With many parents often connecting a video baby monitor to a computer screen, whether a Windows, Mac, or a laptop, it can become troublesome when the screen goes dark or into sleep mode. Knowing how to keep monitor awake solves those inconveniences by eliminating unnecessary interruptions.
How to adjust power settings, the display settings, and the sleep settings on the screen will be discussed in the following paragraphs, as well as using a mouse jiggler, quick fixes for laptops with external monitors, fixes for jiggler issues on external monitors, and how to troubleshoot if your sleep settings are ineffective.
The Easiest Fix: Adjusting Your Power and Sleep Settings
A video baby monitor connected to a Windows PC, Mac, or laptop often follows the computer’s power rules. If the system is set to sleep too quickly, the display may switch off even when the monitor feed is still active. You might find this frustrating when you want a clear view for longer periods.
The simplest way to manage the issue is to adjust the default power and sleep options. A small change in the settings can help keep monitor awake and make sure the screen stays on, giving steady access whenever you need to check on your little one.
Checking Specific Display Settings in Windows
Windows computers have display settings that control how long the screen stays active. If the options are not set correctly, the screen may dim or turn off too soon, which can interrupt the view from your monitor. Small changes in the display menu can make it easier to keep monitor awake while the system is running.
The following settings are worth checking when you want steady viewing:
- Adjust the screen timeout under “Display” so the video baby monitor feed remains visible for as long as you prefer.
- Change the brightness level to prevent the screen from dimming when you still want a clear view.
- Turn off adaptive display features if they cause the screen to fade while the monitor is in use.
- Select longer display durations in the power options to reduce the chance of the screen switching off unexpectedly.
A Quick Look at the Energy Saver Settings on a Mac
Mac computers include Energy Saver settings that decide when the screen turns off. If the timer is too short, the display may go dark even though the monitor feed is still running. Simple changes in this menu can help you keep monitor awake for longer periods.
Start by checking the following options in Energy Saver:
- Extend the display sleep timer so a video baby monitor feed does not disappear too quickly.
- Adjust the computer sleep setting to prevent the system from shutting down while the screen is still needed.
- Uncheck automatic dimming features that lower brightness when the display is in use.
- Select “Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off” to make sure the screen stays active when plugged in.
When You Need a Third-Party Solution
In some cases, even the built-in settings of your computer might not be sufficient to keep the screen from turning off. That’s when you bring in the big guns—a third-party app. It can assist by dispatching small signals that notify the computer to remain active. Parents who link a video baby monitor to a laptop or desktop may consider this as a particularly valuable tool when the regular options do not produce stable results.
Some of the most popular third-party solutions are applications such as Caffeine, Amphetamine for Mac, or PowerToys Awake for Windows. These are software programs that are created to avoid the automatic dimming or turning off of the display. If you have the appropriate tool, you can keep monitor awake as well as have a dependable screen while checking on your baby.
Using a Physical or Virtual Mouse Jiggler
Messing around with a mouse jiggler—doesn’t matter if it’s a little gadget you plug in or just some sneaky software—basically tricks your computer into thinking you’re always active. The cursor kind of wiggles every so often, so you can keep monitor awake and your screen doesn’t dip into nap mode.
It’s super handy if you’re streaming your video baby monitor feed on your laptop and don’t want to keep poking the trackpad every five minutes. Once you’ve used one, you’ll probably wonder how you ever survived those annoying “screen dimming” moments. It can keep the feed visible when power or display settings alone are not enough to prevent interruptions.
Don’t Forget to Disable Your Screensaver
Your screensaver might seem harmless; however, in most cases, it blocks what you want to see on your screen. Parents who use their computer to watch their baby might be surprised when the screensaver starts and hides the feed without their knowledge. Adjusting a few settings helps keep monitor awake and ensures your view stays clear.
Here are some simple changes you can make to avoid problems:
- Turn off the screensaver completely so your computer does not block the live video baby monitor feed.
- Choose a longer sleep timer if you prefer to keep a screensaver but still want the monitor visible for longer.
- Check your power settings regularly to make sure updates or changes have not turned the screensaver back on.
Handling External Monitors on a Laptop
A lot of parents connect an external screen to a laptop for a larger and clearer view. When settings are not managed, the screen may go dark or the computer may try to switch back to the built-in display. Learning how to manage these settings makes it easier to keep monitor awake and avoid sudden interruptions.
Parents can check the following points to make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Set the laptop to “Do Nothing” when the lid is closed if you use it with an external monitor for watching a video baby monitor feed.
- Pick the external display as the main screen so it stays active without switching back to the laptop.
- Adjust power options so the external monitor does not turn off after a short period of time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Your Settings Aren’t Working
Sometimes even after you have changed the suitable options the screen may still turn off. It can be quite annoying for parents if the computer is not acting as they have anticipated, particularly at times when they require a constant watch. You could find what the problem is and keep monitor awake with a couple of additional steps.
Try checking the following below before looking for more advanced fixes:
- Confirm that power-saving software is not overriding your changes, as it can stop an external screen from showing a video baby monitor feed.
- Double-check your display and sleep settings—system updates love to mess with them, which often happens after a system restart.
- If you’ve got an external monitor, swap out the cable or try a different port; you’d be surprised how often a janky connection is the culprit for your screen ghosting out.
- Don’t forget those sneaky background apps—they sometimes send your computer to nap time without warning.
Conclusion
There are times that it is a little hard to keep the screen on; however, the process becomes quite easier if you are taking the right steps. It is possible to prevent your screen from going off abruptly if you keep monitor awake through the proper setting adjustments, using handy gadgets, and performing little tech troubleshooting.
For parents, having a steady view is important, especially when a video baby monitor is linked to a computer for steady viewing over time. By making small adjustments, you can enjoy a clear screen that gives peace of mind while you care for your child.
And if you need a secret weapon for sleep, the gentle, comforting lull of the Momcozy newborn sound machine is an absolute must-have.
