How to Change Screen Timeout in Ubuntu Linux

You change your Ubuntu Linux screen timeout by adjusting the Blank Screen Delay setting within your Power settings.

The Blank Screen Delay determines how long your Ubuntu desktop remains active before dimming and turning off due to inactivity.

By default, this setting is set to 5 minutes, meaning your screen will go blank and lock after just five minutes of no activity. This feature helps conserve energy and maintain privacy.

If the default 5-minute timeout feels too short for your typical usage, you can easily extend it to suit your workflow better.

How to change when your computer screen goes blank in Ubuntu Linux

Now, let’s walk through how to adjust your screen’s blanking time. As we’ve discussed, the Blank Screen Delay controls how long your screen stays active before going dark.

Ubuntu Linux has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings (it’s highlighted in the image below).

In the Settings app, click on the Privacy tile to expand.

In the System Settings -> Privacy settings pane, click on Screen to open the panel.

In the System Settings -> Privacy -> Screen settings pane, use the Blank Screen Delay drop-down list under Screen Lock to set the time until the screen blanks or disable the blanking altogether.

Alternatively, go to System Settings -> Power to open the penal. Then use the Screen Blank drop-down list under Power Saving Options to set the time until the screen blanks or disable the blanking altogether.

You can adjust the Blank Screen Delay separately from the Automatic Screen Lock in Ubuntu Linux.

And that’s it! You can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

• Adjusting Blank Screen Delay and Automatic Screen Lock settings in Ubuntu Linux can enhance privacy and security.
• Modifying the Blank Screen Delay can also help save energy and extend device’s battery life.
• Changing the Blank Screen Delay in Ubuntu Linux involves accessing the System Settings -> Privacy -> Screen or System Settings -> Power panels.
• Ubuntu Linux’s centralized location for settings makes it convenient to customize various aspects of the system.