Enable or Disable Dim Screen in Ubuntu Linux

This guide explains how to manage your screen brightness settings in Ubuntu Linux. Why do this? Controlling your screen helps you save battery life or keeps your monitor from going dark while you are reading.

In Ubuntu 2026, you can change the screen brightness to adjust to the lighting condition. If your computer has a light sensor, the screen brightness will automatically will be adjusted for you. If you notice your screen getting dark unexpectedly, check if the “Automatic Screen Brightness” feature is turned on in your settings.

What happens when you are done? Your computer will either stay bright while you are idle or dim automatically to save energy.

How to turn on or off the dim screen in Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu has a built-in feature that dims your screen when the computer is idle. This saves power. The screen will brighten again as soon as you move your mouse or press a key.

If you prefer your screen to stay at its current brightness, you can turn this feature off. If you want to save battery, keep it on.

Follow these steps to change the setting:

1. Open your Activities overview and type Settings.
2. Click on the Settings icon.

   

3. Alternatively, click the system menu in the top-right corner of your screen and select Settings.

   

4. In the sidebar on the left, click on Power (or Power & Battery, depending on your hardware).

   

5. Look for the Power Saving section.
6. Find the Dim Screen When Inactive option.
7. Toggle the switch to On to save power, or Off to keep your screen bright.

   

Conclusion

Managing your screen brightness is a simple way to control how your laptop uses energy. Remember that your “Power Profiles” settings also affect this. For example, if you set your computer to “Power Saver” mode, it may force the screen to dim more aggressively regardless of this specific setting. By balancing these tools, you can ensure your Ubuntu experience is exactly how you want it.