Modern smartphones are designed for two hands, but real life isn’t always that simple. Whether you’re juggling groceries, holding a coffee, or just want to avoid dropping your phone, accessing key features with one hand can be frustrating. iPhones, particularly the larger models, make this harder than it needs to be. This article breaks down four practical methods for opening the Control Center on your iPhone with minimal effort.
The Problem with Big Screens
Today’s iPhones prioritize screen size over usability. The shift from physical buttons to swipe-based gestures means reaching the top corners for the Control Center requires finger gymnastics. The standard swipe-down-from-the-top-right method feels awkward for many, and accidental swipes into the Notification Center are common. This is especially true for users coming from smaller devices like the iPhone Mini, which Apple discontinued despite its popularity among one-handed users.
1. Enable Reachability: The Built-In Solution
The simplest fix is using Reachability. This iOS feature temporarily brings the top half of the screen down within thumb’s reach. To activate it, swipe down on the bottom edge of your screen. If it’s disabled, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and toggle Reachability on.
While effective, Reachability isn’t perfect. It temporarily reduces access to the lower half of the screen, and some users find it unintuitive. However, for quick access to the Control Center, it’s a solid first step.
2. Back Tap: The Hidden Power
Apple’s Back Tap feature turns the back of your iPhone into a functional button. You can assign actions, including opening the Control Center, to either a double or triple tap. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and select Control Center for either gesture.
This method is incredibly useful once mastered. It requires practice to tap at the right speed, but eliminates the need to contort your fingers. It works even with a case, making it a reliable option.
3. Shortcut Bookmark: A Home Screen Hack
Create a custom Shortcut that opens the Control Center and add it to your Home Screen. Open the Shortcuts app, tap the “+” button, search for “Control Center”, select “Show Control Center”, and then “Add to Home Screen.” Customize the icon or skip to add it directly.
This provides easy access from the Home Screen but requires exiting other apps to use it. It’s a workaround, not a perfect solution, but useful in certain situations.
4. Action Button: The Ultimate Control (iPhone 15 Pro/16 and later)
The Action Button on newer iPhones offers the most versatile access. Assign a Shortcut (the same one created in step 3) to the button. Go to Settings > Action Button and select the Shortcut option. Choose the Control Center Shortcut.
This method works from any app, offering immediate access with a single press. Consider toggling instead of showing, if you use it often. The Action Button is the most efficient way to bypass screen-reach issues entirely.
In conclusion, while Apple’s design choices often prioritize larger screens over one-handed usability, several built-in features allow users to regain control. Whether through Reachability, Back Tap, Shortcuts, or the Action Button, adapting these tools makes modern iPhones far more practical for single-handed operation.
