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On iPhone X, go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Tap to Wake, then switch the setting on or off. It controls whether a tap wakes the sleeping display; it does not unlock the phone.
Turn Tap to Wake on
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility, then Touch.
- Turn on Tap to Wake.
- Lock the iPhone and tap the display to test it.
Apple lists this control under Touch in its iPhone User Guide.
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Turn Tap to Wake off
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch.
- Turn off Tap to Wake.
- Lock the iPhone and tap the display. An ordinary tap should no longer wake it.
You can still wake the iPhone X with its side button. Turning this setting off affects waking by touch, not touch input once the screen is awake.
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Tap to Wake and Raise to Wake are different
| Feature | What wakes the display | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Tap to Wake | Tap the sleeping display | Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Tap to Wake |
| Raise to Wake | Lift or raise the iPhone | Settings → Display & Brightness → Raise to Wake |
Disabling Tap to Wake does not turn off Raise to Wake. If you want to stop waking the display by either method, turn off Raise to Wake separately. Incoming notifications, the side button, or connecting accessories may still wake the screen; Tap to Wake is not a control for every wake trigger. Apple describes the wake methods and Face ID sequence in its guide to waking, unlocking, and locking iPhone.
#1 Best Overall
- Unlocked and Compatible with All service providers Worldwide
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Includes Charger and Cable. Does not include the Sim Card (Sim card is always provided by your service provider)
Waking the screen does not unlock the iPhone
Tap to Wake brings up the Lock Screen. On iPhone X, look at the phone for Face ID to authenticate, then swipe up to reach the Home Screen. A tap alone does not bypass Face ID or the passcode.
If tapping does not wake the display
- Check that Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Tap to Wake is on.
- Test while the display is asleep, rather than while the Lock Screen is already lit.
- Tap the display deliberately; a light brush or swipe may not register as the intended tap.
- As practical troubleshooting, remove the case or screen protector temporarily, then clean and dry the display. These are possible sources of interference, not confirmed causes in every case.
- Try the side button. If it wakes the phone but taps do not, the problem may involve touch response rather than Face ID.
- Restart the iPhone and test again. If other ordinary touch input also fails, investigate a touchscreen, display, or software issue rather than treating it only as a Tap to Wake setting problem.
If the screen still wakes after you turn it off
Check whether Raise to Wake is enabled at Settings → Display & Brightness → Raise to Wake. The side button, notifications, charging, and accessory connections can also wake the display, so disabling Tap to Wake alone will not prevent every screen activation.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Why an older tutorial may show a different path
Older iOS instructions, including those for iOS 12, used Settings → General → Accessibility → Interaction → Tap to Wake. Apple’s iOS 13-era Accessibility reorganization moved the practical route to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Tap to Wake. The older menu is documented in this historical guide; an AppleVis discussion also reflects the changed organization. On iPhone X with the current menu layout, look under Accessibility → Touch, not Display & Brightness.
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Choose the wake behavior that suits you
Leave Tap to Wake on for quick checks of the time, notifications, and Lock Screen while the phone is on a desk. Turn it off if handling, a pocket, or a bag causes unwanted wake-ups. Reducing accidental screen activations may reduce unnecessary screen-on time, but it does not guarantee a measurable battery-life improvement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This device is locked to Verizon only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #3
- Unlocked and Compatible with All service providers Worldwide
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Includes Charger and Cable. Does not include the Sim Card (Sim card is always provided by your service provider)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
