A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a touch screen, and a controller for causing the mobile terminal to enter a sleep mode, receiving a touch input applied to a first point of the touch screen during the sleep mode, receiving a first drag input applied from a second point to a third point of the touch screen during the sleep mode and while the touch input is maintained, wherein a first angle is defined between a line that extends from the first point to the second point and a line that extends from the first point to the third point, and performing a defined operation when the first angle meets or exceeds a threshold angle.