Modern smartphones of the line Samsung Galaxy are equipped with many convenient functions designed to simplify interaction with the device. One such feature is to wake up the screen by double-tapping the display. This option allows you to instantly activate your device without pressing the physical power button or fingerprint scanner. However, in some cases, users are faced with a situation where this function begins to cause inconvenience.
Accidentally activating the screen in a pocket or bag can not only drain the battery, but also lead to unintentional calls or sent messages. In addition, some owners prefer the classic method of turning on the smartphone and consider extra gestures redundant. In this material we will look in detail at how to correctly deactivate this setting on different versions of the shell One UI.
Why disable the double tap function
Although the technology Double Tap to Wake looks attractive in marketing materials, in practice it has a number of significant drawbacks. The main problem is the high sensitivity of the capacitive layer of the screen, which can react to the friction of clothing fabric. This leads to the fact that the phone is constantly turned on in the pocket of jeans or a backpack.
Constantly running the display in the background, even if it quickly goes out, consumes battery power. For users who rarely have the opportunity to recharge their gadget during the day, this becomes a critical factor. Disabling the function can significantly extend the battery life of the device in standby mode.
Another reason for refusing this option is the risk of so-called “pocket sets”. If the screen is unlocked or widgets are activated, an accidental touch may initiate a call to emergency services or speed dial contacts. This creates awkward situations and distracts your interlocutors.
⚠️ Attention: If you often carry your phone in a bag without a protective case with a hard front cover, the risk of accidentally activating the screen increases significantly. In such conditions, disabling double tapping is a mandatory safety measure.
Finding settings in the One UI interface
The company's interface Samsungknown as One UIhas undergone changes with every major Android update. The location of the switches may differ on series models Galaxy S, A and M. However, the logic of the menu structure remains the same for the entire brand ecosystem.
First, you need to open the main settings menu. This is usually done by swiping down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel, where the gear icon is located. An alternative option is to find the Settings application in the list of all apps on the desktop.
Inside the Settings menu, the system groups options into categories. We are interested in the section responsible for the behavior of the screen and its reaction to external influences. In the latest firmware versions, this block is often called “Additional functions” or “Lock screen”, depending on the specific software revision.
If you cannot find the item you need in the menu, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Enter the request “double click” or “tap”, and the system will immediately show the desired switch.
Disable through the “Additional functions” section
On most current Samsung smartphone models, gesture control is placed in a separate subsection. This is done in order to relieve the burden on the main display settings menus. The deactivation process here is intuitive and takes a few seconds.
Follow the specified algorithm of actions to change the sensor operation parameters:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson your device. - 🔍 Scroll down the list and find the item
Additional functions. - 🖐 Select the submenu
Movements and gestures. - ⚡ Find the line
Double tap to turn onand turn the switch to inactive state.
After performing these actions, the screen will stop responding to double knocking. To turn on the device you will now need to use the side button or fingerprint scanner. This change takes effect instantly; a phone reboot is not required.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions or on specific firmware versions, the name of the item may differ. Look for options like “Gestures”, “Motion control” or “Motion and gestures”.
☑️ Check to disable the function
Settings in the "Lock screen" menu
In some cases, especially on devices with older versions shell One UI (for example, 3.0 or 4.0), screen wake-up options can be integrated directly into the lock menu. This is logical, since the function is directly related to the process of activating the device from sleep mode.
If you do not find the desired switch in the additional functions section, you should check the security and lock screen settings. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:
- Go to the main
Settingssmartphone. - Select section
Lock screen. - Scroll the list of parameters to block “Clock and information” or “Lock screen settings”.
- Disable the option
Tap twice to enable.
It is important to note that the “Show information” setting is often located in the same menu. Sometimes users confuse these two functions. The first is responsible for turning on the backlight, and the second is for displaying widgets on the already active lock screen.
Why may the settings be missing?
On some budget models of the Galaxy A or M series, the manufacturer can programmatically limit access to advanced gesture settings. In this case, the function may be enabled by default and not have a switch to disable it, or can only be controlled through third-party applications.
The influence of third-party launchers and applications
Sometimes users install third-party shells, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or specialized utilities for controlling gestures. These apps can intercept control of touch input and have their own settings for waking up the screen.
If standard shutdown methods do not work, the problem may lie in a software conflict. A third-party launcher can ignore Samsung system settings and use its own algorithm for processing double taps.
In such situations, you need to go to the settings of the installed launcher itself. Typically, the gestures section is located in the Gestures & Input or Desktop Settings menu. There you should find the item responsible for the lock screen or wake-up and deactivate it.
| Source type | Where to look for the setting | Probability of conflict | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| System One UI | Settings → Additional. functions | Low | Standard shutdown |
| Third-party launcher | Launcher settings → Gestures | High | Disable in the application |
| Cleaner applications | Application settings → Screen | Medium | Delete or configure |
| Mode Developer | Developer options | Low | Reset debugging settings |
Sensor problems and calibration
There are situations when the function is officially disabled in the settings, but the screen still responds to touches. This may indicate a software failure in the operation of the sensor drivers or the need to calibrate the equipment.
For diagnostics, you can use the built-in Samsung engineering menu. Enter the code #0# in the phone application. In the menu that opens, select Touch. This will allow you to check the uniformity of the sensor response across the entire display area.
If you find “dead zones” or, conversely, areas with increased sensitivity that operate without touching, this may be the cause of false activations. In this case, software disabling the function will not help, and you will need to contact a service center.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disassemble the smartphone yourself to “connect the cable” if the device is under warranty. Any interference with the design will void the manufacturer's warranty.
If disabling it in the settings does not help, the problem may be hardware. Check the presence of a protective film - too thick glass can create the effect of “ghost clicks.”
Alternative ways to control the screen
After disabling double taps, users have a question: how can they quickly turn on the screen now? Samsung offers several alternative methods that may be even more convenient and safer in terms of battery consumption.
One of the most popular features is Raise to turn on (Raise to Wake). The smartphone uses an accelerometer and gyroscope to detect when you pick it up. The screen lights up automatically, but only when you consciously move the device, which eliminates accidental activation in your pocket.
It is also worth considering the use of a fingerprint scanner located on the side or under the screen. One touch of the sensor instantly wakes up the device and unlocks it, which is faster and more reliable than any gestures. For models with an ultrasound scanner, this is especially true.
- 🆙 The function
Raise to turn onis activated in the same gesture menu. - 👆 Setting
Touch to turn on(single) is available on some models. - 🔘 Using a physical button
Powerremains the most reliable method.
The choice of the optimal method depends on your personal habits. Some people like the magic of gestures, while others prefer the tactile response of a physical button. The key is to find a balance between convenience and energy efficiency.
Bixby Secret Feature
On some models, you can set the Bixby button or side key to perform certain actions when double-pressed, but this applies to the phone being already on, and not to waking the screen.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the double-click function turn on itself after updating the phone?
With major firmware updates One UI the system may reset some user settings to default values. Samsung developers often enable new gesture features automatically so users can test them. You just need to re-disable this option in the settings.
Does disabling this function affect the Always On Display?
No, these functions are independent. Always On Display (always on screen with clock) works separately from the mechanism for waking up the main display. You can leave AOD active even if you disable double tap to turn the screen on completely.
Is it possible to disable double tap only for the screen off, but leave it for lock?
In the standard settings of Android and One UI there is no such separation. The switch works globally: either the screen responds to a double tap whenever it is turned off or locked, or it does not respond at all. Flexible configuration of scenarios is only possible with root access.
I have an old model Samsung phone, there is no such item in the menu. What to do?
On devices released before 2018 (for example, Galaxy S7, J-series), the double-click function might not be available in hardware or software. If it was not there initially, then there is nothing to disable. If it appears after the update, look for it in the “Smart Manager” or “Battery” section in older firmware versions.
Does the double-tap function drain the battery if I don’t use it?
The active touch sensor itself consumes a minimal amount of energy in standby mode. The main consumption occurs at the moment of a false alarm, when the bright display turns on and the processor wakes up from sleep mode. Therefore, it is worth disabling the function precisely to prevent such incidents, and not for the sake of saving on the operation of the sensor.