Unlocking double tap on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure the function in 2 minutes

The Double Tap to Wake feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to wake up the device with a light double tap on the display without having to press physical buttons. This is not only convenient, but also prolongs the life of mechanical keys. However, many users are not even aware of the existence of this option or face difficulties in activating it.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of different versions of firmware. MIUI (12 to 14), lists of supported models, and solutions to typical problems, from missing a point in settings to randomly responding. AMOLED- and LCD-Screens and why they might be shut down after updates.

If you want to save time, go straight to the power instructions. For those who like to get into the details, we have a comparison table of supported devices and an explanation of how the feature affects battery consumption.

What is double tap unlocking and why you need it

Double Tap to Wake feature (DT2W) It allows you to wake up your smartphone by touching the screen turned off twice, and then you just swipe up or type in the pattern lock./PIN-Advantages:

• 🔄 Convenience: Do not look for a power button in the dark or with one hand.
• 🛠️ Durability: Reduces wear of the mechanical switch.
• ⚡ Energy efficiency: battery consumption is minimal (about) 1-3% day by day with active use).
• 🎯 Quick access: works even in your pocket (if you adjust your sensitivity correctly).

On Xiaomi, the feature is implemented at the hardware level – it works even with the display completely off, unlike some competitors (for example, Samsung, which requires pre-enabled Always On Display).

• ❌ Not supported by budget models with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31).
• ⚠️ Nana AMOLED-Displays can cause burn-in (pixel burnout) with prolonged use.
• 🔧 Requires activation in hidden settings on some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Fun fact: on Xiaomi flagships (for example, 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3), the feature works even with Always On Display turned off, while on the POCO F4 GT it must be included separately in the Additional Screen Settings menu.

List of supported Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models

The Double Tap to Wake feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, but depends on the screen type, firmware version and hardware platform. Below is the compatibility table for popular models (relevant to MIUI 14 and later):

If your model is not on the list, check it for compatibility by two criteria:

1. Screen Type: The function only works on AMOLED-Displays (exceptions - some of them) IPS-Doze Mode-enabled panels, for example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
2. MIUI version: Firmware older than MIUI 12 may require manual activation via ADB.

Important: On devices with a MediaTek Helio G processor (e.g., Redmi 9T or POCO M3), the function may not work as stable due to the limitations of the chipset.

Step-by-step: how to enable double tap unlocking

The activation process depends on the version of MIUI, and below is a universal algorithm that works on 90% of supported devices.

Method 1: Using standard settings (MIUI 12-14)

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Scroll down and select Additional screen settings (on some models – Advanced settings).
3. Find the Double tap to wake option and activate the switch.
4. Confirm the action if a battery consumption warning appears.

If the item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Activate the Double Touch to Wake Up option (available on POCO F3 and Redmi K40).

Update MIUI to latest version |Check battery power (minimum 30%) |Switch off magnet cases |Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with the operation)

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Method 2: Through Hidden Settings (for MIUI 13 and later)

On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 GT), the feature is hidden to activate:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##6484##
2. In the MTK Engineer Mode menu, select Hardware Testing → Touch Panel Test.
3. Find the Double Tap Wakeup and set the Enabled value.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in Engineer Mode – this can cause sensor failures or screen calibration.

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, try activating the feature via Android Debug Bridge:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone 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.

💡

If the function fails after activation via ADB, check if the application blocks it to save battery (e.g. Security or Battery Optimizer).

Sensitivity adjustment and problem solving

After enabling Double Tap to Wake, you may encounter false positives (such as in your pocket) or, conversely, having to put too much effort into it. Sensitivity adjustment is not available on all devices, but there are general recommendations:

How to Change Sensitivity

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4) you can adjust the touch force:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Additional settings → Double tap to wake.
2. Choose Sensitivity and move the slider: 🔍 Low: Requires a more confident double touch (recommended for pocket mode). 🎯 Medium: Balance between convenience and false positive protection. 💥 High: It works with light touch (can work in your pocket).

If the option is not on the menu, the sensitivity is automatically adjusted based on the sensor data, in which case calibration will help:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Select Sensor Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen.

Comparative table of alternatives:

If you choose between Double Tap to Wake and Always On Display, keep in mind that the first feature doesn’t cause pixel burnout (unlike the first one). AOD), But it's less informative. The best way to do this is to combine both options, disable them. AOD overnight.

Frequently asked questions