Where Did the Control Center on Apple Watch Go?

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Why can't you swipe up to get to your Apple Watch Control Center? Do you see widgets instead? If so, your watch is running watchOS 10 or later! With this update comes a new way to open your Control Center that requires zero swiping. Don't worry, it's easy, and you'll be used to it in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Tip:

  • The watchOS 10 update made some changes to the Apple Watch layout, including a new way to access the Control Center.
  • Instead of swiping up to open the Control Center on your Apple Watch, you must now press the Side button.

How to Open Control Center Apple Watch (watchOS 10)

System Requirements

To use this tip, you will need an Apple Watch running watchOS 10.

Once you update to watchOS 10, your Apple Watch won’t swipe up to open the Control Center anymore. So if you want to ping your iPhone, turn on Focus Modes, or check your Wi-Fi settings, you'll have to open the Apple Watch Control Center by pressing the Side button. To discover more iOS 17 features, sign up for our free Tip of the Day!

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  1. Press the Side button on your unlocked Apple Watch.

    Press the Side button on your unlocked Apple Watch.
  2. You will see your Apple Watch Control Center!

    You will see your Apple Watch Control Center!

Pro Tip

Your Apple Watch will need to be unlocked before you can access the Control Center by tapping the Side button. You can do this with the passcode or with your iPhone.

Now you know what to do if your Apple Watch won't swipe up to the Control Center. Changes like this are common with Apple updates, and getting used to them takes a while. Next, learn about the other new features that watchOS 10 brings to your Apple Watch.

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Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.