# Keep an iPad Awake While Charging Saved from a [shared ChatGPT response](https://chatgpt.com/s/t_6ac85a2218b08191bf1c3bf458085e61). **iPad doesn’t have a separate “stay awake only while charging” switch.** The standard setting—**Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → Never**—also applies when unplugged. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad11dbabaf/ipados) For automatic switching, there’s a **Low Power Mode workaround**: leave Auto-Lock set to **Never**, then enable Low Power Mode when unplugged and disable it when plugged in. This relies on Low Power Mode overriding the normal Auto-Lock setting. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/101604) ## Set up the workaround 1. **Set the normal Auto-Lock setting to Never.** Turn Low Power Mode **off** first, then open **Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → Never**. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad11dbabaf/ipados) 2. **Create the “plugged in” automation.** Open **Shortcuts → Automation → + → Charger**. Select **Is Connected**, choose **Run Immediately**, and create a new shortcut. Add **Set Low Power Mode** and set it to **Off**. Save the automation. Apple supports both charger-connected triggers and the Set Low Power Mode action. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/setting-triggers-apde31e9638b/ios) 3. **Create the “unplugged” automation.** Repeat the process, but select **Is Disconnected** and set **Low Power Mode → On**. Again, choose **Run Immediately**. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/setting-triggers-apde31e9638b/ios) The intended behavior is: | Power connection | Low Power Mode | Auto-Lock behavior | | --- | --- | --- | | Plugged in | Off | Uses your **Never** setting | | Unplugged | On | Enforces an idle-lock timeout | **The tradeoff:** your iPad will use Low Power Mode whenever it’s unplugged, which also reduces brightness and restricts background refresh, automatic downloads, and some syncing. It does **not** simply restore your preferred normal Auto-Lock delay. [Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/101604) Test it by plugging and unplugging once, then checking Auto-Lock. For occasional use, manually switching between **Never** and your usual timeout is the cleaner option. ## References from the shared response - [Keep the iPad display on longer — Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad11dbabaf/ipados) - [Use Low Power Mode to save battery life on your iPhone or iPad — Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/101604) - [Setting triggers in Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad — Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/setting-triggers-apde31e9638b/ios) - [Shortcuts — App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shortcuts/id915249334?platform=vision)