Add Third-Party Controls to iOS 18 Control Center

With the release of iOS 18, Apple allows iPhone users to customize their Control Center using widgets and quick actions from third-party applications. This guide explains how to access the Controls Gallery, locate supported third-party toggles, and place or resize them within your custom Control Center layout.

Prerequisites

To add third-party controls, your iPhone must run iOS 18 or later, and the desired third-party apps must be updated to versions that support Apple's Controls API.

How to Add Third-Party Controls

  1. Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
  2. Enter Edit Mode: Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-left corner of the screen, or press and hold any empty area of the Control Center grid.
  3. Open the Controls Gallery: Tap the Add a Control button located at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Locate the Third-Party App: Scroll through the Controls Gallery or use the search bar at the top to find the third-party app you want to add. Supported apps will list their available shortcuts, toggles, or launchers.
  5. Add the Control: Tap the specific control to immediately place it onto your active Control Center screen.

Arranging and Resizing Controls

Once the control is placed on your grid, you can adjust its appearance and location while still in edit mode:

  • Move: Press, hold, and drag the control to your preferred position. Controls will snap dynamically to the grid.
  • Resize: Drag the thick accent handle in the lower-right corner of the control to expand it into a larger button or shrink it to a single icon.
  • Remove: Tap the – (minus) icon on the corner of any control to delete it from your grid.

Exiting Edit Mode

When you have finished customizing your layout, tap anywhere in the empty space or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to save your changes and exit edit mode.