Reviewed by Ryan Perian
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The Download
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System Settings> Lock Screen> use drop-down menus to change screen timeout on battery or power adapter.
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Disable screen timeout by selecting Never.
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A short screen timeout can improve battery life, while disabling it entirely can create longevity issues.
This article teaches you how to change the screen timeout on a Mac. It also looks at how to switch it off entirely, and why you may want to change the timeout period.
How to Change How Long Your Mac's Screen Stays On
If you need to change how long it takes for your Mac's screen to switch off, the solution is fairly simple once you know where to look. Here's how to change how long your Mac's screen stays on.
Expert Tip: Note
In older macOS versions, go to System Preferences> Batteryor Energy Saver> Batteryor Power Adapterand adjust the sliders for Turn display off afteron battery power or when plugged in.
On your Mac, click the Applelogo > System Settings.
Click Lock Screen.
Use the drop-down menu beside Turn display off on battery when inactiveto set timeout settings on battery power.
Use the drop-down menu for Turn display off on power adapter when inactiveto set the length of time you wish to keep the screen switched on when your Mac's plugged in.
How to Switch Off the Screen Timeout on Mac
If you'd prefer that your screen never switches off on your Mac, follow the steps below.
Expert Tip: Note
Disabling screen timeout can affect the lifespan of your Mac but is fine to use for a short period of time. It can also affect the battery life of your Mac.
On your Mac, click the Applelogo.
Click System Settings.
Click Lock Screen.
Choose Neverfrom the Turn display off on battery when inactivedrop-down menu.
Repeat the same process for Turn display off on power adapter when inactive.
Expert Tip: Tip
On older macOS versions, go to Batteryand Power Adapter> Turn display off after> move the slider to Never.
Related: How to Keep a MacBook Awake With Lid Closed
How to Change the Screen Saver Timeout on Mac
If you'd prefer to have a screen saver kick in after a certain length of time, here's how to adjust how long it takes.
Click the Applelogo > System Settings.
Click Lock Screen.
Expert Tip: Tip
In older macOS versions, select System Preferences> Desktop & Screen Saver> Screen Saver> Show Screen saver afterand adjust how long until it displays.
Click the drop-down menu beside Start Screen saver when inactiveto choose how long before the screen saver turns on.
Expert Tip: Tip
If you see a yellow warning icon below Start Screen Saver when inactive, it means that your Mac's display is set to switch off before the screen saver has a chance to begin.
Why Would I Change My Screen Timeout?
Many people will be happy with the default Mac screen timeout options. However, there are some cases where you may want to increase or reduce the time. Here's a look at them.
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Privacy: Decreasing the length of time before the screen times out means that your screen isn't visible for as long, which can be useful if you want to keep something private.
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Giving presentations: If you're trying to show someone something on screen without interacting for a while, a longer screen timeout means the screen won't switch off midway through the presentation. This also applies when listening to music.
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To save battery life: If you regularly use your Mac on battery power, a lower screen timeout means that you'll conserve battery life any time you're not using it.
Related: How to Change Your Mac Login Picture: A Simple Guide
Frequently asked Questions
How do I wake up my Mac from sleep?
You can wake up your Mac by pressing any key on the keyboard. You can also try moving the mouse.
How do I put my Mac to sleep with the keyboard?
On a MacBook, you can put the computer to sleep by shutting the lid or selecting Applemenu > Sleep. Some desktop Macs can be put to sleep with the keyboard shortcut Option+Command+Eject.
Read the original article on Lifewire
