Wake Up Your Phone With a Double Tap: A Quick Guide to Tap to Wake
Tired of constantly reaching for the power button to check the time or see your notifications? There’s a much more convenient way to wake up your phone: the double-tap-to-wake feature! Also often called ‘Tap to Wake,’ this handy functionality lets you simply tap twice on your screen to bring it to life. No more fumbling or awkward stretches – just a quick tap and you’re in. This article will guide you through enabling this feature on both Android and iOS devices, making your daily phone interactions smoother and faster.
What is Tap to Wake?
Tap to Wake (or Double Tap to Wake) is a screen activation method that allows you to turn on your device screen by tapping the display twice in quick succession. This feature relies on the phone’s touch sensor, making it a convenient alternative to physically pressing the power button. It’s not only faster but can also extend the lifespan of your power button.
Enabling Tap to Wake on Android
The exact steps to enable Tap to Wake can vary slightly depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer and operating system version. However, the general process is quite similar. Here’s a typical guide:
Open Settings: Locate and tap the gear-shaped ‘Settings’ app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Navigate to Display Settings: Scroll through the Settings menu until you find an option related to ‘Display,’ ‘Screen,’ or ‘Lock Screen.’ Tap on this option.
Look for Tap to Wake: Within the display settings, search for an option like ‘Tap to Wake,’ ‘Double Tap to Wake,’ ‘Wake Screen on Double Tap,’ or something similar. The name may vary slightly.
Toggle the Switch: Once you find the Tap to Wake option, toggle the switch to the ‘On’ or ‘Enabled’ position. This will activate the feature.
Test It Out: To verify it’s working, lock your phone screen, and double tap the screen. Your display should turn on.
Specific Examples:
- Samsung: Typically found under Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures > Double tap to wake.
- Pixel: Typically found under Settings > Display > Tap to check phone.
- OnePlus: Typically found under Settings > Buttons & gestures > Quick Gestures > Double tap to wake.
- Xiaomi/Redmi: Typically found under Settings > Always-on display & Lock screen > Double tap screen to wake.
Note: If you can’t find the feature using the above steps, try searching the settings using the search function. Usually, typing “double tap” or “tap to wake” will bring you to the relevant setting.
Enabling Tap to Wake on iOS (iPhone)
Apple devices have a similar feature called ‘Raise to Wake’ that activates the screen when you lift your iPhone. However, there isn’t a direct “Tap to Wake” option as seen on many Android devices. If you want to avoid pressing a button to wake, then you would use the “Raise to wake” option, you can set that up following this process:
Open Settings: Locate and tap the gear-shaped ‘Settings’ app icon on your home screen.
Navigate to Display & Brightness: Scroll down and tap on “Display & Brightness”.
Look for Raise to Wake: Once on the Display and Brightness page, scroll down until you find “Raise to Wake”.
Toggle the Switch: Switch the toggle to the green position. This activates the feature.
Test it Out: Lock the screen on your phone and lift the phone. The display should activate.
It’s worth noting that iPhones use a “Raise to wake” feature which does a similar job to “Tap to Wake”, although it needs the device to be lifted, rather than tapped.
Troubleshooting Tap to Wake
If the Tap to Wake feature isn’t working as expected, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your phone: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches.
- Check for software updates: Ensure your phone’s operating system is up to date, as updates can include bug fixes.
- Adjust sensitivity: Some devices may have adjustable sensitivity settings for the double tap gesture. Look for this option in the same menu where you enabled Tap to Wake.
- Clear screen protector: Make sure your screen protector is clean and isn’t interfering with touch sensitivity.
Benefits of Using Tap to Wake
Using the Tap to Wake feature has several benefits:
- Convenience: It’s much faster and more convenient than finding and pressing the power button.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Less use of the power button can extend its lifespan.
- Accessibility: It can be helpful for users with limited mobility or dexterity.
Conclusion
The Tap to Wake feature is a small but powerful tool that can make your smartphone experience much more seamless. Whether you have an Android or iOS device, enabling it is quick and easy, and it will quickly become a habit you rely on. Say goodbye to constantly reaching for the power button and start enjoying the convenience of simply tapping your screen!