How to turn on Xiaomi phone with double tap on the screen: full instruction

Are you tired of constantly pressing the power button to unlock Xiaomi? Double Tap to Wake solves this problem by tapping the switched-off display twice and the phone wakes up, an option that not only saves time, but also extends the life of the mechanical power button, which wears out over time.

However, not all users know that the feature is hidden in the MIUI settings and may require additional manipulation on some models. In this article, we will discuss how to activate double-press on the screens of Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and flagship series, which models support the function out of the box, and which will require a workaround, and you will learn why the option can suddenly disappear after an update and how to return it.

What is Double Tap to Wake and Why is it Necessary?

Double Tap to Wake (DT2W) is a feature that allows you to turn on the smartphone screen with double tap on a black display. The technology works thanks to a built-in power management controller in the Qualcomm or MediaTek processor, which monitors touch gestures even in sleep mode.

The main advantages of the function:

• ⚡ Quick access – no need to look for the power button in the dark or with one hand.
• 🛠️ Mechanical protection – reduces wear and tear of the physical power button.
• 🔋 Savings of charge – with the right setup, the battery consumption is minimal (about) 1-2% post 8 hours).
• 👆 Utility – especially useful for devices with large screens (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or other devices). POCO F5 Pro).

It’s important to understand that DT2W is different from Always-On Display (AOD), the first feature just wakes up the screen, the second one leaves it constantly active with minimal backlighting to display time and notifications. On some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), these options can be used together.

What Xiaomi models support double-pressing

Double Tap to Wake is available on most Xiaomi smartphones released after 2018, but there are nuances:

Critical: on devices with MediaTek Helio G processors (such as Redmi 9 or POCO M3), the function may be missing due to the limitations of the chipset. If your model is not on the list, check for the option manually - sometimes it appears after a firmware update.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite feature hidden and requires activation via ADB This is not official support, so use this method at your own risk.

Step-by-step: how to enable double tap on Xiaomi

The activation algorithm depends on the version of MIUI. Below is the universal instruction for MIUI 12-14 firmware:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Screen section (or Display in English).
3. Select Lock and Protection (Lock Screen).
4. Slip on the additional lock screen settings (Additional lock screen settings).
5. Find the option Double tap to wake and activate the slider.

Update MIUI to the latest version |Check battery (minimum 20%) |Make sure the screen is not damaged |Switch off magnet cases (can block the sensor)

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If Double tap to wake is not on the menu, try the alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Select Screen Awakening.
3. Activate Double Push.

On some devices (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the option may be called Tap to wake or Wake-up gestures. If you do not find it, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

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If the function doesn't work after activation, restart the phone. Sometimes the sensor controller needs initialization.

Why Double Pressing Doesn't Work: Common Problems

Even after setting up the Double Tap to Wake correctly, it can fail, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Low battery (less than 15%) Some Xiaomi models automatically turn off the feature to save power.Plug in charge and check again.
• 📱 A damaged sensor, if the screen cracks or the plume is gone, DT2W Check the touch response when it's on.
• 🔄 Conflict with other gestures. Turn off Lift to wake in screen settings, sometimes functions interfere with each other.
• 🛡️ Third-party apps. Screen locking software (like AppLock) can intercept gestures. → Annexes → Permits → Special access and check conflicting utilities.
• 🔧 Reset settings after update MIUI Sometimes you reset your gestures. Reactivate. DT2W.

If the problem persists, try resetting the screen settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset the lock screen settings.
3. Confirm the action and reconfigure Double Tap to Wake.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) function can work unstable at low temperatures (below) +5°C) This is due to the peculiarities of organic LEDs.

Alternative ways to turn on the screen without a power button

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support Double Tap to Wake, or if the feature is malfunctioning, use alternative methods:

• 👆 Lift to wake: The screen is turned on when the phone is lifted. Activated in Settings → Screen. → Lockdown and protection.
• 🔊 Voice activation: Say “OK, Google” or “Hey, Xiaomi” (requires setting up a voice assistant).
• 📳 Fingerprint scanner: on models with sensor in the screen (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) touch the scanner area enough.
• 🔌 Charging Connection: Many smartphones automatically turn on the screen when connecting the cable USB.

For advanced users, there is a way to activate DT2W via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for devices where the function is blocked by the manufacturer, but supported by hardware.

adb shell settings put global double_tap_to_wake 1

After you complete the command, restart your phone. Please note that improper use of ADB can cause system failures.

How to disable double-tap on Xiaomi

If the Double Tap to Wake feature is annoying (for example, the screen is turned on in your pocket), you can deactivate it:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Lock and Protection.
2. Select Additional Lock screen settings.
3. Turn off the slider opposite Double press to wake up.

On some models (e.g., the POCO F4 GT), the option may be in Settings → System → Gestures → Screen Awakening. If you can’t find the item, search by settings.

You can also temporarily block the function using the Do Not Disturb mode:

• 📵 Activate Do Not Disturb in the Notification Curtain.
• 🔕 In this mode DT2W Other wake-up gestures are automatically turned off.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) disabling Double Tap to Wake can also reset other gestures (e.g. Swipe for screenshots.

Optimizing Double Tap to Wake

To ensure that the function is stable and does not drain the battery, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Turn it off. AOD. The same is true for Always-On Display and DT2W increases the charge charge charge on 10-15%. Select one of the functions.
• 📱 Use the original film. Cheap security glasses can reduce sensor sensitivity, which causes double-pressing to work over and over again.
• ⚡ Update the firmware. MIUI Optimized sensor controller. Check the updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset the sensor settings. If the screen doesn't respond well to touch, calibrate: Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Sensor calibration.

For owners of Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K60 Pro) it is useful to adjust the adaptive refresh rate:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Update frequency.
2. Choose Adaptive or 60Hz (unless 120Hz is critical).

This will reduce the processor load and reduce battery consumption when using DT2W.

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On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the function is more stable thanks to hardware optimization of the sensor controller.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions