How To Fix Auto Lock Greyed Out on iPhone and iPad

Part 1: Why Is Auto-Lock Greyed Out on iOS Device?

There are a few reasons why the Auto-Lock might be greyed out on your iPhone or iPad device, preventing you from adjusting the duration. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Low Power Mode

"Is Low Power Mode enabled? Auto-Lock changes to 30 seconds and greys out the field when LPM is enabled."

"If it isn’t, try enabling and disabling it to check if it was glitched out."

When you activate Low Power Mode on your iOS device, you might notice the screen automatically locking after 30 seconds of inactivity. This quick sleep setting, implemented to minimize power usage, explains why the Auto-Lock option appears greyed out and inaccessible.

2. Screen Time Restrictions

Screen Time restrictions can impact Auto-Lock. For instance, if your downtime schedule blocks all apps, the screen locks itself, even if the Auto-Lock timer hasn't run out.

3. MDM Profile Restrictions

If the Auto-Lock is greyed out on your iPad or iPhone and you use it for work or school, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile might be the reason. This profile restricts settings, including Auto-Lock. To fix this, contact your IT administrator and ask if they can adjust the MDM profile settings.

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Part 2: How To Fix Auto-Lock Greyed Out on iOS Devices?

Alright, you know the possible reasons why the Auto-Lock option is not working on your iOS device. Still, you might be wondering how to fix the Auto-Lock greyed-out issue. Below are several ways to get your iPad or iPhone Auto-Lock working normally again.

Fix No.1: Disable Low Power Mode

Your iPhone Auto-Lock greyed out because Low Power Mode limits background activities, including the Auto-Lock option. In this mode, you cannot change the Auto-Lock settings. Turn off Low Power Mode to fix this issue and choose your preferred timeout. Here's how:

• Step 1: Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings app.
• Step 2: Scroll down and tap Battery. It will show you your device's battery usage and available settings.
• Step 3: Turn off the Low Power Mode. Now, the greyed-out Auto-Lock option in Settings should be available again.

Low Battery Mode can stretch your battery life further. But if you need your screen to stay on longer, like while reading an article or watching a video, you can turn it off. It lets you adjust the screen timeout in Settings so it stays awake for as long as you like.

"Low Power Mode is OFF and I have NO configuration profiles installed, but Auto-Lock is still grayed out. I have an iPhone 14 on iOS 17.1.1. What is causing this?"---from Reddit

Fix No.2: Check Screen Time Restrictions

You've ruled out the Low Power Mode, but the Auto-Lock greyed out on iPad or iPhone remains. If Low Power Mode isn't causing the problem, your screen time settings might be the issue. Some app restrictions can limit your screen use to specific times, causing it to lock automatically. Resolve this by removing limits, such as downtime and app restrictions, or turning it off.

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
• Step 2: Go to Screen Time, then scroll down.
• Step 3: Tap Turn Off Screen Time.

Fix No.3: Remove MDM Configuration Profile

A configuration profile is a file that contains settings and restrictions that can be applied to an iOS device. Organizations, schools, or IT administrators often use it to manage devices remotely and enforce specific configurations. Once installed, the settings within a profile override the device's default settings. It can include restrictions related to security, network access, app usage, and more.

Since an MDM configuration profile causes limitations, like the greyed-out Auto-Lock on iPad, removing it can be the solution. Doing so frees your iOS device from external settings imposed by the profile. Then, it could allow you to adjust the Auto-Lock time setting as you normally would.

• Step 1: See the configuration profiles you installed on your iOS device.
• Go to Settings> General > VPN & Device Management on your iPhone.
• Go to Settings> General > Profiles & Device Management on your iPad.
• Step 2: Select the configuration profile you need to delete.
• Step 3: Tap Remove Profile, enter your device passcode, then tap Remove.

Fix No.4: Remove Network Settings Installed by MDM

Businesses often use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to remotely manage their employees' iPhones and iPads. MDM lets IT admins push software updates, restrict apps, and remotely wipe a lost device. This keeps corporate data safe and devices under control, whether the company or the employee owns them.

If you're having trouble with a greyed-out Auto-Lock timeout setting, disassociating your device from MDM might be an option. But remember, this is a big step. Make sure you follow your company's authorized procedures to avoid unintended consequences.

If your IT team gives the green light, you might also be able to remove the network settings installed by MDM. Just proceed with caution, as messing with these settings could lead to instability or data loss. Here's how:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
• Step 2: Navigate to General > Profile or VPN & Device Management (or a similar section).
• Step 3: Select the management and tap Remove Management.

If the option is unavailable, only the person who used Apple Configurator 2 or handles your company's mobile device management platform can remove it.

Fix No.5: Use Dr.Fone To Bypass MDM Lock Without Data Loss

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Have you ever bought a used iPad or iPhone to find the Auto-Lock option greyed out and isn't working? Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles, often deployed by companies or schools, can restrict functionality. If you lack the credentials to bypass or remove it, Dr.Fone can help remove all MDM restrictions on your iOS device. Here's how:

• Step 1: Download and open Dr.Fone on your computer. Next, connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable and navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS.

• Step 2: Within the Screen Unlock tool window, select Unlock MDM iPhone.

• Step 3: Select Bypass MDM, then click Get Start to proceed.

• Step 4: Please review the message carefully before initiating the MDM bypass process. Once you've read it, click Start to Bypass to proceed.

• Step 5: If prompted, go to your device's Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and turn off the Find My feature. Next, click OK to initiate the MDM bypass.
• Step 6: The software will display the progress of the bypass. Wait for it to complete.
• Step 7: You'll see a confirmation message once the bypass is successful. Click Done to exit. Your device should now be free from MDM restrictions.

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Fix No.6: Check and Adjust Auto-Lock Settings

Once you've tried all the fixes above, you might need to set up the Auto-Lock timeout again.

1. Setup Auto-Lock on iPad

Here are the steps on how to change Auto-Lock on iPad devices:

• Step 1: Within the Settings app, scroll down the list on the left-hand side and tap Display & Brightness.
• Step 2: On the right-hand side of the Display & Brightness screen, tap the Auto-Lock option.

• Step 3: A list of time options will appear, ranging from 2 minutes to 15 minutes, as well as Never. Select the time you want your iPad to wait before automatically locking the screen after inactivity. If you want the screen to stay on indefinitely, choose Never.

Step 4: Once you've selected your preferred auto-lock duration, you can exit the Settings app. The change will be applied automatically.

2. Setup Auto-Lock on iPhone

Here's how to change Auto-Lock on iPhone devices:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app.
• Step 2: Tap on Display & Brightness, scroll down, and tap Auto-Lock.
• Step 3: Choose the desired time interval for your iPhone to automatically lock. The available options typically range from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. You may also have the option to select Never if you prefer to have the screen stay on indefinitely until you manually lock it.

Conclusion

There you have it. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge and solutions to fix the Auto-Lock greyed out on your iPhone or iPad devices. From identifying the reasons like Low Power Mode and MDM configurations to implementing actionable fixes, you can now change your screen timeout. So, turn off those restrictions, remove MDM profiles, and head back to Settings.

For an easy solution, use Dr.Fone Screen Unlock to bypass MDM restrictions, giving you control over your device. Whether it's a work phone or a personal device under MDM, Dr.Fone can offer an efficient solution. With a few clicks, you'll have the Auto-Lock back on track, ensuring your iOS device works again just how you want it.