How to Keep Your Web App Screen Awake with the Screen Wake Lock API

Silas inegbe
2 min readMay 27, 2024

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The Screen Wake Lock API is a web API that allows web applications to request that the screen stay awake, preventing it from dimming or turning off.

This can be useful for applications that need to keep the screen on for extended periods, such as video players, games, or reading apps.

Here’s a basic overview of how to use the Screen Wake Lock API:

1. Check for Support: First, you need to check if the browser supports the Screen Wake Lock API.

2. Request a Wake Lock: If supported, request a wake lock.

3. Release the Wake Lock: Make sure to release the wake lock when it’s no longer needed or when the page is unloaded.

Key Points:
- Requesting a Wake Lock: Use `navigator.wakeLock.request(‘screen’)` to keep the screen awake.

- Handling Errors: Always include error handling to catch and log any issues that might arise when requesting a wake lock.

- Releasing the Wake Lock: It’s important to release the wake lock when it is no longer needed to conserve battery life.

Considerations:
- Battery Usage: Keeping the screen on can drain the battery more quickly, so use it wisely.

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Silas inegbe
Silas inegbe

Written by Silas inegbe

Software engineer who is certified at Alx_africa | Specialised in frontend frameworks such as Next.js | React.js, Technical writer

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