diff --git a/files/.local/bin/brightness-control b/files/.local/bin/brightness-control
index 98d9c99..8f83f66 100755
--- a/files/.local/bin/brightness-control
+++ b/files/.local/bin/brightness-control
@@ -29,8 +29,13 @@ case $1 in
     send_notification
     ;;
   down)
-    # decrease the backlight by 5%
-    brightnessctl set 5%-
+    if [[ $(get_brightness) -lt 5 ]]; then
+        # avoid 0% brightness
+        brightnessctl set 1%
+    else
+        # decrease the backlight by 5%
+        brightnessctl set 5%-
+    fi
     send_notification
     ;;
 esac