Device guide
Keep the screen on in Firefox
Firefox 126 and later keep the screen on natively while the AwakeTab tab is visible, on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Firefox shipped the Screen Wake Lock API in May 2024. On older versions, AwakeTab offers a video fallback after one tap. Firefox refuses the lock at 5 % battery or less while not charging, so plug in for long sessions.
- Firefox 126 or later
- Low battery refused at 5 % or less
- Older Firefox video fallback after a tap
- Extension not for Firefox
Try it
Start a session, switch tabs, then come back and watch the pill.
Set it up in Firefox
Two steps start a session. The third is Firefox’s own low-battery rule, and the fourth is optional.
Step 1: Open AwakeTab in Firefox and press Start
Firefox › awaketab.comWait for the pill to say "Screen awake". If it says "Tap to use the fallback" instead, this Firefox has no Screen Wake Lock API: update to 126 or later, or tap to use the video fallback.
Step 2: Keep the tab visible
No minimising while it runsMinimise the window or switch tabs and Firefox releases the lock. The pill changes to "Paused — tab hidden", and AwakeTab asks again when you come back.
Step 3: Plug in when the battery is low
Charger in, then StartAt 5 % battery or less and not charging, Firefox refuses the lock or takes it back, and the pill says "Blocked — here's the fix". Plug in, then press Start again.
Step 4: Optional: change the system timeout
Windows: Settings › System › Power & batteryThis sets the screen timeout for every app. On a Mac, it is Apple menu › System Settings › Lock Screen. It stays changed until you set it back.
Which Firefox setups keep the screen on
These results come from Mozilla’s documentation and Firefox’s source, checked 26 September 2026. Real-device results appear here once recorded.
What turns the screen off anyway
When the screen still goes dark in Firefox, one of these is usually why.
- A low battery At 5 % or less and not charging, Firefox itself refuses the lock.
- A hidden tab A minimised window or another tab in front lets the display go.
- Locking a Windows PC A locked PC hides the tab and turns the monitor off after 60 seconds. Windows 11 screen turns off after 1 minute
- A Linux desktop that ignores the request Firefox can grant the lock while the desktop still blanks the screen. Keep the screen on in Linux
Questions
Why did Firefox stop keeping the screen on when my battery ran low?
Firefox refuses a new wake lock, and releases a held one, when the battery is at 5 % or less and not charging. It is Firefox's own rule. Plug in and press Start again.
Is there an AwakeTab extension for Firefox?
No. Firefox gives extensions no power API, so an extension could not keep the screen on. The web app keeps it on while its tab is visible.
Is the video fallback as good as the native lock?
It keeps the screen on, but it needs one tap to start, needs the tab visible and uses more power than a native wake lock. On Firefox 126 or later you do not need it.
Does it work in Firefox on Android?
Yes, from Firefox 126, while the tab is on screen. Press Home or open another app and the phone goes back to its normal screen timeout.