Lift to Wake uses motion sensors to turn on the screen when you pick up the phone. When it stops working, the cause is usually a disabled setting, battery-saving mode, a sensor hiccup, or a case interfering with the phone.
These steps apply to Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, and other Android phones with Lift to Wake, Lift to check phone, or similar lock-screen motion features.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if the lock screen stays dark when you pick up the phone even though the feature used to work.
Make Sure the Feature Is On
- Open Settings.
- On Samsung, go to Advanced features > Motions and gestures and turn on Lift to wake.
- On Pixel, go to Display > Lock screen and check Lift to check phone or Tap to check phone.
- Lock the phone, set it down for a few seconds, then lift it to test.
Turn Off Power-Saving Interference
- Open Settings > Battery.
- On Samsung, check Battery and device care > Battery.
- Turn off Battery Saver or Power saving mode for testing.
- Review any options that limit always-on detection or background behavior.
- Restart the phone and test again.
Try Sensor and Case Fixes
Restart the Phone
A restart can reset accelerometer and gyroscope readings when the motion detection gets stuck or unreliable.
Remove the Case Temporarily
Bulky cases, magnets, metal plates, and wallet covers can interfere with motion or proximity sensors. Test Lift to Wake with the case removed.
Reset App Preferences
If settings seem tangled, use Settings > General management > Reset > Reset app preferences, or the closest wording on your phone. This does not delete personal files, but it resets disabled apps, defaults, and background restrictions.
Normal Behavior
Lift to Wake is tuned to avoid waking in a pocket or bag, so very gentle lifts may not trigger it every time. Test with a deliberate pickup from a flat surface.
Sources
- Samsung Support: Turn on Lift to wake on Galaxy phones
- Google Support: Manage Pixel display and lock screen settings
- Google Support: Fix Pixel sensor and screen issues