It seems strange to think that someone might want to lower the screen brightness to the minimum, so that nothing can be seen, but not want the screen to turn off completely. But in reality, this may be exactly what some users are looking for, such as those who want to listen to music or listen to a video, without having the screen on, to avoid draining the battery. That's the purpose of Screen Backlight Off.
Screen off, but active
Suppose we really like the soundtrack of a video game, and we want to hear it. To do this, we start the video game. But of course, if we consider that the screen is the most battery drain on a smartphoneIt does not make much sense that to listen to a song we have to be spending so much battery. We might also want to hear a song from a video, but we don't want to be watching the video. However, what usually happens in all these cases is that when we turn off the screen, the application or the video stops, so that we cannot continue listening. For this, it has been launched Screen Backlight Off.
Screen Backlight Off
Screen Backlight Off is a simple application that adds a notification to the notification panel from which we can turn off the screen. But the fact that we turn off the screen does not mean that it is disconnecting completely. The only thing that happens is that the screen brightness is completely reduced, until the screen is completely off. However, although we cannot see anything, because there is no light on the screen, the smartphone continues to play the video game or video. The battery consumption is somewhat higher than if we listened to a simple song, but much lower than what we would have if we were watching the video or playing a video game with the screen on.
Screen Backlight Off is an app that has a free version on XDA Developers, with the same features as the paid version found on Google Play. However, to run it, you need a smartphone. rooted.
Source: XDA Developers.
Non-root alternatives: lower the brightness below the minimum
If you don't want root, you can resort to attenuation filters that are superimposed on the screen and reduce the brightness beyond the manufacturer's minimum value. These filters do not turn off the panel, but allow a level of darkness very high and even the almost black screen effect.
- ScreenFilter: veteran, very light and still functional on recent versions of Android. You open the app and adjust the attenuation percentageCaution: If you scroll too far down, you could end up with a blackout. The app itself usually warns you and offers a safety timer.
- Darker: does the same thing, but adds color filters (warm for the night). In its premium version it allows automate schedules to activate and deactivate automatically.
- Other apps with slider: There are variants with the same name “Screen Filter” that offer a quick adjustment bar. Their advantage is the agility to increase/decrease brightness without entering menus.
Advantages: easy installation, no root, minimal consumption and fine control of brightness. Disadvantages: being an overlay, they can interfere with installation permissions or with some system buttons; if this happens, it temporarily disables the filter.
Good practices to avoid running out of screen or playback
- adaptive brightness: Turn it off if it interferes. Settings > Display > Adaptive Brightness. A fixed brightness avoid unintentional increases/decreases when using filters.
- Battery saving: can limit the maximum brightnessIf you notice you're unable to upload, check Settings > Battery and turn off Power Saving Mode or exclude the filter app.
- Avoid the “black panel”: Activate the app's safety notice/timer. Always leave a quick access (tile/shortcut) to turn off the filter instantly.
- Blocking and notifications- If you want to listen to audio with the screen dark, check that your player doesn't pause when locked. With filters it usually keep ringing no problem.
- Installing apps- If Play Protect or the system asks to confirm a permission and the button does not respond, disable the overlay from the filter, grant permission and reactivate it.
Extra tricks: color filters, night light and automations
For visual comfort, combine the brightness filter with native features such as Night light or reading, which reduce blue light and warm the panel tone at dusk. Schedule schedules or use activation by sunset for the system to adjust temperature and the brightness filter to take care of the fine darkness. If your filter app supports profiles, create one for night (very dimmed and warm) and another for day (slightly dimmed). This way you balance eye health and autonomy.
In very dark interiors (bed, cinema) it also reduces the contrast of the content: many players include internal dark mode and their own brightness/hue controls. And remember to check for cases or protectors that cover the light sensor, as they can cause adaptive brightness jumps if you use it.
If you need even more attenuation, some apps allow you to apply double filter (brightness + color). Don't overdo it: excessive opacity can make it difficult to answer calls, notifications, or emergencies.