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:

Low Power Mode

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

• Go to Settings> General > VPN & Device Management on your iPhone.
• Go to Settings> General > Profiles & Device Management on your iPad.

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:

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

Unfortunately, manually removing profiles can be tricky, especially if they're associated with MDM, Apple School Manager, or supervised configurations. These often require the removal of passwords, admin privileges, or complete data wipes. But there's good news. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) provides a simpler and safer solution.

Here's why you should try it:

• Speedy and Efficient:No more endless troubleshooting. Dr.Fone bypasses the MDM lock in minutes, saving you precious time.
• Data Stays Safe:Unlike factory resets, Dr.Fone keeps all your precious photos, messages, and apps right where they belong.
• No Jailbreaking:Say goodbye to complex hacks and warranty voiding. Dr.Fone works without jailbreaking your iPhone, keeping it healthy and secure.
• Universal Compatibility:Whether you own the latest iPhone with iOS 17 or an older version, Dr.Fone has your back. It supports all iOS devices and versions starting from iOS 7.0.

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:

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

1. Setup Auto-Lock on iPhone

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