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Control Center disappeared from Apple Watch SE after update.

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

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 4:46 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 30, 2023 10:54 AM

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…

261 replies

Dec 14, 2023 8:41 AM in response to Chutimian

Chutimian wrote:

Control center lost from my Apple Watch since update

Here is the picture

Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support


Quick press and release the flat oval side button, and Control Center will appear.


DO NOT hold the button, as that will bring up the Emergency services display.


If you have problems with getting the quick press and release timing just right, you can play with


Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed


I like "Slow". My Wife likes "Slowest". This is also helpful when trying to activate Apple Pay via a quick Double Press and release.

Dec 16, 2023 8:33 PM in response to Coopermilo

Coopermilo wrote:

Pls return the control center to swipe up I still can’t locate the control center on my watch I use this feature often

Quick press and release 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.


If getting the press and release timing is an issue, the play with this option:


Settings -> Accessibility -> Side Button Click Speed


I like Slow. My Wife likes Slowest. Playing with this option is also useful when using Apple Pay and getting the double press and release timing right.


Apple is not here. Just other Apple Watch users.


You can tell Apple what features you would like to see in future versions via

Feedback - Watch - Apple



Dec 18, 2023 10:42 AM in response to fireblsom6

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

Feedback - Watch - Apple


The more users send feedback, the more likely it will be sern by a decision maker.

Dec 28, 2023 5:01 PM in response to Kmack57

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:

Feedback - Watch - Apple


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.


Jan 7, 2024 8:31 PM in response to Sticky-noodle_face

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.

Jan 9, 2024 4:09 PM in response to 60sChick

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.

Feb 1, 2024 8:51 PM in response to njmorri53

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


Feb 14, 2024 12:38 PM in response to Dcnash49

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


Feb 17, 2024 5:42 AM in response to FJBFJB

FJBFJB wrote:

WTF Apple??? Power went out tried to turn on flashlight and control center was gone. Who ever deceided to change the control access needs to be with the Bud Light marketing department.

We are not Apple. This is a user-to-user technical support forum.


You can send feedback to

Feedback - Watch - Apple


In the meantime, 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


Jul 22, 2024 12:22 PM in response to Drawls264

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

Dec 1, 2023 7:42 AM in response to alysiafromevans

alysiafromevans wrote:

I can’t tell you how much this change annoys me. Leave stuff alone! We have enough to deal with on the daily without 10 thousand updates a year

Apple does not read here in this user-to-user technical support forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Dec 1, 2023 3:24 PM in response to Vanboggie

Vanboggie wrote:

Same here and I used it all the time. This supposed fix to press the side button does NOT bring it back. Not only do I misplace my watch in the house all the time, but I used the other control center features too. Bring it back please Apple! It was probably the most used feature on my Apple Watch 8. I am really angry with whatever developer decided we didn’t need it anymore. I really don’t care about the info you swipe up to now.

Apple is not here. But you can send feedback to Apple via

https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch


The more users that send feedback, the more likely it will reach a decision maker.

Control Center disappeared from Apple Watch SE after update.

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