Cannot Access Apple Watch Control Center after 10.0.1 Update

Rob5658 wrote:

Many of us have an Apple Watch with a side button that does not work. We need another method to access control center without using the side button.

Please do not suggest a new Apple Watch. There must be another software method to access the control center.

I would suggest that you get your watch repaired.

You might want to investigate Shortcuts and see if there's anything you can do with it. I'm not an expert there, though.

Use shortcuts on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Shortcuts User Guide - Apple Support

lttexas wrote:

I really, really dislike the updates! Like others i cannot get the control button to work. About 5 months ago i fell outside and broke my hip on a very cold and snowy day. I was alone and had left my phone inside. I used the control button to call 911 which truly saved my life. Now when I depress the control button nothing happens. I have read and reread the comments and tried to follow instructions on how to reach the quick controls we were so familiar wit. What was Apple thinking?? I used to love my Apple Watch but now just use it for telling time. What a terrible shame. Is there another brand of smartwatch that we can turn to?

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 does not read this user-to-user technical support forum for feedback.

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.

tmfer wrote:

This new design for accessing & displaying the watch’s control center is WORSE than before, not an improvement. Please return to the previous upward swipe and previous display of the control center.

No one here in this user-to-user forum can do what you want. You can let Apple know what you'd like to see here:

Product Feedback - Apple

I think the change is GREAT as I can now access the Control Center from any screen, not just the watch face.

Same, except mine is series 8 (A2770)

If it was that simple. Side Botton now brings up app switcher on watch 7

Thank you! This fixed the issue! Pressing that button takes you right to control center easy like Sunday morning! Blessed be!

Thank you for the details! That quick tap on the side button did the trick - guess I was holding it down too long!

I was able to tell Siri to open control center.

James_T_Kirk1701 wrote:

I was able to tell Siri to open control center.

What "Phrase" did you use. When I ask, it says you do not have an app called control center.

itafrombronx wrote:

When I pressed the side button I got the emergency service and then the control center popped up and went away quickly

That's because you're pressing and holding, not tapping.

Many of us have an Apple Watch with a side button that does not work. We need another method to access control center without using the side button.

Please do not suggest a new Apple Watch. There must be another software method to access the control center.

Thanks

This “update” of a major feature in functionality makes no sense. The control center to get phone pinging or water locking is very important, especially for someone who may have limited use of their other hand or who constantly misplaces their phone, think older individuals. There needs to be an easier non-hardware way to access it.

miwebb24 wrote:

This does not work. When I press side button once I get apps not control center. I have no access to control center no matter what I do.

That's because you're pressing the Digital Crown, not the side button. The side button is the flat, oval button next to the Digital Crown.

Also, update to the latest version of watchOS. It was released today.

CavalierMax wrote:

If you touch the side button quickly and lightly it accesses the Apple Watch Control Center. If you press too long or too hard you get the emergency screen. Inconvenient compared to the former simple swipe method.

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.

Changing this will make it very reliable that you get exactly what you are after. Control Center, Apple Pay/Apple Wallet, or Emergency services and power icon.

I really, really dislike the updates! Like others i cannot get the control button to work. About 5 months ago i fell outside and broke my hip on a very cold and snowy day. I was alone and had left my phone inside. I used the control button to call 911 which truly saved my life. Now when I depress the control button nothing happens. I have read and reread the comments and tried to follow instructions on how to reach the quick controls we were so familiar wit. What was Apple thinking?? I used to love my Apple Watch but now just use it for telling time. What a terrible shame. Is there another brand of smartwatch that we can turn to?