How To: Wake the Screen on Your Nexus 6P with a Double-Tap

Ever since developer bponury created his TouchControl app for the Galaxy Nexus back in 2011, manufacturers and modders alike have been racing to re-implement the "Double-tap-to-wake" functionality it brought to the table. We've seen LG do it with their "Knock On" feature, we've seen Motorola put a twist on it with "Active Display," and we've even seen Google implement the feature in their Nexus 9 tablet.

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As it turns out, the Nexus 9 wasn't the only device Google made with DT2W baked in—in fact, the Nexus 6P actually has the feature, but it's been disabled and hidden. Fortunately, though, a free app from developer Manuel Caspari can re-enable the 6P's hidden double-tap-to-wake functionality, and it can be done in just two simple taps.

Requirements

• Rooted Nexus 6P
• Stock kernel installed (no custom kernels)

Step 1: Install DoubleTap for 6P

Caspari's app is called DoubleTap for 6P, and it's available for free on the Google Play Store. To begin, search the app by name and get it installed, or head directly to the install page at the following link:

• Install DoubleTap for 6P for free from the Google Play Store

UPDATE: This app has been removed from the Google Play Store, and there are no updates from the dev yet about its future on GitHub or Reddit, but we'll update this guide if it shows up again.

Step 2: Enable Double-Tap-to-Wake

With the app installed, setup is incredibly simple. Just tap the "Enable" button from the main menu, then press "Grant" when prompted to give the app Superuser access.

Step 3: Wake Your Phone by Double-Tapping the Screen

From now on, you'll be able to wake your device at any time by simply double-tapping the screen. Double Tap for 6P even makes sure that the service stays enabled after a reboot, so you can just set it and forget it.

Considering that the Nexus 6P already wakes instantly when you touch the fingerprint sensor, I'm mainly using this app to quickly check for notifications or see the time when my phone's sitting on my desk. What's your main use-case for double-tap-to-wake? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Android Hacks' Facebook or Twitter, or on Gadget Hacks' Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.