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Enable Tap to Click in Ubuntu Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Richard
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Richard
Sep 27, 2022 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
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Tap to click in Ubuntu Linux lets you select and open items on your screen with a light touch of your finger instead of pressing down hard on your touchpad. This built-in setting works on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer releases to save wear and tear on your laptop hardware.

You can turn on this feature in just a few clicks through your main system settings. Once active, your touchpad responds to a quick tap just like a smartphone or tablet screen.

⚡ Quick Answer

Access System Settings, then click Mouse & Touchpad. Toggle the Touchpad to On if it’s not already, then toggle Tap to Click to On. This enables clicking by tapping your touchpad.

How to turn on or off tap to click on Ubuntu Linux

You can turn tap to click on or off in Ubuntu Linux through the System Settings panel. This feature lets you tap your touchpad to make a click, much like a regular mouse, without needing to press down. Setting this up in Ubuntu helps your touchpad work the way you find most comfortable and efficient.

Configuring this takes only a few moments.

Ubuntu gathers most system configurations, user accounts, and updates in one central hub.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview screen
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu showing settings option
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click on the Mouse & Touchpad tile in the Settings app to open that section.

Mouse and Touchpad settings tile in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu linux mouse and touchpad tile updated

In the System Settings, navigate to the Mouse & Touchpad panel. Under the Touchpad section, you can turn the Touchpad button to On. This activates the sensor, letting a single tap mimic a physical mouse click, a feature available in Ubuntu version 22.04 and later.

📝Good to Know
The Touchpad section only shows up if your system actually has a touchpad. Touchpad settings need to be enabled before you can configure other options for it.

With the touchpad enabled, toggle the Tap to Click button to the On position.

To turn it off, flip the button to Off.

Tap to Click enable option in Ubuntu Linux settings
ubuntu linux tap to click enable

That completes the setup, meaning you can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

  • Enabling or disabling Tap to Click in Ubuntu Linux allows you to conveniently perform various touchpad actions without needing separate hardware buttons.
  • Access the centralized System Settings panel in Ubuntu Linux to toggle the touchpad and Tap to Click settings on or off.
  • Following the outlined steps will enable users to tap to click, tap twice to double click, and double tap to drag items, enhancing the touchpad functionality in Ubuntu Linux.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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