How to Configure the Keyboard Backlight Time-Out Interval in Ubuntu Linux

This article describes the configuration of the backlit keyboard time-out interval in Ubuntu Linux

To change the keyboard backlight time-out counter you will need to modify stop_timeout. You will find stop_timeout located in this directory:

• /sys/devices/platform/dell-laptop/leds/dell\:\:kbd_backlight/

  Changes to this file are performed in Terminal.

1. To open Terminal, use hotkey CTRL + ALT + T:  (Alternatively, click on Ubuntu Dash > search for Terminal > double click the Terminal icon)
   
   
   NOTE: Root access is required to save changes. AC power must be unplugged from the system as well, more information regarding this below

• Use sudo to elevate privileges to root status and nano to make the changes to the file. Run the following command:
   
  • sudo nano /sys/devices/platform/dell-laptop/leds/dell\:\:kbd_backlight/stop_timeout
  
  

• You will see this:
  
  

• Enter your desired time-out time in seconds, in this case 100s:
  
  

• Save changes using CTRL X:
  
  

• Confirm by pressing Enter and then press Enter again when asked for the file name:
  
  

• The new keyboard time-out interval should be active. The example above takes 100 seconds for the keyboard backlight to turn off. You are free to change the time to something that suits your needs.

Addendum:

To verify changes were saved, press the up arrow to re-enter your command and you should see the time you set (Ubuntu will convert anything over 60 seconds to its minute equivalent).