One of the most fundamental functions of a smartphone today is to be carried around and used on the go, typically in our pockets or bag. In this regard, you might be interested in learning about the Pocket mode feature on your devices and why it is useful.
Pocket mode disables touch gestures and blocks the screen, fingerprint scanner, and power button of a smartphone. Its goal is to prevent accidental touches from unlocking the screen and starting and using apps and functions such as dialing.
What is Pocket mode?
Pocket mode is a useful feature found in a variety of smartphone models. Its purpose is to prevent incorrect touchscreen use while the smartphone is in your pocket or bag.
In other words, it helps to avoid unnecessary or random app and function startup or use by avoiding accidental touches to the touchscreen or fingerprint scanner.
Pocket mode in relation to the Proximity sensor and touch gestures
The proximity sensor, which is can be found on the top of the device on the front and next to the earpiece, is used by the smartphone’s Pocket mode. When you put the device in your pants pocket, for example, the phone comes into contact with the fabric.
In this case, the proximity sensor disables touch gestures and, along with the fingerprint scanner, power button and also blocks the screen.
If you mistakenly press the power button while the phone is in your pocket, it will display information indicating that pocket mode is enabled and will not allow the screen to unlock.
How do I use Pocket mode on Samsung?
Samsung’s latest interface (One UI 3.0) for Galaxy devices includes a Pocket Mode option. However, the mode is named differently than on other devices.
Enabling Pocket Mode on Galaxy devices
Here’s how to enable Pocket Mode on Samsung Galaxy devices running on One UI 3.0:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Display.
- Look for a setting called “Accidental touch protection.”
- To activate the setting, tap toggle it on.
Samsung’s pocket mode applications
When the phone is placed in a dark place, such as a bag or pocket, turning on the accidental touch protection setting performs the same function as other devices.
It also prevents unauthorized access to the fingerprint sensor, regardless of its location. Because the sensor is constantly in contact with the cloth, this setting serves as a safeguard.
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How do I use Pocket mode on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi includes features like pocket mode as part of MIUI, the Android skin on its devices.
Toggle On Pocket Mode on Xiaomi
Here are the two methods for enabling Pocket mode on devices running the most recent version of the interface, MIUI 12.
Using the Settings menu
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Continue to scroll down. Select the Lock screen.
- Scroll down until you reach the “Others” section, where you’ll find a setting called Pocket mode.
- To activate the Pocket mode, toggle it on.
Using the Camera app
- Open the camera app and tap three horizontal lines in the upper right corner.
- Then select Settings.
- Scroll down to find the Pocket mode option.
- To activate the Pocket mode, toggle it on.
Xiaomi’s pocket mode applications
By enabling this mode, you can easily lock the phone’s touch gestures when it’s in a pocket. As previously described, functions such as making a call and starting any app can be disabled on your Xiaomi phone.
If pocket mode is enabled and the power button is pressed while the phone is in your pocket, a message will appear on the screen warning you not to cover the earphone area.
This message indicates that the proximity sensor (located near the earpiece) has detected a space shortage around the screen and warns the user as a result. This helps to avoid accidentally unlocking the phone.
By activating this mode, you gain control of the fingerprint scanner, if it is enabled. For example, if it’s a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, you may find yourself constantly touching it if it’s in your pocket.
This means that by repeatedly touching the sensor, the phone may detect that someone is attempting to access the phone, which may result in the device being factory reset. As a result, Pocket mode prevents and protects your phone from being in this situation.
How do I use Pocket mode on OnePlus?
OnePlus, like other smartphone manufacturers, includes Pocket mode in the most recent version of OxygenOS, OxygenOS 11, for its smartphones.
How to enable Pocket Mode on OnePlus
Here’s how to activate the mode on OnePlus devices:
- Navigate to Settings > Utilities.
- Turn on the Pocket Mode toggle.
OnePlus pocket mode applications
When compared to Xiaomi and Samsung devices, the Pocket mode feature on OnePlus devices provides the same functionality. When the device is in your bag or pocket, it helps to prevent accidental screen touches and fingerprint operations.
How do I turn off Pocket mode?
Pocket mode is a useful feature that experts recommend using, especially while traveling. However, if you do not require it, you can disable it.
The mode can be turned off on devices from smartphone companies such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Samsung by simply tapping a toggle in the respective settings as described above.
To return to the video you were watching on Youtube or other video streaming apps, simply press the power button and unlock the device on Realme devices.
Does Pocket mode save or drain the battery?
Pocket mode in various smartphone models does not consume much battery power and can even help to save and extend battery life.
This is because it prevents the screen from being activated by touch gestures or the fingerprint sensor, thereby conserving battery life.
A constantly operating screen, on the other hand, or an unwanted call made while the phone is in your pocket, can warm up the phone and lead to increased battery consumption.
Furthermore, when compared to other sensors such as the accelerometer, the proximity sensor consumes very little battery power. As a result, the battery drain caused by the proximity sensor is negligible when compared to the touchscreen randomly turning on while in a pocket or bag.
Other Related Topics
Why does my phone keep Pocket Dialing?
Making accidental or random calls while a user’s device is in his or her pocket is referred to as pocket dialing. When the call recipient answers the phone, all he or she hears are background noises from the caller’s surroundings.
While pocket dialing can be a source of frustration for both the recipient and the person carrying the phone, here are some of the most common reasons why this occurs:
Double-tap to wake is enabled
If your phone has a “double-tap-to-wake” feature enabled, the screen in your pocket may turn on when it comes into contact with the cloth. This option turns on the screen if it is touched twice, which may result in pocket dialing without your knowledge.
The Smart Lock feature is on
It’s also possible that your Android device has the Smart Lock feature enabled (specifically, on-body detection). After you unlock your device, the smart lock keeps it unlocked while you’re moving and locks it again when you put the phone down.
This feature aims to keep your device unlocked when it’s in a bag, pocket, or a trusted location while you’re carrying it, which could account for making unnecessary or random calls.
How do I stop my screen from turning on?
Keeping in mind the reasons listed above, here are a few things you can do to prevent your phone’s screen from turning on.
- Before putting the phone in your pocket, turn off the screen by pressing the power button.
- Configure your phone’s lock screen.
- Disable your phone’s double-tap to wake and on-body detection features. These settings may be found in the Lock screen and Security sections of the Settings app, depending on your Android phone.
- Turn on and use Pocket mode.
Continue reading to learn how to activate and use Pocket mode on smartphones from various manufacturers.
How do I get rid of Touch to Wake?
As previously stated, “touch to wake,” or more precisely “double tap to wake,” is a common cause of pocket dialing. This setting must be disabled depending on the manufacturer and model of your smartphone.
Here’s a general way to disable it:
Select Settings.
Type double-tap or wake into the Settings search box to find a setting called double tap to wake. This setting is usually found under the “Lock screen” or “Motion and gestures” section.
Locate the setting and toggle it off to disable it.
