How to change how long an Android screen stays on

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Display, then Screen timeout, and choose a time from 15 seconds to 30 minutes. On Pixel phones you can also switch on Screen attention so the screen stays on while you are looking at it.

Screen timeout decides how quickly the display turns off when you are not touching it. Longer helps when reading. Shorter saves battery and locks the phone sooner.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsNetwork & internetConnected devicesAppsNotificationsBatteryStorageDisplay

    Open Settings and tap Display

    On newer versions it may be called Display & touch.

  2. DisplayBrightness levelDark themeDisplay size and textScreen timeout

    Tap Screen timeout

    On Samsung it is also called Screen timeout.

  3. Screen timeout15 seconds30 seconds1 minute2 minutes5 minutes

    Choose a time

    The options usually run from 15 seconds to 30 minutes.

  4. Switch on Screen attention

    On Pixel phones, this uses the front camera to notice when you are looking at the screen and keeps it on. On Samsung the similar option is under Advanced features, Motions and gestures, Keep screen on while viewing.

Good to know

Battery Saver may shorten the timeout while it is on.

A long timeout means an unlocked phone stays open longer if you put it down. Lock it with the power button when you leave it.

How soon the phone locks after the screen turns off is a separate setting: Settings, Security & privacy, Device unlock, the gear next to Screen lock, Lock after screen timeout.

In short: Settings, Display, Screen timeout.

Sources
  • Google Android Help: Change display settings on Android

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