Control center disappeared after updating my Apple Watch

Kaegimom wrote:

APPLE…return the control center back THE WAY IT WAS!!! AND FIRE WHOMEVER DECIDED TO RUIN A PERFECTLY GOOD WORKING WATCH!!! It’s no longer user friendly for one handed use or those with disabilities anymore, I can’t use my chin to or Nuckle anymore!

Apple does not read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. There is no cause to be shouting at us, your fellow users.

You can let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

For what it's worth, I have an Apple Watch Series 9 and find that I can pull up the Control Center very easily by simply gently tapping the face of the watch near the top - maybe right above where the "12" would be on a typical watch face. Why don't some of you try this out and confirm that it works for you. If it works as well for you as it does for me, there's the solution. And it actually saves movement/effort of the swipe up.

Hyperfig wrote:

THANK YOU!!! Why isn't this info immediately available on the Apple Support site? Amazing.

Tell Apple

Feedback - Watch - Apple

If enough users send feedback, then it is more likely to reach a decision maker, which can result in changes that may be more to your liking.

100% agree. HATE the control centre on the side button. Most of the time the side button doesn't work, sticks. Impossible now to get to all the features of the Control Center. Beyond frustration. Control centre is virtually rendered useless !!!!

It appears to be a step backward. Physical buttons, seldom utilized, may wear out rapidly due to their mechanical nature, unlike the more practical and durable swipe gesture. Pressing a button implies a need for the Apple Watch to be tightly secured to the wrist to prevent slipping. This can also pose a challenge for individuals with impairments. Additionally, the current design lacks the flexibility to choose and opt for different or alternative options. I am hopeful that a forthcoming software update reintroduces the previous swiping mode for a more user-friendly experience.

Alessio

Regarding your strawman, I’ve never known any physical button on any Apple product to wear out in the 30 years I’ve been using Apple products.

Apple has never been big on options, although they did add an option to change the way screens are switched back to the old way, or keep the new way.

This has been a horrible experience! All because of one update! Why would this nice user friendly system get screwed with just cuz of an update?! I recharged overnight, and woke up to a whole new watch face--and it did not have the "ping" feature-- a feature I use ALL THE TIME-- not only to find my phone when I mislay it , but also to make sure I have it when my hands are full and I just want to make sure I have it before I walk to my car at the end of my work day.

I went physically to Verizon for help-- three people attempted to help--the first is not an Apple watch user-- he tried but knew nothing. The second is an Apple watch user-- but could not help; instead he told me he was done with my watch and turned back to his IPAD-- no apology, no suggestions--; third said " I really hardly use my watch." to which I say-- then why do you have it; and why do you work at Verizon if you don't know anything about helping a customer with a basic use of one of your very popular devices.

So I called Apple support.... the initially very pleasant attendant asked me what kind of watch I have-- I replied it is just a regular Apple watch....and I said I simply wanted it to be like it was before the " update"...she then started a speech about how she couldn't help me unless....I said " Listen, listen, listen" and she disconnected the call.

so I got home, went to Google, searched for a little while and found out that pushing a button on my phone and a bit of scrolling will give me what I want. I tried that, and-- LOW AND BEHOLD-- it worked. I have my old phone control center-- with my "ping" back! I wasted way too much time to make this happen, and got totally turned off and disappointed by both Verizon and Apple workers-- unknowledgeable and unhelpful.

Please, please, all you tech folks-- learn your jobs, learn about your clients' needs-listen to them, learn about the devices you sell, and service and learn to find the simple-usually the best- solution-- usually what is needed and wanted-- and help your clients get what they want from the devices they PAY YOU FOR!!

I used the control center often and now after the update you have to do a series of moves to just get to it, how absurd and complicated. After I found the answer on how to get to the control center, I have tried it numerous time and failed each time, not user friendly for an older individual or any one that has a disability or anyone that is not under 12. Please return the control center command to the way it was before the update, apparently whoever thought it was a good idea to change it has not learned that "if it is not broke, don't fix it"

“Series of moves?” COME ON. What is this series of moves? Pressing a button is one move. Swiping up from the bottom is one move. This enhancement does not change the amount of effort in the slightest. If anything, it is easier, because swiping up sometimes takes more than one try and requires looking at the watch first (a second move?) Pressing a button can be done by feel-one move.

Hi , did you find an alternative to the side button. Mine watch side button can be sticky and mostly doesn’t work , so i would be very happy to find an alternative. Of course can clean the button area to remove dust etc hoping it will then work … BUT… can’t get to Control Center to depress the water drop , so that it can be immersed in water. Most irritating .Awful design change…. And yes, I have sent my response directly to Apple.

I have an older watch (Series 3) and it works just fine. However, with the new update, I can't even use the bottom button to get the control center. When I press that button, I see my recently used apps. Is there any way to get the control center on the older watches? This update is ridiculous!

marionyurgo wrote:

Apparently the series 3 is the only model that won't update past 8.8.1 ....with no explanation from Apple as to why.

Also the Series 4 had more storage. As it is, the Series 3 has difficulties doing upgrades because the user must often delete things from the Apple Watch in order to have sufficient room to install an update.

Someone mentioned that you can ask Siri to open Control Center … that would be super awesome and get around this annoying ‘upgrade’.

However, Siri replies ‘no app called Control Center’.

Has anyone found a voice controlled way to open Control Center. ( im motivated to find an alternative because my side button does not work, likely needs cleaning in water to loosen dust etc, but I can’t switch on the water drop feature to prevent water intake because I can’t get to Control Center . Grrrrrr).

Apparently side button can be fixed, but price is 25% cost of new watch, and after the back is opened, it’s no longer waterproof.

Would LOVE a voice controlled way of accessing Control Center.

Clareve123 wrote:

… im motivated to find an alternative because my side button does not work, likely needs cleaning in water to loosen dust etc, but I can’t switch on the water drop feature to prevent water intake because I can’t get to Control Center . Grrrrrr…

The Apple Watch is AWAYS Water Resistant.

The Water Lock does NOT change that.

All the Water Lock does is disable the touch screen and side buttons, except for the Digital Crown actions to get out of Water Lock.

So you are free to use clean water WITHOUT any soaps or cleaning solutions that might damage the water seals.

Segrato wrote:

it is awful! I agree 100%

Terrible update and not workable and I use this feature so much too

What a let down

No, it is WONDERFUL, a much better way to access the Control Center than the stupid swiping up from the bottom of the screen. They should have done it with the button from the start. I don’t know what Apple was thinking when they came up with that awful idea that somehow swiping up was a “natural” action.