The Cue Light display on an iPhone or iPad dims and eventually turns off during a shoot, even though the app is open and connected. The tally signal still works — the screen just won't stay on.
Cue Light uses the Screen Wake Lock API to prevent the display device from sleeping. This API is supported in Safari on iOS 16.4 and later — but it is not available in Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser on iPhone due to Apple's browser engine restrictions.
If you opened the display link in Chrome on iPhone, Wake Lock is silently unavailable. The screen will sleep on its normal Auto-Lock schedule regardless of what Cue Light does.
If the display link is open in Chrome, Instagram browser, or any non-Safari browser — close it.
Long-press the URL in Chrome → Copy → Open Safari → paste in address bar. Or have the director resend the display link via AirDrop, iMessage, or show the QR code again.
Wake Lock only works while Safari is the active app. If the talent switches to another app, the screen will sleep. Keep the display tab visible.
If Safari isn't available or you're on iOS below 16.4, disable Auto-Lock manually before the shoot:
Or Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions if Auto-Lock is grayed out.
This prevents the screen from sleeping regardless of which browser is used.
Auto-Lock set to Never drains battery faster. Plug into power for any shoot longer than 30 minutes.
| Device & Browser | Wake Lock | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone — Safari (iOS 16.4+) | ✓ Works | Recommended |
| iPhone — Chrome | ✗ Not supported | Use Fix 2 |
| iPhone — iOS below 16.4 | ✗ Not supported | Use Fix 2 |
| Android — Chrome | ✓ Works | Best Android experience |
| Android — Firefox | ~ Partial | May work, not guaranteed |
| iPad — Safari (iPadOS 16.4+) | ✓ Works | Great display device |
| Mac / PC — Chrome or Safari | ✓ Works | For fixed display positions |
Open the app, scan QR with your iPhone in Safari, and confirm the screen stays on.
Open Cue Light