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macOS⏱ 2 min

How to Change Screen Timeout on macOS

Set how long before the screen locks or turns off when idle.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS screen timeout is split across two settings: System Settings > Lock Screen controls when the display turns off and when a password is required to wake, while Energy Saver controls sleep for the whole system including the hard drive. The distinction between display sleep and system sleep matters for tasks like long downloads or console sessions — setting display sleep to 2 minutes while system sleep is set to Never keeps the screen power-efficient while keeping active processes running uninterrupted. Presentation mode via an external display connection automatically extends the sleep delay, and enabling Hot Corners to put the display to sleep immediately gives you a fast manual override.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Open System Settings > Lock Screen. Set Turn display off on battery and Turn display off on power adapter to your preferred durations.
  2. 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.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does macOS have a built-in way to change screen timeout?
Yes. macOS includes a native option to change screen timeout without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to change screen timeout on macOS?
Most users complete this in about 2 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to change screen timeout on macOS?
Yes — this is a standard macOS operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if change screen timeout doesn't work on macOS?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

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