Many modern devices now include screen distance or screen safety features designed to protect your eyes by warning you when you’re too close to the display. While helpful, these alerts can become annoying—especially if you’re already mindful of your viewing habits. If you’re wondering how to turn off screen distance, this guide walks you through the process on the most common devices.
What Is Screen Distance?
Screen distance (sometimes called screen safety, eye distance, or face distance) is a feature that uses sensors or cameras to detect how close your face is to the screen. When you get too close, the device may:
- Dim the screen
- Display a warning message
- Temporarily lock the display
This feature is most commonly found on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and tablets.
How to Turn Off Screen Distance on iPhone or iPad
Apple introduced Screen Distance as part of Screen Time.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Screen Time
- Select Screen Distance
- Toggle Screen Distance Off
🔒 Note: If Screen Time is protected by a passcode, you’ll need to enter it to make changes.
How to Turn Off Screen Distance on Android Devices
Android manufacturers may use different names for this feature.
Common names include:
- Face Distance
- Eye Comfort
- Screen Safety
- Vision Protection
General steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Digital Wellbeing, Display, or Safety & Emergency
- Look for Screen distance, Face distance, or similar
- Turn the feature Off
If you can’t find it, use the search bar in Settings and type “distance” or “eye.”
How to Turn Off Screen Distance on Tablets and Kids Devices
On iPads (Kids / Family Sharing):
- Screen Distance may be enabled through Screen Time restrictions
- Go to Settings → Screen Time
- Select the child’s profile
- Disable Screen Distance
On Android Kids Devices:
- Open Family Link
- Select the child’s device
- Manage display or safety settings
- Turn off distance-related warnings
Why You Might Want to Turn Screen Distance Off
- Frequent false alerts
- Reading or gaming at close range
- Using the device in low-light environments
- Camera or sensor misalignment
Turning it off won’t damage your device, but you should still practice healthy viewing habits.
Can You Temporarily Disable Screen Distance?
Some devices allow temporary dismissal rather than full disabling. If you don’t see an off toggle:
- Look for “Ignore for now” or “Remind me later”
- Check parental controls or managed device settings
Is It Safe to Turn Off Screen Distance?
Yes, it’s safe to disable the feature. However, for eye health:
- Take regular breaks (20-20-20 rule)
- Keep the screen at a comfortable distance
- Adjust brightness and text size as needed
Final Thoughts
Turning off screen distance is simple once you know where to look. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet, the option is usually found under Screen Time, Digital Wellbeing, or Display settings.
