Changing the screen timeout on an Android device involves adjusting how long the display remains active before turning off due to inactivity. The process varies slightly depending on the Android version and manufacturer, but core methods remain consistent across most devices. Users can modify this setting through the device's native display options, developer tools, or third-party applications when default options are insufficient. For most devices, the standard path is Settings > Display > Screen Timeout, where durations typically range from 15 seconds to 10 minutes, though some manufacturer-specific interfaces (like Samsung) may offer extended options or additional features like "Smart Stay" ^[1][6].

• The primary method involves navigating to Display settings and selecting a timeout duration ^[1][2][7]
• Samsung devices may require additional steps through Lock Screen and Security settings ^[4][5]
• Developer Options and ADB commands can disable or extend timeouts beyond standard limits ^[1][2]
• Third-party apps like "Wakey" or "Kinscreen" provide alternatives when native options are limited ^[5][9]

Adjusting Android Screen Timeout Settings

Standard Method via Display Settings

The most straightforward approach to changing screen timeout involves using the device's built-in display settings. This method works across nearly all Android versions and manufacturers, though menu labels may vary slightly. The process begins by opening the Settings app, then navigating to the Display section. Here, users will find the Screen Timeout option, which presents a list of available durations. These typically include intervals such as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, with some devices offering a "Never" option for continuous display ^[1][2][7].

Key steps and considerations for this method:

• Open Settings > Display > Screen Timeout (or Display & touch > Screen timeout on some devices) ^[7]
• Select the desired timeout duration from available options (ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes on most devices) ^[1]
• Samsung devices running Android 14 may offer extended options up to 15 minutes or include "Smart Stay" to keep the screen active while being viewed ^[3][6]
• The "Screen Attention" feature on Android 14 can override timeout settings when the device detects the user is looking at the screen ^[6]
• Some devices may not offer a "Never" option in standard settings, requiring alternative methods for indefinite screen-on durations ^[2]

Manufacturers occasionally modify these paths, particularly on customized Android skins. For example, Samsung devices often separate display timeout (when the screen turns off) from lock timeout (when the device requires authentication to unlock). The lock timeout can be adjusted separately under Settings > Security and Privacy > Device Lock > Lock after screen timeout, allowing users to set delays like 30 seconds after the screen turns off ^[4][6].

Advanced Methods for Extended Timeouts

When standard settings prove insufficient—such as when the maximum timeout is too short or a "Never" option is unavailable—users can employ advanced techniques. These include enabling Developer Options, using ADB commands, or installing third-party applications designed to override default behaviors. Developer Options, hidden by default, can be unlocked by tapping the Build Number seven times in Settings > About Phone ^[1]. Once enabled, users gain access to the Stay Awake option, which keeps the screen on while the device is charging ^[1][2].

For more granular control, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands allow users to set custom timeout values beyond what the UI offers. The command settings put global screenofftimeout can be executed via a computer connected to the device, where is replaced with the desired duration (e.g., 600000 for 10 minutes) ^[1][2]. This method is particularly useful for:

• Setting timeouts longer than the maximum UI option (e.g., 30 minutes or indefinite) ^[9]
• Managing multiple devices simultaneously via scripts ^[1]
• Overriding manufacturer restrictions on timeout durations ^[2]

Third-party applications offer another layer of flexibility. Apps like Wakey, Kinscreen, or Caffeine can keep the screen active based on specific triggers, such as:

• Motion detection (screen stays on while the device is in motion) ^[5]
• Proximity sensors (prevents timeout when the device is held) ^[5]
• Custom rules for different applications (e.g., keeping the screen on only in certain apps) ^[9]

For enterprise or managed devices, Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions like Esper, emteria, or Samsung Knox provide centralized control over screen timeout settings across fleets of devices. These platforms allow administrators to push uniform timeout policies, disable timeouts entirely for kiosk-mode devices, or adjust settings remotely without physical access to each device ^[1][2][8].