen on damaging battery or screen, rest assured that modern tablets are designed to handle this, though it will drain the battery faster when unplugged and may contribute to long-term battery wear over many months of constant use.
What if your tablet is powering off completely?
If your tablet is not just dimming the screen but actually turning off or restarting on its own, the issue is different. A common cause of a full shutdown is a low or failing battery. Other causes include power-hungry applications running in the background, an outdated operating system, or overheating. To troubleshoot unexpected full shutdowns, start by checking the battery health in your tablet's settings if available. Close unused background applications to reduce system load. Ensure the operating system is updated to the latest version, as updates often fix bugs that cause instability. Prevent overheating by removing thick cases and keeping the tablet out of direct sunlight. If the problem persists, you may need to perform a factory reset, which will erase all data and settings, restoring the tablet to its original state. Before doing so, back up your important data. If a factory reset does not solve the problem, the issue is likely hardware-related, and you should seek professional help. For reference, if you are looking for instructions on turning off a tablet normally, that is a separate action found in the power menu, often used to set a sleep timer or fully power down the device. Similarly, if you need to shut down your tablet completely, press and hold the power button and select the power off option from the on-screen menu.
