How to turn on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone with a double tap: all ways

Turning on the Xiaomi smartphone’s dual tap screen is one of the most convenient features that saves time and extends the life of the power button.This option allows you to activate the display with a simple touch of your finger without resorting to mechanical buttons. However, not all users know how to adjust this feature correctly, especially on new versions of MIUI or after resetting settings.

In this article, we will go into detail about all the ways to activate the dual tap to turn on the screen on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including hidden settings and workarounds for models where the option is not in the standard menu, and you will learn why the feature may not work and how to fix it without losing warranty.

What is a double tap and why do you need it?

The Double Tap to Wake feature allows you to unlock the smartphone display by touching the screen twice with your finger.

• 🔄 Quickly turn on the screen without finding the power button (especially relevant for large smartphones).
• 🛠️ Extending the life of a mechanical button that wears out over time.
• 🎮 Convenience in games or applications where you need to lock/unlock the screen frequently.
• ❄️ Working in gloves (on some models, the sensor reacts even through thin fabric).

On most Xiaomi smartphones, this feature works at the firmware level and does not require additional applications. However, its availability and location on the menu depends on the version of MIUI and the device model. For example, on the POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11, the option may be in a different section than on the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

It is important to understand that double tap is not the same as Always On Display (AOD). The first simply turns on the screen, and the second displays persistent information (time, notifications) on the screen. AMOLED-These functions can work together or separately.

Official method: enable via MIUI settings

The easiest way to activate the dual tap is to use the standard MIUI settings. The instructions are suitable for most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices based on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Always Active Screen and Lock (on some models – Lock Screen).
3. Select Double tap to wake or Double tap to wake.
4. Activate the switch to the position VL.

If there is no such item on your menu, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI (Update may add a function).
• 🔧 Smartphone model (on budget devices, the option is sometimes missing).
• 🔒 Root rights or custom firmware (can block system functions).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the screen is not damaged.

Turn off magnet covers

Check the presence of the function in the settings-->

On some devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi A2 (with pure Android), dual tap is enabled via Settings → System → Gestures → Double tap to wake up. If you have a global firmware POCO, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Gestures.

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If the double tap is activated once more, try calibrating the sensor in the engineering menu (code ##6484##).

Hidden methods: engineering menu and ADB-team

If the settings do not have the option of double tap, you can turn it on via the engineering menu or ADB. These methods require caution, but work on most Xiaomi devices.

Method 1: Engineering Menu (CIT)

To access hidden settings:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337## (or ##CIT###).
3. Go to the Touch Panel Test section.
4. Find the Double Tap Wake Up option and activate it.

⚠️ Note: Not all models support this code, and some devices may not have an engineering menu or require superuser rights.

Method 2: ADB-teams (no root rights)

If the engineering menu is not available, use ADB:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global double_tap_to_wake 1
4. Reset the device.

To disable the function, use the same command by replacing 1 by 0.

Why the double tap doesn't work: common problems

Even after you set it up properly, it may not work, and here are the main reasons and solutions:

If the double tap stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

• 🔄 Reset the lock screen settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the data).
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) that supports gestures.
• 🔧 Enable the function through Xiaomi EU ROM (If you have a global firmware).

Yeah, it works without settings.

Yeah, but I had to manually turn it on.

No, I had to use ADB.

No, and no methods are working.

I don't know. I haven't.-->

Alternative solutions: applications and custom firmware

If standard methods don't work, consider third-party solutions that are suitable for devices where dual tap is not supported at the firmware level.

Apps from Google Play

A few proven utilities:

• 📱 Tap, Tap – uses accessibility to emulate double tap (does not require root).
• 🔧 Knock On – works on most devices, but can drain the battery.
• ⚡ Double Tap Screen On Off – Supports sensitivity settings.

⚠️ Note: Double tap apps consume an extra battery and may conflict with system gestures.Before installing, check reviews for your Xiaomi model.

Castom firmware (for advanced users)

If you’re ready for experimentation, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will add dual tap support even on unofficially supported devices.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📥 Installations TWRP or other recovery.
• 🛠️ Backup of data (process erases internal memory).

The XDA Developers and 4PDA forums have separate themes with ported cores that add dual tap support for specific Xiaomi models. For example, there are patches for the Redmi Note 8 Pro that activate the feature via Magisk.

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Custom firmware gives maximum freedom of settings, but deprives of warranty and can cause problems with the system. OTA-update.

Comparison of double taps on different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally good at implementing the dual tap function. Here is a comparison by popular series:

On flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the dual tap often works more stable due to a better sensor. On budget devices (such as the Redmi 9A), the function may be absent or work with delays.

If you are planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone and double tap is critical for you, pay attention to the models with the new smartphone. AMOLED-screens – the function is implemented better thanks to Touch technology IC, which supports gestures even when switched off.

Safety and Energy Consumption: Myths and Reality

Many users fear that the double tap increases battery consumption or may accidentally activate the screen in their pocket.

• 🔋 Battery consumption: On modern Xiaomi smartphones, the dual tap consumes no more than 1-2% of charge per day.
• 👖 False positives: On devices with poor sensor calibration, the screen can turn on in the pocket.The solution is to turn off the function or use a case without magnets.
• 🛡️ Security: Double tap doesn't affect data protection. It still takes a lot to unlock your phone. PIN, faceprint ID.

For additional battery savings:

• Turn off the double tap while you sleep (some firmware has a schedule).
• Use the function only when connecting to charging (if your firmware allows it).
• Check if the double tap is in conflict with other gestures (e.g., lifting to wake up).

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Nana AMOLED-Double tap screens consume less energy than on IPS, Thanks to the technology of partial pixel updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the double tap on Xiaomi