If double tap isn't working on your Apple Watch

Learn what to do if the double tap gesture isn't working as expected on your Apple Watch Series 9 or later or your Apple Watch Ultra 2.

If your watch doesn't recognize the gesture

If you try the double tap gesture but your watch doesn't recognize it, follow these steps:

  1. Raise your wrist to wake the screen. The display must brighten before you attempt the double tap gesture. On your watch hand, tap your index finger and thumb together twice—at the same pace as double clicking a track pad or double clicking the side button for Apple Pay. Attempt the gesture when sitting or standing still.* To learn more, open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Gestures > Double Tap > Learn more in Tips.

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

  3. On your watch face, check whether Low Power ModeLow Power Mode, Sleep FocusSleep Focus, Theater ModeTheater Mode, or Water LockWater Lock are on. Double tap is available only when you turn these features off in Control Center.

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

  5. Make sure that double tap is on. To check, open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Gestures > Double Tap. Double tap can't be turned on when any of the following accessibility settings are on: AssistiveTouch, Quick Actions, Zoom with Hand Gestures, or VoiceOver with Hand Gestures.

  6. Make sure that Wrist Detection is on. To check, open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Passcode.

  7. Make sure that Wake on Wrist Raise is on. To check, open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Display & Brightness.

* Apple Watch might not detect double tap when you’re moving up or down stairs, running, or cycling, or if you have a tattoo on your wrist.

If your activity invokes double tap unintentionally

During some activities, Apple Watch might recognize the double tap gesture when you didn't intend to use it. You can turn off double tap, then turn it back on:

  1. Open the Settings app on your watch.

  2. Tap Gestures > Double Tap, then turn off Double Tap.

  3. When you're finished with the activity, turn double tap back on.

If the double tap icon shakes from side to side

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

Here are some common actions that 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 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 flashlight modes

Double tap is not available while using the Depth app or taking an ECG.

If you need more help

If the double tap gesture still doesn't work, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure that your Apple Watch is updated to watchOS 10.1 or later.

  2. Restart your Apple Watch.

  3. Open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Gestures > Double Tap. Turn off Double Tap, then turn it on again.

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

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