After the last Apple Watch OS update, Control Center disappeared from my SE watch. I did a soft reset and then a hard reset, and neither worked. I even tried wiping my watch and reinstalling everything, but still no Control Center. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks!
Apple Watch SE, watchOS 10
to bring control panel, you need to press side button (the one below round bottom). Control panel doesn’t swipe up anymore like it used to, I guess it was changed with the new update. I did everything too, only took me 2hr to figure it out…
fireblsom6 wrote:
It doesn't bring up the Control Center when I do that...it just takes me to all the Apps. I never changed where Control Center should come from in settings...ever since the latest update I can't find it anywhere.
It sounds as if you're tapping the Digital Crown, rather than the side button. The side button is the flat, oval button next to the Digital Crown.
This change has nothing to do with anything in Settings. Apple made some major changes in watchOS 10. This was one of them.
fireblsom6 wrote:
This is the most annoying part of this update! Got rid of the Control Center...can't find it anywhere anymore...the only way to Ping my iPhone (which I did every single day because I would lay my phone down somewhere and forget where) is to go through the laborious task of the "Find My" app. It takes so many more gestures and focus...have to stop what I'm doing and concentrate on selecting the phone and then hoping it will connect and play a noise on the phone, then I get notifications that a sound is being play on "Find My" and it's so annoying. The most useful feature of simply swiping up and "pinging" my iPhone has been taken away. Bring it back Apple!
The Control Center moved to the flat oval side button. See picture)
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
All the services you previously got with swipe up, are available with a button press.
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services.
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
Will adjust the click speed needed, so you can get what you want every time.
Note: Apple is not here. You can send your feedback to Apple via
The more users send feedback, the more likely it will be sern by a decision maker.
Kmack57 wrote:
BRING BACK THE CONTROL CENTER!! Why did you take it away!! How do I access my flashlight????
Apple is not here. This is a user-to-user technical support forum.
But you can send Apple feedback via:
If enough users send feedback, it is more likely a decision maker will see it, and maybe take action.
You access Flashlight, by doing a quick press and release of the flat oval side button (see picture)
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up the Emergency services display
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed “Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The "Side Button Click Speed" is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting. NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
Sticky-noodle_face wrote:
Wait did you figure it out?? If so please tell me 🙏
The previous Control Center swipe-up has moved to a quick press and release of the flat oval side button
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The “Side Button Click Speed” is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
Bluegras365 wrote:
Ok, I called Apple support and the simple answer is….. PRESS THE SIDE BUTTON ONLY ONCE! Do NOT hold it down!! This is THE NEW WAY of accessing the control panel.
You’re Welcome!
Yup, that's been explained at least twice per page in all 14 pages of this thread. Did you read any of it before posting? In future, that's always a good idea. You're welcome.
60sChick wrote:
Tap one time just brings up my apps..Oops I found it. 🤦♀️. The bar below the crown
Wrong button
The previous Control Center swipe-up has moved to a quick press and release of the flat oval side button
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The “Side Button Click Speed” is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
kari414 wrote:
That button doesn’t bring up my control center, it brings up an emergency call option.
DO NOT hold the button, as that does bring up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Just a quick press and release of the flat oval side button is what brings up the Control Center.
A double quick press and release brings up Apple Pay and the Apple Wallet.
A press and hold brings up Emergency services.
It is a multi-function button.
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The “Side Button Click Speed” is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
njmorri53 wrote:
I was not able to bring the control panel, by pressing the side button. This didn't work for me. Any other suggestions, please?
The previous Control Center swipe-up has moved to a quick press and release of the flat oval side button
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Control Center should then show you the iPhone ping icon (find my iPhone), Battery percentage, Flashlight, Water Lock, Airplane mode, Alarm silence, Theater mode, and all the other Control Center services.
An alternate way to get some of the Control Center services is:
“Hey Siri, find my iPhone”
“Hey Siri, Flashlight”
“Hey Siri, Battery”
“Hey Siri, Airplane mode”
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The “Side Button Click Speed” is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
Apple Watch -> Settings -> Accessibility -> AssistiveTouch can be used to access things like:
o Control Center
o Apple Pay
o Emergency Services and the Power Off icon (labeled “Hold Side Button”)
o and many other things...
Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch - Apple Support
Dcnash49 wrote:
With out control center how do I turn on water proof protection
First, your Apple Watch is always water resistant
About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support
The "Water Drop" 💧 icon just disables the touch screen and side buttons, except for what is needed to take the Apple Watch out of water lock.
The previous Control Center swipe-up has moved to a quick press and release of the flat oval side button
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Control Center should then show you the iPhone ping icon (find my iPhone), Battery percentage, Flashlight, Water Lock, Airplane mode, Alarm silence, Theater mode, and all the other Control Center services.
An alternate way to get some of the Control Center services is:
"Hey Siri, find my iPhone"
"Hey Siri, Flashlight"
"Hey Siri, Battery"
"Hey Siri, Airplane mode"
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The "Side Button Click Speed" is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second timing of needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
Apple Watch -> Settings -> Accessibility -> AssistiveTouch can be used to access things like:
o Control Center
o Apple Pay
o Emergency Services and the Power Off icon (labeled "Hold Side Button")
o and many other things...
Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch - Apple Support
Drawls264 wrote:
I see you just posted a few days ago. Were you able to get your control panel back?
When I press the side button I just get a list of apps not the control panel. Thank you
The previous Control Center swipe-up has moved to a quick press and release of the flat oval side button
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services and the power off icon.
Control Center should then show you the iPhone ping icon (find my iPhone), Battery percentage, Flashlight, Water Lock, Airplane mode, Alarm silence, Theater mode, and all the other Control Center services.
An alternate way to get some of the Control Center services is:
"Hey Siri, find my iPhone"
"Hey Siri, Flashlight"
"Hey Siri, Battery"
"Hey Siri, Airplane mode"
Getting the press and release timing just right can be an issue. You can make it more reliable by changing:
Apple Watch -> Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
After changing this I never accidentally get the Emergency Services display.
“Side Button Click Speed” can adjust the press and release timing, so you get the Control Center display every time. Adjusting The "Side Button Click Speed" is also useful for Apple Pay’s double press and release. There is “Default” (sub second press and release timing needed), “Slow” (up to a second between press and release), and “Slowest” (up to 2 seconds between press and release). I like the “Slow” setting. And as I said, I do not accidentally get the wrong display.
NOTE: Slow and Slowest settings do not mean you have to wait a full second or 2 seconds between press and release. It just means you do not need to be super fast.
If the flat oval side button is giving you difficulties, then look at
Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch - Apple Support
Apple Watch -> Settings -> Accessibility -> AssistiveTouch
can be used to access things like:
o Control Center
o Apple Pay
o Emergency Services and the Power Off icon (labeled "Hold Side Button")
o and many other things...
And sometimes you can tap at the very top center of the Apple Watch screen and get Control Center. But depending on the watch face, you may also get the left or right side complication. In other words, this trick sometimes works, and sometimes does not. Your mileage/KM may vary.
And just for fun Change the watch face on your Apple Watch - Apple Support
watchOS 10.2 re-enables left/right watch face swiping
• Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
• Scroll down and choose “Clock”.
• Toggle on the “Swipe to Switch Face” setting.
As well as Closing open Apple Watch apps Double-press on the Digital Crown -> Quickly scroll to the app you wish to close, and swipe left on the app, then tap the big Red X. Being quick to scroll the apps and swipe left can be a pain, so disable the following: Apple Watch -> Settings -> Accessibility -> Auto-Select Focused App -> Off
How you accesss Control Center changed with WatchOS10. See: Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
It moved to the side button. Not the round one but the other one. Press it and it brings up the control center.
fireblsom6 wrote:
It doesn't bring up the Control Center when I do that...it just takes me to all the Apps. I never changed where Control Center should come from in settings...ever since the latest update I can't find it anywhere.
Not that button. This button (see picture)
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
A quick press and release.
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up Emergency services display.
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
Will make it easier to get the press and release timing right.
Tap the button instead of pressing and holding.
bouj16 wrote:
When I press the side button to get Apple Watch control centre, all that comes up is the Emergency screen.
Help please!!! The update is horrible.
bouj16 wrote:
When I press the side button to get Apple Watch control centre, all that comes up is the Emergency screen.
Help please!!! The update is horrible.
You are holding the button too long.
It is just a quick press and release of the flat oval side button.
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
A press and hold brings up the Emergency services display.
Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed
can adjust how fast you need to press and release. Adjusting this also makes it easier to trigger Apple Pay’s double press and release. I like Slow, while my Wife likes Slowest.
Control Center disappeared from Apple Watch SE after update.
