How to Disable Control Center on iPhone Lock Screen and Why

The iPhone/iPad Control Center is a quick way to control and access various settings and features. However, if the Control Center is not disabled from the Lock Screen, anyone can have unauthorized access to these precious controls. That’s right, someone can turn on/off Bluetooth, Airplane mode, or set a Focus mode without unlocking the iPhone.

So, a small little act of ignorance can put your phone and its data at risk. It’s wiser to disable Control Center from your iPhone or iPad lock screen, whether your phone is always with you or you tend to leave it around.

How to Disable Control Center on a Locked iPhone or iPad

Deactivating Control Center from iPhone or iPad Lock Screen only requires a brief visit to the Settings app. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap ‘Face ID & Passcode’ or ‘Touch ID & Passcode’.

Step 3: Enter your iPhone passcode.

Step 4: Scroll to the ‘Allow Access When Locked’ section and toggle off the switch next to Control Center.

And that’s it! From now onwards, you or anyone else can’t open or access Control Center from the Lock Screen without unlocking the iPhone or iPad first.

Why Should You Deactivate the Control Center on iPhone

The Pros of Disabling Control Center on iPhone

• Enhanced security
• Avoids accidental activation

Whether a prankster friend or a malicious thief, the first thing they’ll probably do is switch your iPhone to Airplane mode, making it unreachable. Additionally, the Control Center hosts the settings that keep the Find My iPhone/iPad feature functional, i.e., cellular data and Bluetooth.

Now, turning off one or more settings is simple if your Control Center is accessible from the Lock Screen. However, things become difficult if you’ve turned off Control Center on your iPhone.

Obviously, the phone could still be powered off, but at least they can’t control your Bluetooth, Hotspot, AirDrop, Focus, Home Devices, media player, or other settings from Control Center. And even if you’ve restricted changes to cellular data, unrestricted Control Center access is a real security concern.

The Cons of Deactivating Control Center on iPhone

• Reduced convenience

For some, locking your Control Center can be inconvenient. You’ll have to unlock the phone before you can manage any settings, whether adjusting brightness, accessing connected devices, or using Shazam’s shortcut.

However, it will hardly matter if you’re using an iPhone or iPad with Face ID. Just looking at your iPhone or iPad will unlock it, and you can access the Control Center without delays. As for Touch ID devices, it’ll only take an extra second to unlock and open Contol Center.

Overall, the pros heavily outweigh the cons, so heed our suggestion and prevent Control Center access from your lock screen as soon as possible.

Tricks to Secure Your iPhone Lock Screen and Control Center

1. Disable Notification Center

Another essential privacy hack for your iPhone is to control access to information from the Lock Screen. Simply put, don’t allow others to peek into your notifications (messages, emails, reminders, etc.)

To do so, go to Settings → ‘Face ID & Passcode’ or ‘Touch ID & Passcode’ → scroll to ‘Allow Access When Locked’ → toggle off Notification Center.

Additionally, disable other Lock Screen settings like Widgets, Wallet, Siri, Home Control, Replying to messages, Returning missed calls, etc.

2. Manage Lock Screen Widgets Wisely

You don’t have to turn off Lock Screen widgets completely. After all, there are some amazing Lock Screen widgets out there.

However, it is advised to avoid using widgets that can reveal personal or sensitive information, such as calendars, notes, to-do lists, etc.

3. Turn Off Control Center Access in Apps

You can also access Control Center when using any app. While immensely convenient, it raises a few security concerns. Markedly, you can skip this one if you’re the only one with complete access to your iPhone.

However, if your child or friends use your phone to binge, play games, etc., disabling Control Center access from within the apps is safer. To do so, go to Settings → Control Center → turn off the toggle for Access Within Apps.

Prevent Control Center Access

Turning off Control Center access via the Lock Screen prevents others from meddling with your iPhone or iPad. It stops unauthorized users from toggling settings, accessing personal data, or disabling essential security features.

While there may be a slight inconvenience, increased security and privacy benefits outweigh the drawbacks. So, have you disabled your Control Center from the Lock Screen yet?