How to use Double Tap to control your Apple Watch without touching it

Apple Watch's One-Handed Operation: Double Tap and AssistiveTouch

Juggling groceries, a dog leash, or a subway pole while trying to use your Apple Watch? watchOS 10.1 introduces Double Tap, a game-changing gesture for one-handed operation. This feature lets you use your thumb and forefinger to control your watch without directly touching the screen. Answer calls, navigate menus—all with a simple double tap.

However, Double Tap requires the latest Apple Watch 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, leveraging the S9 chip's AI capabilities to recognize your gesture. You'll also need watchOS 10.1 (check for updates via your iPhone's Watch app: My Watch > General > Software Update).

For older Apple Watch models (Apple Watch 4 and later), AssistiveTouch offers similar one-handed control. It's a more comprehensive accessibility feature, providing broader control options.

Double Tap in Action

Double Tap is usually enabled automatically with watchOS 10.1. To disable it, go to your watch's Settings app > Gestures > Double Tap and toggle it off.

To use Double Tap:

1. Raise your wrist as you normally would to check the time.
2. Quickly tap your thumb and forefinger together twice on the same hand as your watch.

Double Tap won't function during Sleep Focus or Low Power Mode. The action triggered depends on the screen content: answering calls, pausing timers, opening notifications, or performing the "primary action." You can customize the double tap action for music playback (Play/Pause or Skip) and Smart Stack widgets (Advance or Select) within the Settings app > Gestures > Double Tap.

Harnessing AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch, available on Apple Watch 4 and later (including the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2), offers a wider range of one-handed controls. While not as intuitive as Double Tap, it provides more extensive functionality. Note that Double Tap is unavailable when AssistiveTouch is active.

To enable AssistiveTouch:

1. Go to your Apple Watch's Settings app > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
2. You can also customize hand gestures within the same menu. Alternatively, enable it through your iPhone's Watch app > My Watch > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.

With AssistiveTouch enabled, a blue ring appears when you raise your wrist. A double fist clench activates AssistiveTouch mode, displaying a focus ring on the first screen item. Default actions include pinching for navigation, fist clenches for taps, and double clenches for action menus. A comprehensive guide to AssistiveTouch gestures is available elsewhere.

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