If Double Tap isn't working on your Apple Watch

Try these tips if the double-tap gesture isn't working on your Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later or Apple Watch SE 3.

If your Apple Watch doesn't recognise the double-tap gesture

  • Make sure double tap is on: open Settings, tap Gestures, then tap Double Tap.*

  • Make sure Wrist Detection is on: open Settings, then tap Passcode.

  • Make sure Wake on Wrist Raise is on: open Settings, then tap Display & Brightness.

  • Make sure Low Power ModeLow Power Mode, Sleep FocusSleep Focus, Cinema Modenull and Water LockWater Lock are turned off in Control Centre.

  • Make sure your watch is unlocked and fits snugly on your wrist.

  • Raise your wrist to wake the screen before trying the gesture.

  • Tap your index finger and thumb together twice, at the same pace as double-clicking a mouse.

  • Try double tap while sitting or standing still.

  • If you have a tattoo on the wrist where you wear your watch, try wearing it on the other wrist.

  • Make sure your watch wasn't set up using Apple Watch For Your Kids (formerly known as Family Setup).

*You can't turn on double tap when these accessibility settings are on: AssistiveTouch, Quick Actions, Zoom with Hand Gestures or VoiceOver with Hand Gestures.

If the double-tap gesture happens unintentionally

Some activities might evoke the gesture when you don't mean to. Open Settings, tap Gestures, tap Double Tap, then turn off Double Tap. When you've finished the activity, turn Double Tap back on.

If the double tap icon shakes

If the double-tap icon appears and shakes from side to side, then double tap isn't available for that screen or third-party app.

These actions are available using double tap:

  • Play and pause music, podcasts, audiobooks and other media in Now Playing

  • Answer or end a phone call

  • Stop a timer

  • Reply to a message

  • Open Smart Stack from the Apple Watch face and scroll through widgets

  • Scroll through supported apps

  • Snooze an alarm

  • Take a photo in Camera Remote

  • Record a voice memo

  • Pause and resume a stopwatch

  • Switch torch modes

Double tap isn't available while using the Depth app or taking an ECG.

If you need more help

  1. Update your Apple Watch.

  2. Restart your Apple Watch.

  3. Open Settings, tap Gestures, then tap Double Tap. Turn off Double Tap, then turn it back on again.

  4. Make sure you wear your watch on the wrist that you selected in Settings. To check, open Settings, tap General, then tap Orientation.

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