Want Faster Access to iPad Settings? Customize the Control Center!

Introduction

The Control Center on the iPad gives you quick access to your most-used features—like adjusting brightness, connecting to Wi-Fi, or enabling Focus modes. With iPadOS, Apple has made it easier than ever to customize this space so it works exactly the way you want. Whether you prefer a minimal layout or a full panel of shortcuts, learning how to manage your Control Center can make everyday tasks faster and more efficient.

Accessing the Control Center

To open the Control Center, simply swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. This brings up a panel of controls such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, and screen brightness. It’s designed to give you instant access to key tools without leaving the app you’re in.

If you use the iPad in landscape mode, the gesture works the same way—just start from the upper-right corner. Once open, you can interact with any of the controls directly, such as turning on Airplane Mode, adjusting brightness, or enabling Screen Recording.

Remove, Resize, & Add Controls

One of the most powerful features of the updated Control Center is the ability to customize what appears there. To make changes, open the Settings app, tap Control Center, and you’ll see a list of available options.

Here you can:

• Add controls by tapping the green “+” icon next to any feature.
• Remove controls by tapping the red “–” icon next to items you don’t use.
• Reorder controls by dragging the three lines next to each one to move it up or down in the list.

In iPadOS 26, some controls even allow resizing. You can make certain controls larger or smaller depending on how often you use them. For example, you might keep Brightness and Volume large for easy access but shrink less-used tools like the Flashlight or Timer. This lets you design a Control Center layout that’s both functional and personal.

Control Center Pages

If you like to use lots of controls, the iPad now supports multiple Control Center pages. This prevents your layout from becoming too crowded and lets you organize shortcuts into categories. You might have one page for media controls and another for utilities like Notes, Home, and Camera.

To move between pages, simply swipe left or right once you’ve opened the Control Center. It’s a clean way to keep related tools together without overwhelming the main view.

Shut Down the iPad

The Control Center also offers a quick way to shut down your iPad. Tap and hold the Power icon in the upper-right corner until the “Slide to Power Off” option appears. This saves you from digging through Settings or holding down hardware buttons—especially useful if your buttons are hard to reach or not responding.

Control Center Settings

Beyond layout changes, you can fine-tune how the Control Center behaves. Go to Settings > Control Center to adjust accessibility options, such as whether you can open it from the Lock Screen or within apps.

If you often hand your iPad to others—like children or coworkers—disabling Control Center access from the Lock Screen adds an extra layer of privacy. You’ll still be able to open it while the iPad is unlocked, keeping your shortcuts secure when the device is unattended.

Wrap Up

Customizing the Control Center is one of the easiest ways to make your iPad feel more personal and efficient. With features like resizing controls, multiple pages, and quick access to power options, you can tailor it to fit your workflow. Once set up, it becomes a powerful tool that saves time every day—putting the settings you use most literally at your fingertips.