FAQ
TL;DR: Backlight timeout on Acer Aspire 5 A515-51G was reported as 2 seconds; “after 2 seconds it goes out.” FN+F9 only toggles on/off, with no user‑found timer control. This FAQ explains checks and realistic options. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #17715426]
Why it matters: It helps Acer Aspire owners who ask how to keep their keyboard backlight on or extend its timeout.
Quick Facts
- Reported keyboard backlight timeout ≈ 2 seconds on Aspire 5 A515‑51G. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #17715426]
- On battery, the keyboard backlight turns off; test behavior while on AC power. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17715475]
- FN+F9 toggles the keyboard backlight on this series. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17710077]
- Acer support suggested a BIOS update and checking BIOS settings; no option was found then. [Elektroda, Narcoser, post #18128536]
- As of mid‑2020, the thread author reported no solution. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #18843402]
How do I keep the Acer Aspire 5 A515-51G keyboard backlight on constantly?
There is no confirmed built‑in way in this thread to keep it always on. The author later reported no solution found. Consider checking AC power and BIOS, but expectations should remain modest. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #18843402]
What is the default keyboard backlight timeout on this model?
One owner reported approximately 2 seconds before it turns off. They wanted a longer duration but did not find a setting. This is a user‑observed value, not an Acer spec. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #17715426]
Does the backlight timeout change on battery versus when plugged in?
Yes. On battery, the keyboard backlight turns off automatically. The advice in the thread was to test with the power supply connected. This helps isolate power‑saving behavior. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17715475]
Can Windows power options change the keyboard backlight timeout?
No participant found a keyboard backlight timeout in Windows power plans for this model. The OP checked power settings and found nothing relevant. Windows did not expose that control here. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #17715471]
Is there a BIOS setting to adjust the keyboard backlight duration?
Support advised updating the BIOS and checking its menus. After updating, a user still found no keyboard backlight option. “Unfortunately it wasn’t.” That reflects the edge case where updates delivered no fix. [Elektroda, Narcoser, post #18128536]
Can Acer Quick Access or Intel ME settings change the backlight timer?
A participant asked about Intel ME and Acer Quick Access. The OP replied there was no information about the backlight in Quick Access. No timer control was confirmed there. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #17715568]
How do I toggle the A515-51G keyboard backlight?
Use FN+F9 to toggle the keyboard backlight. A responder highlighted these keys during troubleshooting, confirming this is the shortcut. Ensure the function row is active. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17710077]
How do I test if AC power changes the backlight behavior? (3 steps)
- Connect the AC adapter to the laptop.
- Press FN+F9 to enable the keyboard backlight.
- Stop typing and observe whether it remains on longer than on battery mode. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17715475]
Does this affect other Acer models like Swift 3?
Yes. A Swift 3 owner reported the same behavior and frustration. “I didn’t think it could be so annoying.” Cross‑model reports suggest firmware‑level control. [Elektroda, Narcoser, post #18077127]
What should I do if FN+F9 doesn’t work on my Aspire 5?
Verify your Acer drivers and utilities are installed from the model’s support page. Install Acer Quick Access if missing. Then reboot and retest the FN+F9 toggle. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17715514]
Are there confirmed third‑party tools or registry tweaks to keep the light on?
No confirmed tools or registry tweaks were shared in this thread. The OP later stated they did not find any solution. Use hardware toggles and BIOS checks instead. [Elektroda, m4xon, post #18843402]
What’s the realistic path to a fix for this backlight behavior?
Contact Acer Support and monitor BIOS releases. A user was told to update BIOS and check for a setting; none existed after updating then. Keep systems updated and recheck occasionally. [Elektroda, Narcoser, post #18128536]
Is there a sensor that disables the keyboard backlight in bright environments?
A responder raised the possibility of a brightness sensor affecting the keyboard. The thread did not confirm such a sensor on the A515‑51G. Treat it as unverified in this context. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17715456]
