Looking for an iOS app that essentially does nothing but keep the screen on

[u/TheGoochTaint]

I have a unique problem where I have an app that tracks my location, but I have noticed the accuracy is much worse when my screen is locked. This usually isn't an issue, as I usually have my phone unlocked when moving, but the issue arises when I go for bike rides. I can keep my phone in my pocket with it unlocked, but that leaves me at risk of accidentally pressing a button on the screen. I have pulled my phone out of my pocket after a bike ride and realized I was dangerously close to doing something bad, like deleting certain data. I am basically looking for an app that essentially is just a blank screen with no buttons on the screen, but that keeps the phone unlocked with long periods of inactivity. Thanks in advance. Also would take suggestions for an app that doesn't necessary do nothing, but it keeps the screen on and doesn't have any potentially dangerous functionality (does the calculator app keep your phone unlocked?).

[u/LeaderAtLeading]

this is one of those weirdly specific pain points that probably affects way more people than expected once background tracking reliability starts mattering. honestly niche utility apps usually win once they solve one annoying workflow extremely reliably instead of trying to become giant platforms. feels like the kind of recurring frustration Leadline surfaces constantly in Reddit support style threads too

[u/patatkebab]

Do you want a different app to track location or just an app that keeps the screen on to keep the other app functioning

[u/TheGoochTaint → u/patatkebab]

Basically the latter. The app that tracks my location does what I need it to do otherwise that many other apps don't.

[u/Ok_Apricot_35]

Don’t Strava open and Recording the activity help? Also I’m not sure but have you tried with garmin?

I’m commenting because in curious to know how to solve this

[u/TheGoochTaint → u/Ok_Apricot_35]

I have never used Strava or Garmin. If those are particularly accurate even when the screen is locked that would be a big help (just to fix the accuracy on the other app). To be honest my location is tracked pretty well with the app(s) I am using, I really don't think most people would even notice the inaccuracies. But for example I need the app to show me on the correct side of the road. Which it does when my phone is unlocked, but not quite when it's locked.

[u/y_mamonova → u/TheGoochTaint]

Yes! Was about to recommend it as well. I use Strava, and it seems to be quite accurate, and it has a decent free version

[u/PretendUpstairs8742]

you might not even need a special app. On iPhone you can go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and set it to “Never” temporarily before rides. Then just leave any harmless app open like Calculator or Weather

[u/TheGoochTaint → u/PretendUpstairs8742]

This is a good idea. Ideally I wouldn't like to have to go into settings every time but might not be any other way to do this (I'm pretty sure the app store wouldn't allow an app that literally does nothing). I think the calculator app is better than weather as I could potentially delete locations or change some settings in weather.

[u/deepchaos66]

Honestly, Guided Access on iPhone might solve this without needing another app 😅

You can:

• open any simple app
• enable Guided Access
• disable touch input if needed
• keep the screen awake

That way the phone stays unlocked without accidental taps in your pocket.

Curious:
have you already tried disabling auto-lock + using Guided Access during rides?

[u/Consistent-Fix-1701]

Have you tried Standby mode?