The iPhone 16 display stays on while you’re looking at it, but it dims and eventually locks (for your security) when you look away for a while.
Some iPhone 16 Pro users are complaining about issues with the auto-lock feature. Users are saying that their iPhone 16 Pro is not sleeping automatically, as a result, their devices use more energy cutting into the battery life.
If your iPhone 16 Pro is not locking the screen automatically, meaning if your device does not go into sleep mode after a period of inactivity, try the following troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.
Note: You can’t change auto-lock settings when in Low Power Mode. If the options greyed out this is because your iPhone 16 Pro is in this mode.
How to fix Auto-Lock not working on iPhone 16 Pro
Make sure autolock is not set to never
Your iPhone 16 Pro fails to automatically turn off the display and lock the device due to incorrect Auto-Lock settings. It is possible that Auto-Lock is set to Never. To check, follow the steps below:
First step: Open the Settings app.
Second step: Tap Display & Brightness.
Third step: Tap Auto-Lock.
Forth step: Choose a length of time (except Never).
Disable Always-On display
The Always-On display setting allows a dimmed version of your Lock Screen to stay visible, even when your iPhone is locked. By glancing at the dimmed screen, you can check essential information, like notifications, the date and time, and information in your widgets.
The display automatically turns off when iPhone is either face down or obstructed from view, not near a paired Apple Watch, when a CarPlay session begins, while Continuity Camera is in use, while Low Power Mode is on, while Sleep Focus is on, or at your usual bedtime.
The Always-On display setting is on by default. To turn it off, follow the steps below:
First step: go to Settings .
Second step: Tap Display & Brightness.
Third step: Turn off Always On Display.
Turn off Attention Aware Features
The iPhone 16 Pro has the Attention Aware feature, which checks for your “attention” before dimming the display and subsequently locking it. By “attention,” we mean your iPhone uses Face ID sensors to figure out whether you’re looking at your screen or not before dimming the display, expanding notifications, lowering ringtone volume, etc.
If you don’t enjoy this feature, turning it off is easy:
First step: Go to Settings.
Second step: Tap Face ID & Passcode.
Third step: Turn off Attention Aware Features.
Restart your iPhone
Often several glitches happen on your iPhone simply because you haven’t restarted it in a long time. To ensure a smooth experience, turn off your iPhone and turn it back on. This may fix your problem.
First step: Press and hold the Side button and the volume up (or down) button together until the power off slider appears.
Second step: Drag the slider and wait for your iPhone to power off completely. This could take about 30 seconds.
Third step: Press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
Install the latest version of iOS
If you’re on an old version of iOS, consider updating to the latest version, which should have quashed the Auto-Lock bug. Follow the steps below:
First step: Go to Settings.
Second step: Tap General.
Third step: Tap Software Update.
Fourth step: If an update is available, tap download and install.
Change the auto-lock settings
Try changing the time it takes your iPhone 16 Pro to automatically lock. For instance, if your auto-lock is set to 1 minute, change it to 30 seconds. And check if this makes any difference.
First step: Go to Settings.
Second step: Tap Display & Brightness.
Third Step: Tap Auto-Lock.
Fourth Step: Set the timer.
Disable AssistiveTouch
Disable AssistiveTouch, if it is enabled.
First Step: Go to Settings.
Second Step: Tap Accessibility.
Third Step: Select Touch.
Fourth Step: Tap AssistiveTouch and disable the feature.
Reset all iPhone settings
If your iPhone 16 Pro continues to fail to lock itself, go ahead and reset all settings. Doing so will restore all settings to the default state and can fix your ongoing troubles.
First step: Go to Settings.
Second step: Tap General.
Third step: Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Fifth step: Tap Reset.
Sixth step: Tap Reset All Settings.
iPhone 16 Pro Auto-Lock settings greyed out?
If your iPhone 16 Pro Auto-Lock setting is greyed out, it is likely that your device is in Low Power Mode to help save battery life. In Low Power Mode, Auto-Lock is set to 30 seconds. To fix this, simply turn off Low Power Mode. Follow the steps below:
First step: Go to Settings.
Second Step: Tap Battery:
Third Step: Toggle off Low Power Mode.
Contact Apple Support
Finally, if your iPhone 16 Pro completely fails to automatically turn off the display, chat with Apple Support and set up a visit to your nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized service center. They will inspect your device and most likely fix the problem.