Double Tap to Wake is a super convenient feature that lets you turn on your phone’s screen just by tapping it twice. But when it suddenly stops working, it can be very annoying. You tap, tap, tap… and nothing happens. In this guide, you’ll learn all the possible reasons why Double Tap to Wake is not working and how to fix it step by step.
These solutions work for most Android phones that support this feature, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, OnePlus, and others.
What Is Double Tap to Wake and How It Works
Double Tap to Wake uses your phone’s touch sensor and display controller to detect quick taps on the screen even when the display is off. When it detects two taps in a specific pattern, it turns on the display and shows the lock screen.
If this feature stops working, the problem usually comes from:
- Disabled settings (feature turned off accidentally)
- Software bugs or recent updates
- Battery saving modes disabling gestures
- Screen protector issues blocking taps
- Touchscreen sensitivity problems
- Hardware issues with the touch panel
Fix 1: Make Sure Double Tap to Wake Is Enabled
The first step is to confirm that the feature is actually turned on. Sometimes it gets disabled after a software update or by mistake.
On Samsung phones:
- Open Settings
- Go to Advanced features
- Tap Motions and gestures
- Enable Double tap to turn on screen
On Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco:
- Open Settings
- Go to Always-on display & Lock screen
- Enable Double tap to wake
On Realme / Oppo:
- Open Settings
- Go to Home Screen & Lock Screen or Convenience tools
- Enable Double tap to wake or turn on screen
On Vivo:
- Open Settings
- Go to Shortcuts & Accessibility or Lock Screen
- Enable Double tap to wake screen
If the toggle was off, turn it on and test again.
Fix 2: Restart Your Phone
Double Tap to Wake relies on background services. A simple restart can reload them and fix temporary glitches.
- Hold the Power button
- Tap Restart
After the restart, lock your phone and try double tapping again.
Fix 3: Remove Screen Protector or Thick Case
A very thick screen protector or certain glass protectors can interfere with touch detection, especially when the screen is off. Also, some phone cases slightly push the screen or frame, affecting touch response.
Try this:
- Remove the phone case
- If possible, temporarily remove the screen protector
- Test Double Tap to Wake again
If it works without the protector or case, replace them with thinner or higher quality ones.
Fix 4: Check Touchscreen Sensitivity Settings
If your device has a “Touch sensitivity” or “Glove mode” setting, it can affect how the screen responds to taps when the display is off.
On Samsung:
- Settings → Display
- Enable or disable Touch sensitivity and test again
On other phones:
- Settings → Display or Additional settings
- Look for options like Glove mode or Tap sensitivity
Play with the settings and test whether Double Tap to Wake responds better.
Fix 5: Make Sure the Screen Is Actually Off (Not Always-On)
Some phones use Always-On Display or Lock screen clocks. If your screen is technically “on” at very low power, Double Tap to Wake may not behave as expected.
Try disabling Always-On Display:
- Settings → Lock screen or Display
- Turn off Always-On Display or similar feature
Now let the screen go completely dark and test double tapping again.
Fix 6: Disable Power Saving Mode or Battery Optimization
Battery saver modes sometimes turn off “extra” features like motion gestures, Always-On Display, and double-tap gestures to save power.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Battery
- Turn OFF Power saving mode or Battery saver
- On some phones, go to Battery → More settings and turn off extra battery optimization options
After disabling power saving features, test Double Tap to Wake again.
Fix 7: Turn Off “Lift to Wake” or Conflicting Gestures
Some phones offer multiple lock screen wake options: Double Tap to Wake, Lift to Wake, Press Power to Wake, etc. Occasionally, one gesture can conflict with another and cause Double Tap to stop working.
Try this:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen or Advanced features
- Turn off other wake gestures like Lift to Wake temporarily
- Leave only Double Tap to Wake enabled
Check if the feature now works more reliably.
Fix 8: Update Your Phone Software
Sometimes Double Tap to Wake stops working properly after a system update. Manufacturers usually release quick patches to fix these bugs.
- Open Settings
- Go to Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
Install any pending update and restart your phone afterwards. Then test the gesture again.
Fix 9: Check for Third-Party Apps That Control the Screen
Some third-party apps can affect the lock screen and display behavior:
- Screen filter apps
- Custom lock screen apps
- Gesture apps
- Battery saver or optimizer apps
These apps might interfere with Double Tap to Wake.
Try this:
- Uninstall or disable any suspicious apps that modify the lock screen
- Disable any custom gesture or tap apps
- Restart the phone and test again
Fix 10: Test Double Tap to Wake in Safe Mode
Safe Mode runs your phone with only system apps. If Double Tap to Wake works in Safe Mode, that means a third-party app is the cause.
How to enter Safe Mode (common method):
- Hold the Power button
- Tap and hold Power Off
- Tap Safe Mode
Once in Safe Mode:
- Lock your phone
- Try Double Tap to Wake
If it works here, uninstall recently installed apps until you find the one causing trouble.
Fix 11: Reset All Settings (Without Deleting Data)
If the problem started after changing multiple settings or installing updates, resetting all settings can help without erasing your personal data.
On most Android phones:
- Settings → System or General Management
- Tap Reset or Reset Options
- Select Reset all settings
This resets things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display, and gesture settings, but your apps and files stay safe.
Fix 12: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If Double Tap to Wake still doesn’t work after trying all these steps and you are sure it’s not a hardware issue, a factory reset can help clear deeper software problems.
Warning: This will erase all your data. Make sure to back up your photos, videos, and important files first.
Factory reset steps (general):
- Settings → System or General Management
- Tap Reset
- Select Factory Data Reset
After reset, re-enable Double Tap to Wake in the settings and test again.
When It Might Be a Hardware Problem
If Double Tap to Wake still doesn’t work after:
- Enabling the feature in settings
- Restarting
- Removing your case/screen protector
- Disabling battery saving features
- Updating software
- Testing in Safe Mode
…then your touchscreen might have partially failed, especially if you also notice:
- Touch not working in some areas
- Screen flickering or ghost touches
- Random touches when the phone is idle
- Past drops or water damage
In that case, the issue is likely hardware-related, and you may need to visit a professional repair shop. They can test the touch panel and replace the screen if necessary.
Conclusion
Double Tap to Wake is a small feature that makes using your phone feel faster and more convenient. When it stops working, it’s usually caused by a simple setting, a screen protector, a software bug, or battery-saving modes. By following the steps in this guide—checking your settings, removing interfering apps, disabling power saving, and updating your software—you can often restore the feature without needing any repairs.
If none of the fixes help and your screen also shows other touch issues, it’s probably time to have the touchscreen checked by a technician. Most of the time, though, Double Tap to Wake can be brought back to life with just a few simple changes.