Want to wake your iPhone screen without pressing any buttons? The Tap to Wake feature in iOS lets you light up the display with a simple tap — no need to press the Side button every time. It’s a quick and convenient way to check notifications, the clock, or the Always-On Display (on supported models). In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable Tap to Wake on iPhone and fix it if it’s not working.

1. What Is Tap to Wake on iPhone?

Tap to Wake is a built-in iOS feature that lets you wake your iPhone’s screen with a single tap. It’s especially useful when your phone is lying flat on a desk or mounted on a stand — just tap the screen to see the time, notifications, or battery level.

This feature first appeared in iPhone X and later, replacing the physical Home button with gesture-based controls.

2. Check iPhone Model and iOS Version

Before enabling Tap to Wake, make sure your device supports it. The feature works on:

  • iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series

  • iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Gen) does not support it

To check your version:

  1. Open Settings → General → About.

  2. Look for your iOS version.

  3. If you’re running iOS 13 or later, Tap to Wake should be available.

To update:
Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install.

3. How to Enable Tap to Wake on iPhone

Here’s how to turn it on:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to Accessibility → Touch.

  3. Scroll down and toggle Tap to Wake → ON.

✅ Done! Now, just tap the screen once to wake it up and see your notifications or Lock Screen.

💡 Tip: You can also enable Raise to Wake in Settings → Display & Brightness to automatically light up the screen when you lift your iPhone.

4. How to Disable Tap to Wake

If you find your screen turning on accidentally in your pocket or bag, you can easily disable it:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch.

  2. Toggle Tap to Wake → OFF.

This helps prevent unwanted battery drain if you frequently touch the screen accidentally.

5. Troubleshooting: Tap to Wake Not Working

If Tap to Wake isn’t responding, try the following:

  • Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the Side + Volume Up buttons, then slide to power off.

  • Clean your screen: Dust or screen protectors may affect touch sensitivity.

  • Turn off Low Power Mode: Go to Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → OFF.

  • Reset all settings: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.

If it still doesn’t work, check if Touch Sensitivity or accessibility options are interfering with gestures.

6. Combine Tap to Wake with Always-On Display (iPhone 14 Pro & Later)

For the best experience, use Tap to Wake alongside Always-On Display:

  1. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Always On Display.

  2. Turn it ON.

  3. Now, simply tap once to fully wake your iPhone from Always-On mode.

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