Summarize this article with:
You tap Get in the App Store. Nothing happens. Just a password prompt staring back at you.
If you recently upgraded from an older iPhone, you might be wondering how to turn on double click to install apps on iPhone. The feature exists. It just needs to be enabled.
On iPhone X and newer models, Apple replaced Touch ID with Face ID authentication. The side button now handles purchase confirmations.
This guide walks you through enabling the double click feature in your iOS settings. You will learn how to configure Face ID for the App Store, verify Wallet settings, and fix common issues when the prompt does not appear.
Takes about 2 minutes.
How to Turn On Double Click to Install Apps on iPhone: Quick Workflow
The “Double Click to Install” prompt refers to pressing the physical Side button on your iPhone, not tapping anything on the screen. It’s tied to Face ID verification for App Store purchases.
Here’s how to get it working:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your iPhone passcode
- Toggle ON the switch next to iTunes & App Store
- Go back to Settings, then tap Wallet & Apple Pay
- Make sure Double-Click Side Button is turned on
- Restart your iPhone (hold Side button + Volume button, drag the slider, then power back on)
Now when you tap “Get” on any app in the App Store, the “Double Click to Install” animation will appear. Press the physical Side button twice quickly and Face ID will confirm the download.
If the double click still isn’t registering
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side Button
- Change click speed to Slow or Slowest if you need more time between presses
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Update to the latest iOS version under Settings > General > Software Update
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have everything ready.
- iPhone model: iPhone X or newer with Face ID
- iOS version: iOS 11 or later (iOS 17 or iOS 18 recommended)
- Face ID: Already configured on your device. If not, learn how to set up Face ID on iPhone first.
- Apple ID: Signed in and active
- Time estimate: 2-3 minutes
- Skill level: Beginner
Step 1: How Do You Access Face ID and Passcode Settings?
Open the Settings app on your iPhone, scroll down to Face ID & Passcode, tap it, then enter your device passcode to access authentication options for iTunes, App Store, and Apple Pay.
Action
- Location: Home screen > Settings app (gear icon)
- Path: Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Requirement: Enter your iPhone passcode when prompted
- Result: You see Face ID settings including iTunes & App Store toggle
Purpose
This section controls all biometric authentication on your device.
Without accessing this menu, you cannot enable double click functionality for app downloads.
Step 2: How Do You Enable Face ID for iTunes and App Store?
Inside Face ID & Passcode settings, locate the “Use Face ID For” section and toggle on iTunes & App Store to enable biometric verification for all App Store purchases and downloads.
Action
- Location: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Use Face ID For
- Toggle: iTunes & App Store > ON (green)
- Visual confirmation: Toggle switches to green position
- Result: Face ID now authenticates App Store transactions
Purpose
This toggle connects Face ID recognition to your Apple ID for purchase authorization.
Without it, iOS asks for your password every time. Some users prefer password entry instead, and you can learn how to turn off require password for free apps if that suits you better.
Step 3: How Do You Verify Wallet and Apple Pay Settings?
Navigate to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay and confirm that Double Click Side Button is enabled, which activates the side button confirmation for all purchases including app installations.
Action
- Path: Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay
- Setting: Double Click Side Button > ON
- Location: Near the top of Wallet & Apple Pay menu
- Result: Side button double press now triggers purchase confirmation
Purpose
This setting controls the physical button behavior for Apple Pay and App Store verification.
Even with Face ID enabled, the double click side button setting must be active for the install prompt to appear when you download apps on your iPhone.
Step 4: How Do You Test the Double Click Installation Feature?
Open the App Store, find any free app, tap Get, then double-click the side button when prompted and look at your iPhone to confirm Face ID authentication works correctly.
Action
- Open: App Store from home screen
- Select: Any free app and tap Get
- Watch for: “Double Click to Install” prompt on screen
- Press: Side button twice quickly (right edge of iPhone)
- Result: Face ID scans your face, app begins downloading
Purpose
Testing confirms your iOS security settings are configured correctly before you need to make a real purchase.
Verification
You know the feature works when you see “Double Click to Install” appear on screen after tapping Get or the price button in the App Store.
The side button animation pulses on the right side of your display.
After double-clicking, Face ID activates automatically. A checkmark and “Done” message confirm successful installation.
If you want to track what you have installed, you can see recently downloaded apps on your iPhone through the App Store.
Troubleshooting
Issue: Double Click Prompt Not Appearing
The install prompt defaults to password entry when Face ID settings are disabled.
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Toggle iTunes & App Store OFF, wait 10 seconds, toggle back ON
- Restart your iPhone: hold Side button + Volume button, slide to power off
- Check if parental controls are blocking the feature
Issue: Face ID Not Authenticating After Double Click
Face ID may fail if lighting is poor or your face is partially covered.
Solution:
- Remove face mask, sunglasses, or anything blocking your face
- Hold iPhone 10-20 inches from your face
- Re-register Face ID: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID
- Clean the TrueDepth camera at the top of your screen
Issue: Still Prompted for Apple ID Password
iOS requires password entry for the first purchase after setup or following an iOS update.
Solution:
- Enter your Apple ID password once when prompted
- Subsequent purchases use Face ID authentication
- Sign out and back into your Apple ID: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out
- Check if you can update apps without a payment method to test authentication
Issue: Side Button Not Registering Clicks
Click speed may be too fast or slow for the default setting.
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side Button
- Change Click Speed to Slow or Slowest
- Test by pressing Side button twice with deliberate pauses
- If button feels stuck, contact Apple Support for hardware inspection
Issue: AssistiveTouch Interfering with Double Click
Confirm with AssistiveTouch can override the standard side button behavior.
Solution:
- Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
- Toggle OFF “Confirm with AssistiveTouch”
- Keep AssistiveTouch enabled if needed, just disable the confirmation setting
Related Processes
After enabling double click to install, you might want to customize other app-related settings on your iPhone.
- Organize apps on iPhone to arrange your newly installed apps
- Delete apps on iPhone to remove apps you no longer need
- Restrict apps on iPhone using Screen Time for parental controls
- Set a password on apps for additional security
- See app usage on iPhone to monitor your screen time
- Find hidden apps on iPhone if apps disappear from your home screen
- Close apps on iPhone to manage background processes
FAQ on How To Turn On Double Click To Install Apps On iPhone
Why Does My iPhone Say Double Click to Install?
iPhones with Face ID require a double click on the side button to confirm App Store purchases. This prevents accidental downloads. The prompt appears after Face ID verifies your identity, adding an extra security layer for all transactions.
Where Is the Double Click to Install Setting on iPhone?
The setting lives in two places. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enable iTunes & App Store. Then check Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay and confirm Double Click Side Button is turned on.
Why Is Double Click to Install Not Working on My iPhone?
Common causes include disabled Face ID for App Store, incorrect Wallet settings, or software glitches. Restart your iPhone and toggle the Face ID settings off and back on. Also check if restrictions are enabled on your device.
Can I Disable Double Click to Install on iPhone?
You cannot fully disable it on Face ID iPhones. Apple requires confirmation for purchases. You can switch to password entry by turning off Face ID for iTunes & App Store, but some verification method remains mandatory.
Which iPhone Models Support Double Click to Install?
iPhone X and all newer models use this feature. This includes iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series. Older models with Touch ID use fingerprint authentication instead of side button confirmation.
Does Double Click to Install Work for Free Apps?
Yes. The double click prompt appears for both free and paid apps. Apple treats all App Store downloads the same way. You can see all apps you have downloaded in your purchase history.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Asking for Password Instead of Double Click?
iOS requires your Apple ID password for the first purchase after setup or major updates. Face ID authentication resumes after initial verification. Sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in if the issue persists.
How Do I Adjust Double Click Speed for Accessibility?
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side Button. Change Click Speed to Slow or Slowest. This gives you more time between presses. The adjustment helps users who have difficulty with rapid button clicks.
Does Double Click to Install Work with Apple Pay?
Yes. The same side button double click confirms Apple Pay transactions. Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay controls both features. The Double Click Side Button toggle affects App Store purchases and contactless payments equally.
Can I Use Double Click to Install with a Screen Protector?
Screen protectors do not affect the side button. However, thick cases might interfere with button presses. Face ID works with most screen protectors unless they block the TrueDepth camera at the top of your display.
Conclusion
Enabling double click to install apps on iPhone takes less than three minutes once you know where to look.
The process involves two settings: Face ID & Passcode for iTunes & App Store authentication, and Wallet & Apple Pay for side button confirmation.
Both must be active for the feature to work on iPhone X, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or any Face ID model.
If the prompt still does not appear, check your Accessibility settings for click speed adjustments. A quick restart often resolves lingering software glitches.
The double click method provides faster app downloads than typing your Apple ID password repeatedly. It also adds a layer of purchase verification that prevents accidental transactions.
Once configured, installing apps becomes a two-second task.
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