How to Change Screen Timeout on Chromebook
Set how long before the screen locks or turns off when idle.
Last verified: February 21, 2026
Chromebook screen timeout is in Settings > Device > Displays > Sleep, and the options typically cover 1 to 30 minutes with a Keep Display On while charging option. Chromebook screen timeout interacts with the Screensaver setting, which activates before the display fully turns off, and with the Lock screen timer which determines when a password is required after waking. For presentations or demos, going to Settings > Device > Displays and enabling Keep Awake prevents the screen from dimming entirely without needing to adjust the normal timeout setting.
Quick Steps
Follow in order for the fastest result.
- 1Go to Settings > Device > Displays > Sleep and choose the timeout duration.
- 2Use shorter timeouts on battery for energy savings; use longer or Never only when plugged in.
Still Not Working?
Try these if the steps above didn't help.
- If the screen turns off despite setting it to Never, check whether a Battery Saver profile is overriding display settings.
- Some MDM or enterprise device management profiles lock screen timeout — check with IT if settings are greyed out.
Verify the Fix
Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.
- Leave the device idle for the configured period and confirm the screen turns off at the expected time.
- Connect to power and confirm the plugged-in timeout setting behaves differently if you set separate values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chromebook have a built-in way to change screen timeout?
How long does it take to change screen timeout on Chromebook?
Is it safe to change screen timeout on Chromebook?
What should I do if change screen timeout doesn't work on Chromebook?
Same task, different device
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