tlp

Apply settings (according to the actual power source)

$ sudo tlp start

$ sudo tlp bat

$ sudo tlp ac

tlp [command]
tlp [command] [device_id]

start
    Starts the TLP daemon and applies power-saving settings according to the configuration. Typically run automatically at boot.

stop
    Stops the TLP daemon and reverts settings to system defaults. Power management will no longer be handled by TLP.

reapply
    Reapplies TLP settings without stopping/starting the daemon. Useful after modifying the configuration file (/etc/tlp.conf).

stat
    Displays the current TLP status, applied configuration, and actual power-saving settings for all components. Essential for debugging and verifying TLP's operation.

bat
    Immediately switches to battery power-saving settings, overriding the current power source detection. Useful for testing or forcing a low-power state.

ac
    Immediately switches to AC power settings, overriding the current power source detection. Useful for testing or forcing a high-performance state.

disk [ID]
    Manages power management for hard disk drives and solid-state drives. When an optional ID (e.g., 'sda') is provided, it shows or applies settings for that specific disk. Without an ID, it displays information for all detected disks.

usb [ID]
    Manages USB autosuspend behavior. With an optional ID, it shows or applies settings for a specific USB device. Without an ID, it displays information for all connected USB devices.

fullcharge
    Instructs the battery to charge to its full capacity (100%), temporarily ignoring any configured charge thresholds. This command is effective only on supported batteries.

chargeonce
    Charges the battery once to the configured charge threshold and then stops. Useful for maintaining battery health by preventing constant charging.

true
    Enables TLP's systemd service, ensuring it starts automatically on boot. This is typically the default state after installation.

false
    Disables TLP's systemd service, preventing it from starting automatically. TLP will not manage power saving until re-enabled.

tlp is an advanced power management command-line tool for Linux, primarily designed to optimize battery life and reduce power consumption on laptops.

It automatically applies a wide range of power-saving settings to your hardware, including CPU, disk, kernel, WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB devices, depending on whether your system is running on AC power or battery. tlp aims to provide out-of-the-box power savings without requiring deep technical knowledge, offering sensible defaults that can be further customized via its configuration file (/etc/tlp.conf). It works by applying settings at startup and dynamically adjusting them when power sources change, making it a powerful utility for enhancing laptop endurance and efficiency.

tlp operates by applying system-wide settings, which may conflict with other power management utilities like tuned or powertop's auto-tune mode. It is generally recommended to use only one primary power management solution to prevent erratic behavior or performance issues. Users might need to customize settings in /etc/tlp.conf to achieve optimal results for their specific hardware, especially for niche devices or to address specific power-saving needs. Always review the output of tlp stat after making changes or experiencing issues.

tlp's behavior is extensively controlled via its main configuration file, /etc/tlp.conf. This plain-text file allows users to fine-tune a multitude of power-saving settings for various components (e.g., CPU governors, disk advanced power management, WiFi power saving, battery charge thresholds) and define different behaviors for AC and battery power sources. After editing, it's crucial to reapply settings using tlp reapply or restart the TLP service.

tlp functions as a system daemon, meaning it runs continuously in the background as a system service. It starts automatically at boot and actively monitors for changes in the power source (e.g., plugging/unplugging AC adapter), dynamically applying the appropriate power profiles (AC or battery) as configured. This ensures persistent and automatic power optimization without requiring manual intervention from the user.

tlp emerged as a highly effective and popular power management tool within the Linux community, initially gaining prominence for its exceptional performance on ThinkPad laptops due to its ability to leverage specific hardware features. Its development aimed to provide a comprehensive, automated, and easily configurable solution for optimizing battery life and reducing power consumption. Over time, its scope broadened to support a wide array of Linux laptop models, establishing itself as a go-to utility for out-of-the-box power savings, contrasting with more manual or interactive tools.

powertop(8), tuned(8), cpufreq-info(1), upower(1)