Combined with the passcode feature, the Auto-Lock feature can prevent others from accessing your iPhone without authorization. While this feature can enhance security, it can also be inconvenient at times, especially if you need the screen to stay on longer. Fortunately, adjusting Auto Lock is usually straightforward. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about changing or turning off Auto Lock on iPhone, even if it's greyed out.
- Part 1. What Is Auto Lock on iPhone?
- Part 2. How to Change Auto Lock on iPhone
- Part 3. Why Is Auto Lock Greyed Out on iPhone?
- Part 4. FAQs about Turning Off Auto Lock iPhone
- Part 5. Conclusion
Part 1. What Is Auto Lock on iPhone?
What is the auto lock feature on an iPhone? You may want to ask. Auto lock is a feature available on all Apple devices, which will automatically lock the device when you look away for a while or haven't used it for a while. The screen of the iPhone stays on while you're looking at it, but it dims and eventually locks after a specific length of inactivity. You can set it to different time periods.
Part 2. How to Change Auto Lock on iPhone
The iPhone dims the display and automatically locks when it cannot detect your attention. The Auto-Lock feature is a pretty useful update but not for everyone. If you don't need this feature, you can go through a very brief procedure to turn it off. Here's how to disable the auto lock on your iPhone running different iOS versions.
Disable Auto Lock on iOS 6 or Below
Step 1. Head to Settings on the iPhone and tap General.
Step 2. Select the Auto-Lock option, then change the Auto Lock time on iPhone.
Step 3. Under Auto-Lock, simply tap Never to remove Auto Lock on iPhone.
Disable Auto Lock on iOS 7 or Later
Step 1. On the home screen of iPhone, open Settings and tap Display & Brightness.
Step 2. Under Display & Brightness, tap Auto-Lock to choose a length of time.
Step 3. To turn off Auto Lock on iPhone, simply select Never.
Part 3. Why Is Auto Lock Greyed Out on iPhone?
Sometimes, the Auto-Lock setting may appear greyed out and cannot be changed. This typically happens for one of the following reasons:
Low Power Mode is enabled:
When Low Power Mode is turned on, your iPhone automatically shortens and locks the Auto-Lock time to save battery, and the option becomes unchangeable.
An MDM profile is installed:
If your iPhone is managed by an organization, such as a company or school, a Mobile Device Management profile may restrict changes to the Auto-Lock timer.
If you find that the Auto-Lock option is greyed out or can't be adjusted, try the following methods to regain control over it:
Solution 1. Turn Off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode is an energy-saving feature that optimizes battery life by limiting certain functions, including the auto lock, which is set to 30 seconds by default. By disabling the Low Power Mode, you can adjust the timer or turn it off again according to your preference.
Step 1. Run Settings.
Step 2. Search or scroll down to find Battery, then press on it.
Step 3. When you see the Low Power Mode choice, toggle it off. Next, you can go back to adjust the auto lock time.
Solution 2. Remove MDM Profile
If your iPhone is supervised or managed by an organization, an MDM profile may be enforcing restrictions that prevent you from changing the Auto-Lock settings. In this case, the first step is to contact your IT administrator to adjust or remove the MDM policy that controls screen lock and Auto-Lock settings.
However, if you no longer have access to the MDM administrator, for example, if you bought a second-hand device or left the organization, then using a professional MDM removal tool can help you regain full control of your iPhone.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker is a well-regarded iOS unlocking utility that can help you remove MDM from iPhone without a password. In addition, it can help you bypass lock screen passcodes, remove Screen Time passcodes, and remove Apple ID from the device. Follow the steps below to remove the MDM profile from your device and adjust Auto Lock to your preferred timer.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker
Unlock various locks on iOS devices, including screen locks, MDM, Apple ID, and Activation Lock without needing a password.
Step 1 Install MagFone iPhone Unlocker
First, download and install MagFone iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable, then run the program once the installation is complete.
Step 2 Remove MDM Profile from iPhone
On the home screen of the software, choose Remove MDM. Next, click Start to begin deleting the MDM profile from your iPhone or iPad without needing the password. Once the MDM is removed, you can change Auto Lock on iPhone.
Part 4. FAQs about Turning Off Auto Lock iPhone
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Why can't I turn off Auto-Lock on my iPhone?
Because the Low Power Mode is enabled on your iPhone. This mode is designed to save battery and restricts some settings, including Auto Lock. To adjust the time of auto lock, first, disable Low Power Mode: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode, then return to change the auto lock settings.
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Why is iPhone Auto-Lock set to 30 seconds automatically?
When Low Power Mode is activated, the Auto-Lock feature defaults to 30 seconds to conserve battery life. This is a temporary setting that you can adjust to a longer time.
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How do I stop my iPhone from locking after inactivity?
To stop your iPhone from locking after inactivity, you can set the auto lock to Never in Settings. This will keep the screen on continuously until you manually lock it. Be aware that this setting may lead to increased battery drain, especially with prolonged screen-on time.
Part 5. Conclusion
It's easy to change Auto-Lock on your iPhone if you're not satisfied with the current timer. When Auto-Lock is greyed out, it's almost always due to a system setting or a management policy. By turning off Low Power Mode or removing an MDM profile with the help of a tool like MagFone iPhone Unlocker, you can usually regain full control over your Auto-Lock settings in just a few steps. After following the methods in this article, you should be able to set how long your screen stays on to better suit your needs while still maintaining a good balance between security and battery life.
Teresa Miller
Editor in chief
