The release of Android 12 brought a wave of excitement among Pixel device owners, promising new and unique features. However, many users have encountered a frustrating bug where the screen timeout feature is not functioning correctly after the update. In this comprehensive guide, we will address this issue, provide an overview of its impact, and offer effective methods to troubleshoot the problem until an official fix is released.
The Screen Timeout Problem
After updating to Android 12, numerous users have reported that their device’s screen fails to turn off automatically according to the set timeout. This issue was not experienced with previous Android updates, suggesting that the new Android 12 update might be the underlying cause. For instance, if you have set a screen timeout of 15 seconds, the screen should automatically turn off after that time. However, due to the bug in the Android 12 update, the screen remains active, resulting in unintended taps and significantly faster battery drain.
The Impact
The screen timeout issue is causing multiple problems for users, ranging from inadvertent screen touches to quicker battery depletion. Google has yet to issue an official statement regarding this problem, but it is crucial for them to address it promptly, given its prevalence and impact on users’ overall experience.
Temporary Solution
While we await an official fix from Google, some users have reported success with a temporary solution. One method that may help alleviate the screen timeout issue is clearing the cache of the “Settings” and “Settings Services” apps. Caches are temporary data stored by applications, and clearing them can help resolve conflicts and refresh settings.
Here’s how to clear the cache:
- Go to the Settings menu on your device.
- Locate the “Apps” or “Manage Apps” option.
- Find and tap on “Settings.”
- Open “App Info.”
- Tap on “Storage.”
- Select “Clear Cache.”
Repeat the same steps to clear the cache of “Settings Services.” After clearing the cache of both apps, reboot your device to apply the changes and verify if the screen timeout issue is resolved.
Additional Tips
To ensure better results in troubleshooting the screen timeout problem, consider implementing these additional tips:
- Check for Third-Party Apps: Sometimes, third-party apps might interfere with the device’s settings and cause issues like the screen timeout problem. Try identifying and uninstalling any recently installed apps that might be causing conflicts.
- Safe Mode: Boot your device into safe mode to see if the screen timeout issue persists. Safe mode disables third-party apps, helping you determine if any of them are causing the problem. To boot into safe mode, press and hold the power button, then long-press the “Power off” option on the screen until the “Restart in safe mode” prompt appears.
- Factory Reset (Last Resort): If all else fails, performing a factory reset on your device can often resolve persistent software issues. However, keep in mind that this will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up essential files before proceeding.
Note: Keep in mind that if any application page or the device settings menu is open, the screen timeout mode may not function in idle mode. Unfortunately, as of now, no permanent solution is available until Google releases an official statement on the matter.
Conclusion
We hope that the provided method, along with the additional tips, has been helpful in troubleshooting the screen timeout issue after the Android 12 update on your Pixel device. While awaiting an official fix, we encourage you to stay updated with Google’s announcements and support channels.
Remember, technology can sometimes be unpredictable, but with the right guidance and solutions, you can overcome any challenges that come your way. If you have any further questions or need assistance with other tech-related issues, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of technology.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
Permanent way to prevent screen not turning off after 15 secs etc.
Open the phones CLOCK app.
Tap the 3 dots at top right hand corner of screen.
This brings up small menu, tap the clock settings option on this.
Set clock to display SECONDS on the clock screen.
Auto screen dimming will now work.