The double-tap gesture on Apple Watch helps you control your watch without touching the screen. As described in our Apple Watch Series 9 review, the double-tap gesture works well for interacting with calls, messages, and notifications—all with the palm of your hand. However, if you're having trouble with the double-tap gesture on your Apple Watch, this guide is for you.
In this article, we'll highlight several fixes if you can't use the double-tap gesture. There are a few things to keep in mind before attempting to use the double-tap gesture. Aside from that, we'll also provide some additional tips to fix the issue. So, let's get it.
1. Make sure you have a compatible device.
First, it's essential to make sure you're trying the double-tap gesture on a compatible device. Currently, the double-tap gesture is available on both models. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Additionally, the feature requires watchOS 10.1 or later. You can either install the beta update itself or wait for the official update to be released.
On the other hand, if you have an older Apple Watch model or aren't using the latest version of watchOS, you can't use the double-tap gesture. However, Apple offers AssistiveTouch, an accessibility feature that replicates the double-tap functionality on older Apple Watches.
Tip: Check out Other cool watchOS 10 features
2. Make sure you're doing it right.
If you're using a compatible Apple Watch and the double-tap gesture still doesn't work, you're probably doing it wrong. To perform the double-tap gesture, press your thumb and index finger together twice on the side of your Apple Watch.
Make sure you tap quickly and firmly. The watch may not recognize the gesture if you tap incorrectly. Once the gesture works, try it a few more times to get used to it.
3. Restart your Apple Watch
If the double-tap gesture still doesn't work, you can restart it. A simple restart can often fix minor software glitches. This includes fixing a double-tap gesture that isn't working. To do this, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Press and hold Side button For a few seconds.
Step 2: Click on the icon energy In the upper right corner. This should reveal a slider. Power Off.
4. Force restart your Apple Watch
If a simple restart doesn't resolve your issue, try a force restart. A force restart differs from a standard restart because it resets your device's RAM and restarts all functions and applications.
To force restart your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button and Digital Crown at the same time for at least 10 seconds. Do this until the Apple logo appears.
5. Check the watch update.
If the double-tap gesture fails to work, it may be due to a buggy software update. Fortunately, Apple is quick to release software updates with bug fixes. As such, you should check that you're running the latest version of watchOS.
To check for updates, open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to General > Software Update.
If an update is available, download and install it. Your Apple Watch should restart automatically after the new update is applied. Once complete, use the double-tap gesture again to see if it works.
6. Check Apple Support
If you've tried all of the above and the double-tap gesture still doesn't work, your device may have a hardware issue. In this case, you should: Contact Apple Support For more help.
Enjoy the comfort
The double-tap gesture on your Watch is a convenient and innovative way to control your device. This is especially useful when you're wearing gloves, your hands are wet, or using your Watch in a situation where you can't touch the screen.
We hope you can fix the double-tap gesture. In addition to the double-tap gesture, Apple has also added support for On-device Siri on Apple Watch, so be sure to try that too.
