You can use the double tap gesture to do common actions such as answer a call, reply to a message, scroll through supported apps, and open and scroll through the Smart Stack. In the Smart Stack, the single tap gesture selects a widget.
Both gestures use your index finger and thumb. And when the double tap icon shakes, double tap isn’t available for that screen. The double tap gesture isn’t supported in some situations, too.
Perform the single tap gesture
Tap your index finger and thumb together.
Perform the double tap gesture
Tap your index finger and thumb together twice.
When double tap isn’t available
If the double tap icon shakes from side to side, double tap isn’t available for that screen or third-party app.
Note: The double tap gesture isn’t supported in the following situations:
- Low Power Mode is turned on.
- Sleep Focus is active.
- The display is inactive because your wrist is down.
- Apple Watch is locked.
- Accessibility features that use hand gestures are turned on.
- Apple Watch is set up for a family member.
Customize the tap gestures
Choose what a double tap does when playing media:
- Start the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap Tap Gestures and then set any of the following:
- Playback: Choose Play/Pause or Skip.
- Ignore Tap Gestures: Temporarily ignore tap gestures while using Apple Vision Pro.
- Off: Turn Tap Gestures off if you don’t want to use them.
You can also go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, tap Gestures, then tap Double Tap.
See also
- Use gestures for notifications and alerts on Apple Watch
- Play music on Apple Watch
- Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
