Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer many convenient features for controlling the device without the use of physical buttons. One of the most popular options is the ability to activate the display with a simple double tapping of the finger on the off screen. This feature significantly speeds up access to notifications, time and fast widgets, eliminating the need to search for a power button on the end of the case every time.
With MIUI and the new HyperOS shell, this mechanism is implemented at the software level, but its activation can be hidden in non-obvious menu sections or depend on the firmware version. Users often have to look for settings in the depth of system parameters to unlock this useful tool. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of configuration, consider possible causes of the function failure and propose alternative solutions.
Not only does dual tap technology improve comfort, it also extends the life of a mechanical power button that can eventually become stuck or fail. With a good touch, you can forget about physical keys in everyday scenarios. Below are step-by-step instructions that are relevant to most current models of the brand.
Where to find Double Tape settings in MIUI and HyperOS
Finding the right switch can be confusing, as the menu layout has changed across different versions of the firmware. In most cases, the desired setting is in the Settings section, which can be opened through a gear in the notification curtain or on the desktop, you will need to go to the subsection responsible for locking and security of the device.
In current MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS builds, the path often looks like this: select Additional Features or Special Features. This is where advanced gesture management settings are hidden. If you don't have one on your menu right away, try searching by settings by typing "tape" or "enable."
Sometimes the setting can be moved to the Screen section and Lock. This is logical, since the function is directly related to waking the display from sleep mode. Carefully study all tabs in the settings menu so that you do not miss the desired switch, which can be called Screen Activation or Awakening.
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Use a search inside the settings menu by typing the words “tap” or “gesture” to instantly find the right option, regardless of the firmware version.
Step-by-step instructions for activating the function
The process of enabling the function is simple enough if you know the exact sequence of actions. First, make sure that your smartphone screen is unlocked and you are on the desktop. Open the main menu of system settings. Find the Additional Features section (in some localizations it may be called Advanced Settings).
In the list that opens, look for Activate the Screen or Turn on the Screen. Inside this menu, you'll see a switch called Double Touch to Enable. Move the slider to the active position. Then the system can suggest calibration or just confirm the change of settings.
☑️ Incorporation algorithm
Now turn off the display with the power button and try to touch the center of the screen twice quickly. If done correctly, the screen will light up. It's important to touch rhythmically, but not too quickly so that the sensor can recognize the command. Sensitivity plays a key role here.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen is late or not responding at all after the function is turned on, try increasing the speed of double-touching. Too slow beats can be perceived by the system as two separate single presses.
Alternative ways to wake up the display
If the standard double tap in the center of the screen is uncomfortable or unstable, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers other activation methods, such as the "Raise to Turn" function, which uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope to determine when you pick up the phone, which is especially convenient when the device is lying on the table.
It is also possible to turn on the screen by double tapping on certain areas or using special gestures if supported by an established theme. Some third-party launchers and themes from the GetThemes store can intercept gesture control, providing more flexible settings.
- 📱 Lift to turn on: The phone responds to a change in position in space by lighting up when you pick it up.
- 👆 Tape by status bar: in some versions MIUI It is possible to turn on the screen with a double tap on the top status line, even if it is hidden.
- 🔘 Volume button: in the settings of special features, you can assign a wake-up of the screen for a long press of one of the volume buttons.
Alternative methods allow for a variety of interactions with the smartphone, for example, the “Raise to turn on” mode saves battery power, since it is activated only when the device is in real motion, as opposed to constantly questioning the sensor with a double tap.
Problems with the operation of the sensor and their solution
Despite the convenience, the dual tap function may not work properly, and users often experience a screen that doesn't light up the first time or turns on in their pocket, with the main cause of such failures being contamination of the screen surface or the presence of poor-quality protective glass.
A thick protective glass or metallic film can shield the signal, making the sensor less susceptible to light touch, in which case the system simply does not register a double impact, and the problem may lie in a software failure of the MIUI itself, which requires rebooting or resetting the sensor settings.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen is not responding. | Thick protective glass | Remove the glass or increase the force of pressing |
| Random inclusions | High sensitivity | Disable the function or change the topic |
| It only works in the center. | Sensor calibration | Calibrate in the Engineering Menu |
| The function is missing from the menu. | System error | Resetting or resetting settings |
If the screen turns on on on its own in your pocket, this may be a sign of a malfunction of the proximity sensor or too high sensitivity of the touch screen, in such cases, it is recommended to check the sensor through the engineering menu by typing the code # # # #6484## in the phone application.
How to log into the engineering menu to check the sensor
Impact of Design Themes and Third-Party Applications
MIUI is known for its deep customization, and the themes are not the least of the themes that you download from GetThemes store, and some of the themes you download from GetThemes store may have their own gesture control scripts that conflict with the system settings. If you notice that after changing the theme, double tap stopped working, try going back to the standard theme.
There are also specialized apps from Google Play that emulate the dual tap feature on devices where it is missing out of the box or removed by the manufacturer, but using such apps increases battery consumption, as they require a constant background process to track touches.
When installing third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, the dual-tap system function can be disabled because the lock screen is intercepted by third-party software.
- 🎨 Theme Conflict: Standard Theme MIUI Ensures stable operation of all system gestures without failure.
- 🔋 Energy consumption: Third-party applications for double tap can consume up to 5-10% battery charge.
- 🚀 Performance: Using a system function loads the processor less than software emulators.
⚠️ WARNING: When using third-party dual tap emulation apps, make sure you give them the necessary permissions to access special features, otherwise they won’t be able to intercept touches on a locked screen.
Settings to save battery power
Constantly questioning the sensor for double-touching requires certain processor resources and power consumption. While modern Snapdragon and Dimensity chips do this efficiently, in strict power saving mode, the function can be automatically disabled by the system to extend the running time.
In Battery and Performance, you can configure energy saving profiles. If you have chosen Energy Saving or Ultra Saving mode, the system limits background processes and sensor surveys. For comfortable use of the double tap, it is recommended to use Balanced or Performance mode.
Also worth noting is the Always On Display feature. If it's active, the dual tap may work differently, since the display isn't technically completely off, but only shows a static image of the watch. In some versions, the gesture settings for AOD and the completely off screen are separated.
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For stable operation of the double tap and quick response of the system, it is recommended to use a balanced battery mode, avoiding austerity regimes.