Power Permission

4 min read

Power Permission

Overview

Permission string: "power"
Grants access to chrome.power API
Controls display and system sleep behavior
Does not trigger a warning at install time

API Methods

chrome.power.requestKeepAwake(level) where level is "display" or "system"
- "display" keeps screen on and prevents system sleep
- "system" prevents system sleep only, screen can dim
chrome.power.releaseKeepAwake() releases the keep-awake request

Manifest Declaration

{ "permissions": ["power"] }

Use Cases

Presentations and slideshows: keep screen on during presentation
Media playback: prevent sleep during video/audio
Long-running downloads: keep system awake until complete
Kiosk mode: permanent display-on for digital signage
Timer/stopwatch apps: keep display visible
Video conferencing extensions: maintain active session

MV3 Considerations

Service worker can call requestKeepAwake but SW may go idle
Re-request after service worker wake-up using chrome.alarms
Pattern: alarm triggers, SW wakes, re-call requestKeepAwake
Keep-awake state persists in browser even after SW terminates
On SW wake-up, re-read state and re-request if needed

Battery Impact

Display mode: significant battery drain
System mode: moderate drain
Always call releaseKeepAwake when no longer needed
Good pattern: pair with chrome.idle to auto-release
Don’t use “display” when “system” suffices
Always provide user controls and auto-release mechanisms

Code Examples

Basic Keep-Awake Toggle

import { createStorage, defineSchema } from '@theluckystrike/webext-storage';

const schema = defineSchema({ keepAwake: 'boolean' });
const storage = createStorage(schema, 'local');

chrome.action.onClicked.addListener(async () => {
  const isAwake = await storage.get('keepAwake');
  if (isAwake) {
    chrome.power.releaseKeepAwake();
    await storage.set('keepAwake', false);
    chrome.action.setBadgeText({ text: '' });
  } else {
    chrome.power.requestKeepAwake('display');
    await storage.set('keepAwake', true);
    chrome.action.setBadgeText({ text: 'ON' });
  }
});

Alarm-Based Re-request Pattern for MV3

chrome.runtime.onStartup.addListener(async () => {
  const isAwake = await storage.get('keepAwake');
  if (isAwake) {
    chrome.power.requestKeepAwake('display');
  }
});

// Timed keep-awake with auto-release
chrome.power.requestKeepAwake('display');
chrome.alarms.create('release-power', { delayInMinutes: 30 });

chrome.alarms.onAlarm.addListener((alarm) => {
  if (alarm.name === 'release-power') {
    chrome.power.releaseKeepAwake();
    storage.set('keepAwake', false);
  }
});

Integration with @theluckystrike/webext-storage

import { createStorage, defineSchema } from '@theluckystrike/webext-storage';

const schema = defineSchema({ 
  keepAwake: 'boolean',
  keepAwakeLevel: 'string' 
});
const storage = createStorage(schema, 'local');

// Persist and restore state
async function enableKeepAwake(level: 'display' | 'system') {
  chrome.power.requestKeepAwake(level);
  await storage.set('keepAwake', true);
  await storage.set('keepAwakeLevel', level);
}

async function disableKeepAwake() {
  chrome.power.releaseKeepAwake();
  await storage.set('keepAwake', false);
}

Cross-references

permissions/idle.md
guides/power-management.md
patterns/power-api.md

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent screen sleep in Chrome extension?

Use chrome.power.requestKeepAwake() to prevent the system from sleeping. Use chrome.power.releaseKeepAwake() when done.

Does power API work on all platforms?

The power API works on ChromeOS, Windows, and Mac. Linux support is limited. —

Part of the Chrome Extension Guide by theluckystrike. Built at zovo.one.

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