How to assign Control Centre functions to iPhone's Action Button

Apple has standardised the Action Button across the iPhone 16 models this year. That means the regular iPhone models also have the Action Button alongside the Pro models. Launched with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Action Button allows users to customise the hardware button to access multiple settings instantly. It replaced the Alert Slider but continues to offer the functionality to change the iPhone ringing state, in addition to other options such as torch, Focus profiles, and Control Centre functions.

Control Centre has been available through a swipe down from the device’s right corner since the iPhone X. However, iOS 18 has opened new ways for Control Centre functionalities to feature on the iPhone. Its availability on the Action Button eliminates navigating the iPhone to turn on a function, say, mobile data or Wi-Fi. Long-pressing the Action Button can enable or disable a functionality instantly, offering convenience to users. However, despite the comfort, the Action Button has garnered mixed feedback, including responses from users who said they forgot the button even exists. In any case, the Action Button is here to stay for a few more years before Apple plans a redesign.

Here is how to get the best out of the Action Button by assigning it Control Centre functions.

– Open Settings on your iPhone

– Scroll down to locate the Action Button option and tap it

– Swipe through the available options until the Controls option appears

– Tap the ‘Choose a Control…’ option and tap the functionality needed to be programmed to the Action Button. For instance, it could be the Calculator option or the shortcut to scan QR codes.

– The Action Button will now have a new functionality assigned by the user.

The Control Centre functionality can be changed by following the same process. Users must remember that the Action Button needs a long press to activate the assigned functionality.