iOS Back Tap Feature is Not Working on iPhone: How To Fix

iOS is the other name for convenience. Apple always ensures its users get the best feature that can enrich their user experience. One such feature is the back tap option that allows the users to accomplish any action by double-tapping or triple tapping the backside of the iPhone. For instance, I use the double tapping on the backside to take a screenshot on my iPhone. Similarly, I use the triple back tap to lock the screen of my iPhone.

However, those who are new to iOS may not be aware of this feature.  Unless they enable this feature from iOS settings there’s no way to use the back tap feature. Other users know about the back tap feature but there may be other issues that are causing the feature to not work as intended.

In this guide, I have mentioned some easy troubleshooting methods to fix the back tap feature not working on iOS. Check it out.

Back Tap Feature in iOS

Normally the back tap feature works by sensing the tapping through the accelerometer present on the iPhone.

This feature was introduced during iOS 14. If you are using an iPhone with iOS 14 or any of the newer iOS builds you can use the back tap feature. You have to enable it first though.

Possible Reasons Why Back Tap Feature is Not Working

Here are some common reasons for the back tap feature to not work.

• iPhone does not support the back tap feature.
• You are still running iOS 13 on your iPhone.
• The hard case cover you are using to protect your iPhone is not allowing the finger to touch the backside of the iPhone. Unless properly touched the action cannot be executed.
• You have not enabled back tap or assigned specific tasks for double and triple tapping.
• Some bug in the current build of iOS is causing the back tap feature to glitch.

Troubleshooting Methods to Fix Back Tap Feature Not Working on iPhone

Let’s fix each of the possible reasons that are causing the back tap feature to not work.

Enable the Back Tap Feature and Assign A Task

1. Open the Settings app
2. Go to Accessibility
   
3. Under that navigate to Touch
   
4. Scroll down to Back Tap and tap on the option.
   
5. Then either tap on the option Double Tap or Triple Tap
   
6. From the list of available actions choose any action as per your requirement for double tap action and triple tap action.
   

When you perform a double-tap or triple tap on the backside of your iPhone that action will be executed.

Remove the Hard Cover or Protective Casing from the iPhone

If the cover is too layered then the backside of the iPhone won’t sense when you perform a double-tap or triple tap on the back end. So, take out the iPhone from the protective cover and try to do the back tap. It should work if you have assigned some task to the back tap feature.

Check if Your iPhone Supports the Back Tap Feature

Yes, certain older iPhone models cannot support the back tap feature which was introduced with iOS 14.

Here is the list of the iPhones.

• iPhone 6 series (all models)
• iPhone 7 series (all models)
• iPhone SE 1st generation

If you use any of the iPhones mentioned above then most likely the back tap feature is not available on your device. All other iPhone models other than the ones mentioned support the back tap feature.

Fix Bugs by Updating Your iOS build the Latest Version

If the iOS build currently installed on your iPhone has bugs it may cause certain features to glitch including the back tap feature.

So, if a fresh build of iOS is available to download and install it to fix the bug.

1. Launch the Settings app
2. Go to General
   
   
3. Under that tap on Software Update
   
   
4. Now, your device will check for any newly available software updates.
5. Tap on the option Download and Install when prompted about the availability of a fresh iOS build.

Reset iPhone Settings

This troubleshooting you can use as a last resort in case the other above-mentioned fixes do not work.

1. Go to the Settings app
2. Tap on General
   
   
3. Under that navigate to Transfer or Reset iPhone
   
   
4. Tap on Reset
   
   
5. Then tap on Reset All Settings
   
   

Once the iPhone reboots, create all your device settings from scratch and also set up your preferred action for the iOS back tap feature. It should now work fine.

So, these were the various troubleshooting guides to fix if the back tap feature is not working on your iPhone. Try them out.