diff --git a/daemon/actions/bundled/dimdisplay.cpp b/daemon/actions/bundled/dimdisplay.cpp
--- a/daemon/actions/bundled/dimdisplay.cpp
+++ b/daemon/actions/bundled/dimdisplay.cpp
@@ -93,9 +93,12 @@
 
 void DimDisplay::triggerImpl(const QVariantMap &args)
 {
-    backend()->setBrightness(args.value(QStringLiteral("_ScreenBrightness")).toInt(), BackendInterface::Screen);
+    // don't manipulate brightness at all when they are already zero to prevent races with DPMS action
+
+    if (m_oldScreenBrightness > 0) {
+        backend()->setBrightness(args.value(QStringLiteral("_ScreenBrightness")).toInt(), BackendInterface::Screen);
+    }
 
-    // don't manipulate keyboard brightness if it's already zero to prevent races with DPMS action
     if (m_oldKeyboardBrightness > 0) {
         backend()->setBrightness(args.value(QStringLiteral("_KeyboardBrightness")).toInt(), BackendInterface::Keyboard);
     }