Control Center gives you one-swipe access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, the flashlight, and other quick controls. On an iPhone 7, and other models with a Home button, you open it by swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen. From iOS 11 onward you can also choose which controls appear.
Quick Answer
Swipe up from the very bottom edge of the screen. To close it, swipe down or press the Home button.
How to Open Control Center on an iPhone 7
- Place your finger on the bottom edge of the screen, just above the Home button.
- Swipe up quickly and release. Control Center slides up from the bottom.
- Tap a control to use it, or press and hold one (such as the flashlight or brightness) for more options.
- Swipe down or press the Home button to close it.
- To change which controls appear, open Settings, Control Center, and tap Customize Controls.
Control Center Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Access Within Apps | Lets you open Control Center while using an app |
| Customize Controls | Adds, removes, and reorders controls |
| Allow Access When Locked | Found under Touch ID and Passcode |
| Swipe gesture | Up from the bottom on Home button models |
Troubleshooting
- The swipe does nothing inside apps: turn on Access Within Apps in Settings, Control Center.
- It will not open on the lock screen: see why you cannot open the flashlight without unlocking.
- Using a newer model? Face ID iPhones open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
- Need to switch off the light afterward? Read how to turn off the flashlight on an iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does swiping up open the wrong thing?
Start the swipe from the very bottom edge. Starting higher on the screen may scroll the app instead.
Can I add a screen recording button?
Yes. In Customize Controls, tap the green plus next to Screen Recording.
Does Control Center work with AssistiveTouch?
Yes. The AssistiveTouch menu includes a Control Center button if swiping is hard.
Summary
- Swipe up from the bottom edge.
- Tap or press and hold a control.
- Swipe down or press Home to close.
- Customize it in Settings, Control Center.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.