DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
Cupertino desk2 min

How to Use Control Center on iPhone, Including From the Lock Screen

Open iPhone Control Center from the Lock Screen, customize its controls, and fix common access issues.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To open Control Center on a locked iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner on a Face ID model, or swipe up from the bottom edge on an iPhone with a Home button. If it does not open, Lock Screen access may be disabled in Settings.

Open Control Center on your iPhone

iPhone type Gesture Passcode settings path
Face ID Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. Settings > Face ID & Passcode
Home button, including iPhone SE and iPhone 8 or earlier Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. Settings > Touch ID & Passcode

The same gesture works from the Lock Screen. On a Face ID iPhone, start at the top-right edge; a swipe from nearer the top center can open Notification Center instead. Apple’s iPhone User Guide covers the gestures.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Allow Control Center from the Lock Screen

If the gesture does nothing while the phone is locked, check whether access is allowed:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your iPhone.
  3. Enter your passcode if asked.
  4. Under Allow Access When Locked, turn on Control Center.

Leaving this option off limits quick access while locked, but also reduces what someone holding the phone can access without unlocking it. Apple notes that Lock Screen features such as widgets may expose personal information. Choose the setting that fits your privacy needs; see Apple’s Lock Screen access guidance.

#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Add, remove, resize, and rearrange controls

Control Center’s layout can be tailored to the controls you use. In iOS 18 and later, edit it from Control Center:

  1. Open Control Center with the gesture for your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Add button, then choose Add a Control to open the controls gallery.
  3. Tap a control in the gallery to add it.
  4. Drag controls to rearrange them. Use a control’s remove button to delete it, or drag its resize handle to change its size.

Some layouts include multiple groups or sections that you can reach by swiping within Control Center. What appears depends on the iPhone and its software. Apple’s Control Center guide describes the available editing options.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

Reveal more actions and groups

Touch and hold a control to see whether it offers more options. For example, pressing and holding the connectivity group can expose AirDrop options, while camera controls can provide quick actions. In iOS 18 and later, swiping within Control Center can also reveal groups such as Music and Home, along with feature controls such as AirDrop or Satellite. Availability varies by device and software version; consult Apple’s guide to Control Center.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Fix Control Center access inside apps

If Control Center opens from the Home Screen or Lock Screen but not while you are using an app, check the in-app access setting:

Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
  1. Open Settings > Control Center.
  2. Turn on Access Within Apps.

The setting controls whether you can open Control Center without leaving an app, as described in Apple’s Control Center instructions.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What Wi-Fi and Bluetooth buttons do

Tapping Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in Control Center temporarily disconnects your iPhone from networks or devices; it does not fully turn off either radio. To switch them off, open Settings > Wi-Fi or Settings > Bluetooth. Apple explains the distinction in its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth guidance.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$405.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.