The Control Center is a powerful feature in iOS devices that allows users to quickly access and manage various settings and features. With the Control Center, you can adjust brightness, turn on/off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and even take a selfie with a few taps. But did you know that you can also add something to the Control Center to make it even more personalized and functional? In this article, we will show you how to do just that.
What Can You Add to the Control Center?
Before we dive into the process of adding something to the Control Center, let’s take a look at what you can actually add. With iOS 11 and later, Apple introduced a new feature called “Customize Controls,” which allows you to add or remove controls from the Control Center. Some of the controls you can add include:
- Accessibility Shortcuts: This control allows you to quickly turn on/off accessibility features such as Zoom, AssistiveTouch, and more.
- Alarms: With this control, you can quickly set a timer or alarm without having to open the Clock app.
- Apple TV Remote: If you have an Apple TV, you can add the Apple TV Remote control to the Control Center for easy access.
- Camera: You can add a quick camera shortcut to the Control Center for easy access to your camera.
- Do Not Disturb: This control allows you to quickly turn on/off Do Not Disturb mode.
- Flashlight: A flashlight control is already available in the Control Center, but you can also add it to the top-level menu for easy access.
- Home: If you have a HomeKit-enabled device, you can add a Home control to the Control Center for easy access to your home automation system.
- Magnifying Glass: This control allows you to quickly turn on the Magnifying Glass feature, which uses the camera to zoom in on objects.
- Notes: You can add a quick Notes shortcut to the Control Center for easy access to the Notes app.
- Screen Recording: With this control, you can quickly start and stop screen recordings.
- Stopwatch: This control allows you to quickly start and stop the stopwatch.
- Text Size: You can add a control to quickly adjust the text size on your device.
- Wallet: If you have an iPhone 6 or later, you can add a Wallet control to the Control Center for easy access to your credit cards, boarding passes, and more.
How to Add Something to the Control Center
Now that you know what you can add to the Control Center, let’s take a look at the steps to do so.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To add something to the Control Center, you need to open the Settings app on your iOS device. To do this, tap the Settings icon on your home screen. The Settings icon looks like a gear and is usually found on the home screen or in the app library.
Step 2: Scroll Down and Tap on “Control Center”
Once you’re in the Settings app, scroll down and tap on “Control Center.” This will take you to the Control Center settings page.
Step 3: Tap on “Customize Controls”
On the Control Center settings page, tap on “Customize Controls.” This will take you to the Customize Controls page.
Step 4: Add a Control
On the Customize Controls page, you’ll see a list of available controls that you can add to the Control Center. Tap the “+” icon next to the control you want to add. You can add as many controls as you want, but keep in mind that you can only have a maximum of 12 controls in the Control Center.
Step 5: Arrange Your Controls
Once you’ve added a control, you can arrange it in the order you want it to appear in the Control Center. To do this, tap and hold the three horizontal lines next to the control, and then drag it to the desired position.
Step 6: Tap “Done”
Once you’ve added and arranged your controls, tap “Done” in the top-right corner of the screen. This will save your changes and add the control to the Control Center.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when adding something to the Control Center:
Use the “Hide” Feature
If you want to add a control to the Control Center but don’t want it to appear in the top-level menu, you can use the “Hide” feature. To do this, tap the “-” icon next to the control, and then tap “Hide.” This will add the control to the More Controls section of the Control Center.
Remove a Control
If you want to remove a control from the Control Center, simply tap the “-” icon next to the control, and then tap “Remove.” This will remove the control from the Control Center.
Use Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps, such as Workflow, offer additional controls that you can add to the Control Center. To do this, open the app, and then follow the in-app instructions to add the control to the Control Center.
Conclusion
Customizing the Control Center on your iOS device is a great way to make it more personalized and functional. With the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to add something to the Control Center with ease. Remember to explore the different controls available and experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for you.
What is Control Center and why customize it?
Control Center is a feature on iOS devices that provides quick access to frequently used settings and features. It allows you to easily adjust settings, access apps, and control music playback with just a few taps. Customizing your Control Center can help you streamline your workflow, increase productivity, and make your device more tailored to your specific needs.
By customizing your Control Center, you can remove clutter, prioritize the features you use most, and even add new features that enhance your overall user experience. For example, you can add shortcuts to frequently used apps, adjust the layout to fit your workflow, and even add accessibility features to make your device more usable. With a customized Control Center, you can take control of your device and make it work better for you.
What devices support Control Center customization?
Control Center customization is available on iOS devices running iOS 11 or later. This includes iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. If your device is running an earlier version of iOS, you will not have access to customization options for Control Center.
To check if your device supports Control Center customization, go to Settings > General > About. Look for the “Version” entry to see which version of iOS your device is running. If you’re running an earlier version, you may need to update your device to access Control Center customization.
How do I access Control Center on my iOS device?
To access Control Center on your iOS device, swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. This will bring up the Control Center panel, where you can access various settings and features. Alternatively, if you’re using an iPhone with a home button, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access Control Center.
Once you’ve accessed Control Center, you can start customizing it to your liking. Tap the “Edit” button in the top right corner of the Control Center panel to enter customization mode.
Can I customize the layout of Control Center?
Yes, you can customize the layout of Control Center to fit your workflow and preferences. In customization mode, you can rearrange the icons and features to put your most frequently used items at the top. You can also remove features you don’t use to declutter the panel and make it easier to find what you need.
To rearrange icons, simply tap and hold on an icon, then drag it to the desired location. You can also tap the “-” icon in the top left corner of an icon to remove it from Control Center altogether.
How do I add new features to Control Center?
To add new features to Control Center, go to Settings > Control Center, then tap “Customize Controls”. From here, you can browse through the list of available features and add the ones you want to Control Center. You can add features such as the flashlight, camera, or screen recording, among others.
To add a feature, simply tap the “+” icon next to the feature name. This will add the feature to Control Center, where you can access it quickly and easily.
Can I remove features from Control Center?
Yes, you can remove features from Control Center to declutter the panel and make it more streamlined. To remove a feature, go to Settings > Control Center, then tap “Customize Controls”. Find the feature you want to remove, then tap the “-” icon next to the feature name.
Confirm that you want to remove the feature, and it will be removed from Control Center. You can always add it back later if you need to.
Will customizing Control Center affect my device’s performance?
Customizing Control Center will not affect your device’s performance. The customization options are designed to work seamlessly with your device, and they will not slow down your device or drain your battery.
In fact, customizing Control Center can even improve your device’s performance by allowing you to access frequently used features more quickly. This can help you save time and streamline your workflow, making it easier to get things done on the go.