How to Access Control Center on iPad in iOS 12

With the release of iOS 12, Apple redesigned the navigation gestures on the iPad to align with newer iPhone models, changing how users reveal quick settings. This guide explains the exact swipe gesture required to open and dismiss the Control Center on an iPad running iOS 12, highlights the key differences from earlier software versions, and covers how to customize your available shortcuts.

Opening the Control Center

To open the Control Center in iOS 12:

1. Locate the status bar in the top-right corner of your iPad screen, where the battery level and Wi-Fi indicators are displayed.
2. Place your finger on the top-right edge.
3. Swipe downward toward the center of the display.

The Control Center overlay will appear, giving you instant access to controls like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, screen brightness, and the camera.

Closing the Control Center

To exit the Control Center and return to your app or Home screen:

• Swipe up from the bottom of the Control Center panel, or
• Tap anywhere on the dimmed, empty space outside the Control Center grid.

Why the Gesture Changed in iOS 12

In iOS 11 and earlier, the Control Center was accessed by swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen, combined with the App Switcher. In iOS 12, Apple separated these functions:

• Swiping up from the bottom edge now reveals the Dock or opens the App Switcher and Home screen.
• Swiping down from the top-right corner is reserved exclusively for the Control Center.

Customizing Your Control Center

You can add or remove shortcuts to tailor the Control Center to your workflow:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Control Center.
3. Select Customize Controls.
4. Tap the green plus (+) button next to any feature (such as Screen Recording, Notes, or Timer) to add it, or tap the red minus (-) button to remove an existing shortcut.