How to use Control Center: The ultimate guide

Control Center makes it easier than ever to toggle Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and Orientation Lock, to adjust brightness, to control media playback, to get to AirDrop, and AirPlay, and turn on flashlight, and to get to Timer, Calculator, and Camera. It sounds simple because it is, but there are still a few tricks and settings worth knowing about!

How to access and start using Control Center on iPhone and iPad

How to access and start using iOS 7 Control Center

By default, Control Center is accessible from the Lock screen, Home screen, or from within any app you're running on iOS 7, at any time. However, full screen apps behave a little differently. And once you access Control Center, there are many different things you can do with it. Here's how to get to it, and what to do with it!

How to use Control Center to AirPlay videos to your Apple TV

How to use Control Center to AirPlay videos to your Apple TV

Ever wish you could take a video from your iPhone or iPad and watch it on your big screen TV? Well, with AirPlay and an Apple TV you can! Many apps have built-in AirPlay buttons but, sadly, they're often in different shapes, sizes, and places. Luckily, Control Center has an AirPlay button as well. That makes it easy to find and easy to use!

How to quickly access your iPhone or iPad camera from Control Center

How to quickly access your iPhone camera from Control Center

If you need to quickly take a photo or shoot a video, and you're already using your iPhone, then Control Center is your best friend. Whether you're sending a message, to checking the weather, to crushing some candy, etc., thanks to Control Center you're only ever a swipe and a tab away from the Camera app and capturing the world around you!

How to quickly turn your iPhone into a flashlight with Control Center

How to quickly turn your iPhone into a flashlight with Control Center

Ever wish you could quickly and easily turn your iPhone's camera flash into a flashlight? Well, with iOS 7 and Control Center finding your way is only ever a swipe and a tap away!

How to disable Control Center access from the Lock screen

How to disable Control Center access from the Lock screen

By default, Control Center can be accessed from anywhere, including the Lock screen. While it doesn't share or access personal information, it does potentially let pranksters or even thieves disable services on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, and even put it into Airplane mode so you can't track it later. Having Control Center available is hugely convenient, but if security is more important to you, you can easily turn Lock screen access off.

How to disable Control Center access from within apps

How to disable Control Center access from within apps

Control Center gives you access to many system toggles and utilities on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad from virtually anywhere, including inside app. While, by default, iOS 7 requires a second swipe to bring up Control Center from inside full-screen apps like videos and games, even you still find yourself unintentionally triggering it - and interrupting your fun - you can turn off access from within apps entirely.

How to get more help with Control Center

If you have additional questions, or need some more help with Control Center or iOS 7, check out the following resources!

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.