How to customize Control Center on iPhone

What is Control Center?

Control Center is one of the most used features on your iPhone. With a single swipe you get access to frequently used settings and features without having to navigate through menus. Since iOS 18, Apple has completely redesigned Control Center with unprecedented customization options. In this article you'll discover how to set up Control Center exactly the way you want.

You open Control Center by swiping down from the top right on iPhones with Face ID, or by swiping up from the bottom on older iPhones with a Home button. By default the panel shows options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, volume and more. But the real power lies in the customization options that many users never discover.

The new Control Center in iOS 18 and later

With iOS 18, Apple introduced a completely redesigned Control Center that offers more flexibility than ever before.

Multiple pages

The redesigned Control Center now supports multiple pages. Swipe left or right to switch between pages, or use the indicator dots on the right side. This means you can add many more controls without it becoming cluttered.

Fully customizable layout

Unlike previous versions, you can now place every control exactly where you want it. Controls are no longer limited to fixed positions or sizes. You can even change the size of individual buttons for faster access to important features.

Customizing Control Center step by step

Here you'll learn exactly how to configure Control Center to your preferences.

Step 1: Open edit mode

Open Control Center by swiping, then touch and hold an empty area, or tap the plus sign in the top left corner. The screen now shows a grid and the controls start to jiggle, similar to rearranging apps on your Home Screen.

Step 2: Move controls

Touch and hold a control and drag it to the position you want. You can move controls both horizontally and vertically. Other controls automatically move aside to make room. Place your most used features at the top for quick access.

Step 3: Remove controls

In edit mode, tap the minus sign that appears on each control to remove it. The control doesn't disappear permanently and can be added again later. Remove controls you rarely use to make room for more useful options.

Step 4: Add controls

Tap "Add a Control" at the bottom of the screen. You'll see an extensive list of available options, organized by category. Browse the list and tap a control to add it to your Control Center.

Step 5: Change the size

Some controls can be displayed in different sizes. Drag the bottom right corner of a control to make it larger or smaller. Larger buttons are easier to hit and can show more information.

Essential controls to add

Control Center offers dozens of controls. Here are the most useful options that many users overlook.

Screen Recording

This control lets you start a recording of your screen right away. Handy for making tutorials, capturing bugs or sharing gameplay. The recording starts after a three-second countdown, and you stop it by tapping the red status bar.

Text Size

Quickly change the text size for apps that support Dynamic Type. Ideal when you read in changing light conditions or share your phone with someone who prefers a different text size.

Dark Mode

Switch instantly between light and dark mode. This is faster than going through Settings and handy for situations where you want to switch quickly, such as when you go from outdoors to indoors.

Code Scanner

Open the camera directly in QR code scanning mode. Faster than first opening the Camera app and waiting for it to recognize a code. Perfect for quickly scanning payment codes or restaurant menus.

Passwords

Access your saved passwords with one tap. After Face ID verification you see all your login details. Handy when you need to log in on a device that doesn't support AutoFill.

Controls for specific situations

Depending on your lifestyle and habits, certain controls are especially relevant.

For home users

If you have smart home devices, add the Home control. It shows your favorite scenes and accessories directly in Control Center. Dim the lights or adjust the thermostat without opening the Home app.

For travelers

The Translate control opens the Translate app directly for quick translations. Combine it with the Currency control for international travel. Airplane Mode is probably already in your Control Center, but check that it's placed prominently.

For accessibility

Apple offers extensive accessibility controls. Add Magnifier to use your camera as a magnifying glass. Sound Recognition alerts you to important sounds such as doorbells or smoke alarms. Voice Control lets you operate your phone entirely with your voice.

Organizing pages

With multiple pages available, you can organize your Control Center by theme for maximum efficiency.

Page layout

Use the first page for your most used, everyday controls such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and brightness. Create a second page for media controls with music, podcasts and AirPlay options. A third page can hold smart home controls for all your connected devices.

Adding a new page

In edit mode, swipe left until you reach an empty page. Here you can add new controls to create a themed page. You can also delete pages by removing all controls from a page.

Connectivity controls in detail

The connectivity group in the top left deserves special attention because of its extensive options.

Expand for more options

Touch and hold the connectivity group with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to expand it. You now get access to extra options such as AirDrop, Personal Hotspot and VPN. This saves space while still giving you quick access to network settings.

Straight to settings

Touching and holding individual icons such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth takes you directly to the related settings. This is faster than first going to Settings and then looking for the right category.

Control Center is a powerful tool that, with the right configuration, can make using your iPhone considerably faster. Take the time to experiment with different layouts and controls until you've found the perfect configuration that fits your daily routine.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open Control Center on my iPhone?

On iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and later), swipe down from the top right corner of the screen. On iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.

Can I turn off Control Center on the Lock Screen?

Yes, go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, and turn off 'Control Center' under 'Allow Access When Locked'. This prevents others from accessing your Control Center when your phone is locked.

Why can't I find certain controls?

Some controls are only available if you have turned on certain features or installed certain apps. The Home control, for example, requires you to have set up accessories in the Home app. Also check that your iOS is up to date, since new controls are added with updates.

Are my Control Center settings synced to other devices?

No, Control Center settings are specific to each device and are not synced through iCloud. You need to configure each device separately. This is actually handy, because you can have different configurations for your iPhone and iPad.