Xiaomi’s Double Tap on the Screen: How to Set Up in 2 Minutes

Why is the double tap more convenient than the power button?

Xiaomi smartphones are one of the few where the function of turning on the screen with double-clicking on the display is implemented at the firmware level. It is not just a “chip”, but a real convenience: you do not need to look for a power button on the case, especially if the phone is on the table with a screen upwards. You just need to touch the sleeping display twice and the screen instantly lights up.

The feature works on most models, from the budget Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. However, there are nuances: on some devices, the option is hidden in the depths of settings, while on others, you may need to activate through Developer Mode. In this article, we will analyze all the ways from standard to alternative.

Important: the dual tap only works when the screen is off, if the display is already active, the taps will be perceived as normal touches, and the function may conflict with some covers or protective glasses, which we will discuss below.

Standard method: setting up through the “lock screen”

On most Xiaomi smartphones (especially those with MIUI 12-14 firmware), the option is enabled in 3 steps:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Scroll down to the Additional Settings section (or Advanced Features on some models).
3. Activate the Double Tap to Wake switch (also called Tap to Wake or Double Tap to Wake).

If the item is not on the menu, then your model does not support the function at the firmware level, in which case move to the next section with alternative methods.

Make sure the screen is clean (no moisture/fat)

Remove a thick case or glass (can block the sensor)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check battery power (below 5% function may not work)-->

Once activated, test the function: lock the phone and double tap the screen at intervals of ~0.5 seconds.

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes helps to reset temporary sensor errors.
• 📱 Check the sensitivity of the screen in Settings → Additionally. → Touch screen.
• 🛠️ If you use custom software (e.g. LineageOS), the feature may require a separate Magisk module.

Alternative method: Developer mode

On some models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi K40), the option is hidden and requires the developer mode to be enabled.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row. You will be notified of becoming a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
4. Scroll down and activate Double Touch to wake up.

If the option is not even here, then the manufacturer has blocked it at the kernel level, in which case only custom firmware or third-party software will help (more on this).

Yeah, it works without settings.

I had to use it through the developer mode.

No function in my model.

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.-->

⚠️ Warning: Enabling Developer Mode opens up access to system settings that could disrupt the stability of your phone. Do not change other options on this menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

Third-party applications: if the standard method does not work

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support dual tap at the firmware level, you can use apps from Google Play.

• 📱 Tap, Tap is a minimalist, open source application that works through special features, does not require root rights.
• 🔧 Double Tap Screen On Off – Supports touch and delay settings between taps.
• ⚡ Knock On (LG Style – imitates the Knock On function LG, But adapted for Xiaomi.

Instructions for Tap, Tap:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant permission to use over other windows.
3. Turn on the option of Double tap to wake.
4. Set up sensitivity (Medium is recommended to start).

Cons of third-party applications:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to 3-5% per day).
• 🛑 It may conflict with some launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher).
• 🔒 Requires constant work in the background (can be killed by the optimizer) MIUI).

💡

To keep MIUI from closing the background applications, add them to the exceptions: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autostart and Battery → Battery Optimization (select “No Limits”).

Problems and Solutions: Why Double Tap Doesn't Work

If you have enabled the feature but the screen does not respond to double tap, check the following points:

If none of these things worked, there might be a hardware problem, like the touch controller, which is a faulty one, and only the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The double tap may conflict with the lift to wake function. If both options are on at the same time, try turning one off.

Comparison with other Unblocking Methods

Double tap is not the only way to quickly wake up the screen. Consider the alternatives and their pros/cons:

• 📱 Lift to Wake: Pros: works automatically, does not require touching. Cons: triggered by accident (for example, in a pocket), increases battery consumption.
• 🔑 Power button: Pros: reliability, always working. Cons: physical button wears out over time.
• 👆 Awakening gesture (swipe up): Pros: intuitive, like on iPhone. Cons: doesn't work with some cases.
• 🎤 Voice command (Ok Google): Pros: convenient when hands are busy. Cons: requires internet, does not work in quiet places.

The double tap is better for speed and reliability in everyday scenarios: the phone is on the table, you sit at the workplace or hold your smartphone in your hand, but you don't want to look for the power button. However, for active use (sports, walks), it is better to combine it with Raise to wake up.

Security: Can I accidentally unlock my phone?

Many users fear that double taps could cause the phone to be accidentally unlocked, such as in a pocket or bag, which is unlikely in practice for several reasons:

• 🔒 The function only works on the screen off – if the display is already active, taps are perceived as normal touches.
• ⏱️ Between two taps, it takes 0.3-0.7 seconds (configurable in some firmware) and casual touches rarely fall within this interval.
• 🛡️ Even if the screen is turned on, you will need to unlock it. PIN/graphical key/fingerprint.

However, if you carry your phone in your pocket without a case, it’s best to turn off the double tap or combine it with the Lock in your pocket function (available in Settings → Lock Screen → Additional).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions