Control Center does not have to stay in its default layout. You can add tools you use often, remove controls you never touch, resize certain controls, and arrange them so common actions are easier to reach.
This applies to recent iOS versions. On iOS 18, Control Center is customized directly inside Control Center; iOS 17 and older use Settings > Control Center.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if flashlight, screen recording, timer, Low Power Mode, app controls, or other shortcuts are missing or arranged awkwardly.
Add, Remove, and Arrange Controls
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner, or swiping up from the bottom on older Home button models.
- On iOS 18, tap the plus button in the top-left corner to enter edit mode.
- Tap Add a Control and choose a control from the gallery.
- Drag controls to move them. Drag the curved handle on supported controls to resize them.
- Tap the minus button on a control to remove it.
- Tap a blank area to finish. On iOS 17 or older, use Settings > Control Center, then the green plus and red minus buttons.
Add App Controls and Extra Pages
- In iOS 18 edit mode, drag a control to a new spot or onto another Control Center page.
- Swipe between pages to organize controls by type.
- Tap Add a Control and search for a supported third-party app.
- Tap the app control to add it, then move or resize it if the control supports resizing.
Control Center Notes
Lock Screen Access
Many controls can be opened from the Lock Screen. To restrict that, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, then turn off Control Center under Allow Access When Locked.
Fixed Groups
Some controls, such as parts of the connectivity group, are bundled or fixed in size. If you cannot split or resize one, that is expected.
After iOS Updates
Major iOS updates can occasionally reset or change Control Center layouts. If a control disappears, re-add it from the gallery.
Sources
- Apple Support: Customize Control Center on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Control Center on iPhone