How to Enable Double Tap to Wake on Samsung Phones (Full One UI Guide)

 Want to turn on your Samsung screen without touching the Power button? With Double Tap to Wake, you can wake your phone by simply tapping the display twice — no need to press anything. It’s quick, convenient, and helps reduce wear on your physical buttons.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to enable Double Tap to Wake on Samsung phones, how to use it effectively, and what to do if it doesn’t work properly.

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Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Samsung Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Performance & System Topic Hub.

🔹 What Is Double Tap to Wake?

Double Tap to Wake is a built-in feature in Samsung’s One UI that lets you activate the screen with two quick taps.
It’s especially useful when your phone is lying flat on a desk or charging dock — just tap twice to check the time, view notifications, or unlock your phone using Face or Fingerprint recognition.

This feature works perfectly alongside Lift to Wake and Always On Display (AOD), offering a smoother and more natural user experience.

By using gestures instead of the Power button, you also extend your phone’s hardware lifespan — fewer clicks, less wear.

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🔹 Check Your One UI Version

Before enabling this feature, make sure your Samsung phone is running One UI 2.5 or later, as older versions may not support Double Tap to Wake.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to About phone → Software information

3. Look for One UI version

If you’re on an older version, update it:
Settings → Software update → Download and install

Updating ensures you have access to all gesture-based features and performance improvements.

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🔹 How to Enable Double Tap to Wake on Samsung Phones

Once your software is up to date, enabling the feature only takes a few seconds. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Advanced features → Motions and gestures

3. Find Double tap to turn on screen

4. Toggle the switch ON

✅ That’s it!
Now, just double-tap anywhere on your Samsung’s screen to wake it instantly.
This makes checking notifications or time faster and easier than ever.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine it with Lift to Wake so your screen lights up automatically when you pick up your phone.

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🔹 Enable Double Tap to Turn Off Screen (Optional)

Samsung also includes the reverse gesture — letting you turn off the display by double-tapping it.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced features → Motions and gestures

2. Find Double tap to turn off screen

3. Toggle it ON

Once activated, you can double-tap any empty area on your Home Screen or Lock Screen to turn off your display without pressing the Power button.

💡 This is great if you’re using large-screen models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold, where reaching the button can be awkward.

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🔹 Troubleshooting: Double Tap to Wake Not Working?

If Double Tap to Wake isn’t responding properly, don’t worry — it’s usually a simple fix.
Here are the most common causes and solutions:

1. Check Lift to Wake and AOD Settings

   • Sometimes, Lift to wake or Always On Display can override touch gestures.

   • Try disabling and re-enabling these options in Settings.

2. Turn Off Battery Saver Mode

   • Battery Saver can limit background gestures.

   • Go to Settings → Battery and device care → Battery → Power saving mode, and turn it off.

3. Remove Thick Screen Protectors

   • Some glass protectors reduce touch sensitivity. Remove or replace it if taps aren’t registering.

4. Restart Your Phone

   • A quick reboot often resets gesture responsiveness.

5. Increase Touch Sensitivity

   • Go to Settings → Display → Touch sensitivity and toggle it ON.

   • This is especially helpful if you use a screen protector.

After applying these steps, test again by double-tapping your screen. It should wake instantly.

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🔹 Combine with Always On Display for a Better Experience

For the best usability, use Double Tap to Wake together with Always On Display (AOD).
Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Always On Display

2. Turn it ON

3. Set Display mode → Tap to show

Now, when your phone is in Always-On mode, simply double-tap to fully wake the screen.
This setup gives you instant access to the time, notifications, and battery status — without pressing a single button.

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🔹 Summary

The Double Tap to Wake feature is one of Samsung’s most underrated gestures, adding both convenience and durability to your phone.
Instead of reaching for the Power button each time, two quick taps are all you need to check the time, see who texted you, or unlock your phone.

If you haven’t tried it yet, follow the steps above to enable it today — you’ll quickly get used to the effortless experience.
And if it ever stops working, a few quick fixes will have it back in seconds.