Do you want quick access to your Apple Watch’s system functions? Then you can use the control panel. Just like on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, you can quickly enable or disable all kinds of options. Think of the sound, airplane mode, etc.
The control panel is easiest to consult from the clock or from other apps. Since watchOS 10, you can quickly consult the control panel from all apps and views on the Apple Watch at the touch of a button. Do you still have watchOS 9 or earlier? Then you can use a handy trick.
Open Apple Watch control panel
Since watchOS 10, you can open the control panel super quickly by briefly pressing the side button once. Do you have watchOS 9 or earlier installed? Then it is easiest to open the control panel directly from the clock (dial). Swipe up from the bottom of the screen with one finger and the panel will open immediately.
Available shortcuts
Once the control panel is open, you can get started with the options. This way you can view the current battery percentage, whether you are connected to WiFi and request the sound status. You can also enable or disable various functions. This includes Focus (Do Not Disturb), Theater Mode, Airplane Mode, Water Lock, Flashlight, and so on.
By tapping the iPhone icon you can play a sound on your iPhone, and via the triangle with waves you can adjust the output of the sound to, for example, AirPlay speakers. Tap Edit at the bottom to change the control panel layout and hide items.
Use iPhone controls
Controls you added to Control Center on your paired iPhone can now also appear on your Apple Watch. This offers a lot of new functionality without developers having to create separate watchOS versions. The actions are then performed on the iPhone, but you can easily control them from your watch.
Developer support
For the first time, you can not only use Apple’s own buttons in the Control Center, but also add shortcuts from third-party apps. This allows you, for example, to quickly perform actions from your favorite weather, smart home or to-do app directly from your wrist. Developers can use the Control Widgets API to create custom controls that can be added to the Control Center, Action Button, and Smart Stack.
Trick to quickly open control panel
watchOS 9 or earlier
When you open an app, you’ll notice that on an Apple Watch running watchOS 9 or earlier, it’s difficult to swipe from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. In most cases, scrolling in the app is then activated. This will be much easier with the next trick.
- Open an app or watch face on your Apple Watch
- Place your finger on the bottom of the screen (do not press)
- Wait a few moments
A small part of the control panel will immediately become visible; now swipe up to open the panel. You can then use the panel’s shortcuts. You can also use this trick for the watchOS message center.