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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.

Sources checked Saturday, 26 September 20263 min readBy Soubhik Biswas
Open AwakeTab

Set it up in Firefox

Two steps start a session. The third is Firefox's own low-battery rule, and the fourth is optional.

  1. Step 1: Open AwakeTab in Firefox and press Start

    Firefox › awaketab.com

    Wait 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.

  2. Step 2: Keep the tab visible

    No minimising while it runs

    Minimise 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.

  3. Step 3: Plug in when the battery is low

    Charger in, then Start

    At 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.

  4. Step 4: Optional: change the system timeout

    Windows: Settings › System › Power & battery

    This 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.

Firefox 126 or later on Windows, macOS or Linux, tab visibleResult: SupportedWhat to know: Native wake lock since 14 May 2024.
Firefox 126 or later on Android, tab on screenResult: SupportedWhat to know: Leaving Firefox releases the lock.
Battery at 5 % or less and not chargingResult: BlockedWhat to know: Firefox refuses or releases the lock. Plug in and press Start.
Window minimised or another tab in frontResult: PausesWhat to know: The lock is released until the tab is back in front.
Firefox before 126Result: Video fallbackWhat to know: Tap once to start it. It needs this tab visible and uses a little more battery.
Stop automatically on low batteryResult: Not availableWhat to know: Firefox removed the Battery Status API in version 52, so AwakeTab cannot read the battery level.
AwakeTab browser extensionResult: Not availableWhat to know: Firefox gives extensions no power API, so there is no Firefox version.

What turns the screen off anyway

When the screen still goes dark in Firefox, one of these is usually why.

  • A low batteryAt 5 % or less and not charging, Firefox itself refuses the lock.
  • A hidden tabA minimised window or another tab in front lets the display go.
  • Locking a Windows PCA 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 requestFirefox can grant the lock while the desktop still blanks the screen.Keep the screen on in Linux
Try it hereTry itStart a session, switch tabs, then come back and watch the pill. Ends at … if you start now.Start a 30-minute session

Questions

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.

Soubhik Biswas · Builds AwakeTab. Sources checked Saturday, 26 September 2026. About AwakeTab