How to Fix Tap to Wake Not Working on iPhone and OnePlus Devices

Following Android’s lead, Apple announced a ‘Raise to Wake’ function in the iOS 10 update. After that, it introduced Tap to Wake feature to turn on the display with one touch. On the Android side, manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus are offering these functions with Ambient Display support. The real problem starts when the Tap to Wake feature suddenly stops working on iPhone and OnePlus devices.

Touch phone

The goal is to let the user glance over the lock screen without reaching the power button. The added convenience feels a blessing when it works. But when it doesn’t, you might be left scratching head in confusion. And that ultimately leads you to stop using the tap to wake and raise to wake functions.

The issue is most common in iPhone and OnePlus devices. In this post, we will guide you step by step to solve the problem. Let’s get started.

Fix the ‘Tap to Wake’ Issue on the iPhone

1. Enable Tap to Wake

By default, iOS switches on the tap to wake option. But, if by mistake, you have turned it off, then enable it again from the Settings app.

Accessibility iphone
Tap to wake iphone

Open the iPhone Settings app and navigate to Accessibility > Touch and toggle on tap to wake option. Another useful addition is the ‘Raise to wake’ feature. It detects your phone movements and lights up the display. Go to Settings > Display and enable raise to wake option.

2. Reset All Settings

If you don’t want to go through endless menus in the Settings app, then you can always use the ‘Reset All Settings’ option to move all the settings to the default setup.

Iphone general 2
Reset all settings

Don’t worry. It won’t delete any apps or data on the device. The function will only erase the saved Wi-Fi passwords. To use it, open device Settings and navigate to General. Scroll down to Reset option and select reset all settings from the following menu.

3. Reboot iPhone

How can I forget this one? Hard resetting your iPhone can iron out occasional glitches and unexpected software behavior from the device. You can press and hold the volume up and down button and hold the power button simultaneously.

Iphone general
Shut down iphone

The Apple logo will show up and swipe right on it to reset the device. Alternatively, you can dive into Settings > General > Shut Down and power off the iPhone. Hold the power button to switch it on. The process should bring back the tap to wake feature.

4. Update iPhone to the Latest iOS Software

It’s been a forgetful year for the iOS 13 update. The reviewers and users have criticized the company for delivering buggy iOS updates. Tap to wake might not be working due to a recent software hiccup from the company side.

Iphone general 3
Iphone update

The good news is, Apple is usually quick to release fixes. Update your iPhone to the latest version by going into Settings > General > Software. Download and install the newest iOS version for a smooth experience.

Fix Tap to Wake Not Working on OnePlus Devices

1. Update the Oxygen OS

From the Android side, the majority have reported the same tap to wake not working on the latest OnePlus devices, including the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro. The company’s website and online forums are filled with complaints from the device users.

Syetem oxygen
Oxygen update

Thankfully, OnePlus acted quickly and rolled out Oxygen OS 9.5.4 (9.5.5 for EU users) update. The company claims to have fixed the issue with the said update. To download it, open the device Settings and scroll down to System > Advance. Tap on System update and install the latest patch on the device.

2. Enable Tap to Wake from Settings

While checking out your shiny new OnePlus device, your friends might have toggle off the tap to wake function from the settings.

To enable it, open the Settings app and go to Display > Ambient Display. Switch on the tap to screen option. The feature won’t light up the display with a single touch. It will wake up the ambient display mode of the device. You can glance over the missed calls and notifications.

Display oneplus
Tap to wake oneplus

The above ‘Raise to wake’ is similar to iPhone’s implementation and wakes up the display when you pick up the device.

3. Turn-Off Adaptive Brightness

Inconsistent behavior of adaptive brightness might lead to unusual glitches in the tap to wake function. Users can turn off the option from the Settings app. Open OnePlus Settings and navigate to display. Switch off Adaptive brightness to see the improvements.

Adaptive brightness

Note: There is another way to fix the ‘Tap to Wake’ issue on OnePlus by recalibrating the phone’s proximity sensor from the device Factory Mode. But so far, the success ratio is low, and that’s why we haven’t mentioned it here.

Wake up the Phone With One Touch

You can use the options above and fix the Tap to Wake feature not working on your iPhone and OnePlus devices. From my experience, the software update trick should get the job done. Which trick worked for you? Sound off in the comments section below.

Next up: Still confused about the ‘Tap to Wake’ function of the iPhone? Read the post below find out the details.

Last updated on 04 February, 2022

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