How to activate the double tap awakening on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Double Tap to Wake is one of the most convenient features on Xiaomi smartphones that lets you quickly unlock your device without pressing physical buttons. This option is especially useful when the power button fails or when you want to minimize mechanical impact on the body. However, not all users know how to turn it on correctly, and on some models the function is hidden in the depths of settings or requires additional manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the awakening with a double tap on different versions. MIUI (12 to 14), which models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Support this feature out of the box, and what to do if the option is not in the menu, and you will learn about possible problems (for example, accidental positives or failure of the feature after an update) and how to fix them. If you want to make your smartphone experience even more intuitive, read on!

What is a double tap awakening and why it is necessary

Double Tap to Wake feature (DT2W) It allows you to turn on your smartphone screen by touching it twice anywhere, and it's convenient in multiple scenarios:

• 🔋 Savings power button: reduces wear of the mechanical button, which is especially important for devices with age 2+ years.
• ⚡ Quick access: no need to look for a button on the case – just tap on the screen, even if the phone is lying on the table.
• 🧊 Convenience in winter: When buttons are poorly pressed in gloves, a double tap saves the situation.
• 🛠️ Alternative to breakage: if the power button breaks, DT2W It may be a temporary solution before repairs.

It's important to understand that double tap awakening is a hardware feature that depends on display and firmware.On Xiaomi's budget models (like Redmi). 9A or POCO C31) It may be missing because of the limitations of the iron part, but flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro supports it by default.

It's also worth distinguishing. DT2W Raise to Wake, which activates the screen when the smartphone changes position in space, can be used together or separately, depending on your preferences.

Xiaomi models with support for Double Tap to Wake

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support double tap awakening. Below is a table with current data on popular models (based on the above). MIUI 14 and HyperOS.If your model isn't listed, it doesn't guarantee no feature - check the settings manually.

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9T or POCO M4 Pro) the function may be disabled by the manufacturer, but it can be unlocked through ADB Or custom firmware, if your model doesn't support it. DT2W Officially, go to the section "How to enable the function if it is not in the settings».

Before activating, check the version. MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). On older versions (below). MIUI (12) the function may not work properly or may not work at all.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the awakening with a double tap

If your model supports a function, you can activate it in a few steps. MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, but there may be minor differences in menu items.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Screen section (or Display on some firmware).
3. Select Screen Lock and Password (HyperOS may be called Lock and Protection).
4. Scroll down and find the option of Double tap to wake (or Double tap to wake in English firmware).
5. Activate the switch. The system may request confirmation or suggest reading the warning about increased battery consumption.

After activation, check the function: lock the screen and touch it twice with your finger (the interval between taps should be no more than 0.5 seconds).

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Stick to different parts of the screen (some models only respond to the center area).
• 🔋 Check the battery power (at a level below 5%, the function can be turned off automatically).

Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with the operation)

Try to tap two fingers (on some models it works like this).

Turn off the case – it can block the sensor

Check if the energy saving mode is on.-->

If the option is not on the menu, it can mean:

• 📵 Your model does not support function at the hardware level.
• 🔄 The firmware is outdated (update) MIUI last-minute).
• 🛠️ The function is hidden by the manufacturer (see the next section).

How to turn on Double Tap to Wake if it is not in the settings

If the menu does not include Double-touch Awakening, but you are sure that your model should support the function (for example, according to the table above), you can try activating it through the app. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

⚠️ Attention: Before use ADB Turn on the debugging. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version, then return to the Additional settings → For developers).

Steps to activate through ADB:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on the macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with Platform Tools: cd path to folder/platform-tools
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, continue.
5. Run the command to activate DT2W: adb shell settings put secure dt2w 1
6. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After you restart, check the function. If it doesn't work, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global dt2w 1

If that doesn’t work, then your model doesn’t support the function at the hardware level, in which case you might consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even if Double Tap to Wake is successfully activated, users may face a number of problems, and below we will discuss the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. the function is unstable (not always working)

Causes and solutions:

• 🧼 Dirty screen: wipe the display with a dry wipe. Fat spots and dust interfere with the sensor's operation.
• 📱 Cover interferes: remove the case or check if it closes the edges of the screen.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Turn off Super Energy Saving mode in battery settings.
• 🔄 Gesture conflict: If you have navigation gestures enabled, try turning them off temporarily.

2.Awakening is triggered by chance (in pocket, bag)

This is one of the most annoying problems that leads to a quick battery drain and occasional pressing.

• ⚙️ Reduce sensitivity: Some firmware allows you to adjust the tap strength in the engineering menu (access via code ##36446337##).
• 🔒 Use a case lock: Many Xiaomi cases have a magnetic lock that automatically locks the screen when closed.
• 📵 Disable the function when blocking: in the settings of some models there is an option to Disable when blocking (located next to the switch). DT2W).

3.The function stopped working after the update MIUI

Firmware updates sometimes reset settings or disable unofficially activated functions.

• 🔄 Check the settings: it's possible that the option just went off. Go to Settings → Screen. → Wake up with a double touch and turn it on again.
• 📥 Update rollback: if the problem appeared after the update, you can try to roll back on the previous version MIUI (instructions are available on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 🛠️ Resetting: in extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting your settings, but don’t forget to back up your data.

⚠️ Note: If the feature is gone after upgrading to HyperOS, it may be due to a change in the configuration structure. Try to find the option for the keyword “tap” in the search by settings (Settings). → Search).

4 Double Tap to Wake doesn't work with Always-On Display (AOD)

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XP) POCO F5 Pro) Double-tape wake-up is in conflict with Always-On Display:

• 🔄 Turn it off. AOD: Go to Settings. → Screen. → Always-On Display and Deactivate the Option.
• ⚙️ Set up a schedule. AOD: limit the function time (for example, only at night).
• 📱 Use the alternative: instead of DT2W Activate Raise to Wake if it is available.

Alternative ways to wake up the screen on Xiaomi

If Double Tap to Wake doesn't work or isn't on your model, you can use other ways to wake up the screen quickly.

• 📱 Raise to Wake: The screen is turned on when the smartphone changes position. → Screen. → Awakening by uplifting.
• 🔊 Voice Awakening: If you have Google Assistant or Alice set up from Yandex, you can say “OK, Google” or “Alice” to unlock the screen.
• 👆 Awakening gesture: on some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) There is an option to wake up by swipe up on the locked screen.

Also worth mentioning are apps from Google Play that emulate the dual tap feature, such as:

• Tap, Tap – allows you to configure a double touch of the back of the smartphone.
• Double Tap Screen On Off is an alternative for hardware-free devices.

⚠️ Note: Third-party screen wake-up apps may increase battery consumption and require additional permissions (e.g., Special Access to work on top of other apps.

If you use your smartphone frequently in your car, note that the screen is automatically turned on when you connect to your Bluetooth headset.This feature is available in the Device and Connection settings. → Bluetooth on some models.

Optimizing Double Tap to Wake

To ensure that the double tap awakening function works stably and does not affect autonomy, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Turn off the function at night: if you do not use your smartphone while sleeping, deactivate DT2W through the schedule (if such option is available in the settings).
• 🧼 Clean the screen regularly: Dust and fat reduce sensor sensitivity, leading to false positives.
• 📵 Use clear movements: tap confidently, but not too hard – the optimal interval between touches 0.3-0.5 seconds.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI HyperOS often improves gesture recognition algorithms.
• 🛡️ Set up a lock: if you are afraid of accidental presses, combine DT2W s PIN-fingerprint.

For advanced users, some models can fine-tune the sensitivity of the double tap through the engineering menu.

1. Enter the code ##36446337## in the Phone app.
2. Go to the Sensor Test section → Double Tap.
3. Adjust the Sensitivity (sensitivity) and Delay (latency between taps).

Be careful in the engineering menu – changing other parameters can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone.

💡

If you often put your smartphone down, use the screen autoturn function when flipping (Settings) → Screen. → This will prevent accidental touches and extend the life of the display.

FAQ: Frequent questions about waking up with a double tap on Xiaomi