Every iPhone and iPad with iOS 7 or newer has the control panel, also called the control center. This option allows you to access all kinds of shortcuts related to the settings and apps on your iPhone or iPad.
From iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 you can fully customize the control panel to your own preferences. This means that you can move or remove shortcuts and panels. Previously, changing the controls was limited. Over the years, the activation of the control panel has changed for some devices, but the operation has remained the same.
Steps for iPhone or iPad without home button
Do you have an iPhone or iPad and it does not have a home button? Then you open the control panel from the top right corner swiping down from the screen.
Activate Control Center on an iPhone or iPad with a Home button
If you have an iPhone or iPad with a home button, you can activate the panel by quickly and briefly swiping up from the bottom of the screen. You can immediately consult the various shortcuts.
Steps for an iPad with iOS 12 or iPadOS
If you have iOS 12 or iPadOS installed on an iPad, you can activate Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen.
Customize the control panel and useful tips
Since iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, you can fully customize the control panel to your personal wishes. This way you can change all the controls and change their positions. We have explained exactly how to do this step by step in our Adjusting the control panel manual.
If you have an iPhone or iPad with a software version between iOS 11 and iPadOS/iOS 17, you can make limited adjustments to the control panel via Settings â–¸ Control Center â–¸ Customize Controls. You can read more information about adjusting the controls here.
- Manage AirDrop, Night Shift, and AirPlay in Control Center
- Fix when you can’t open Control Center from apps
- Control multiple audio devices via the Control Center
- Operate slide switches faster
- Consult dynamic suggestions from HomeKit devices via the control panel
- Fix when you can’t open Control Center from apps