For music lovers and podcast enthusiasts alike, keeping track of what’s playing on your device is essential. The Now Playing feature on iPhones and iPads provides a quick snapshot of the media currently being played, whether it’s from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or a podcast app. Luckily, iOS and iPadOS make it easy to access this feature by adding a shortcut directly to the Control Center. If you’re unfamiliar with how to do this, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps of adding the Now Playing shortcut to your Control Center, so you can manage your media playback effortlessly, no matter where you are on your device.
What is the Control Center?
The Control Center is a handy hub on iOS and iPadOS that gives you quick access to frequently used settings and controls. Whether it’s adjusting brightness, toggling Wi-Fi, or enabling Do Not Disturb, the Control Center brings it all under one swipeable umbrella. You can personalize it to include features that match your lifestyle and usage habits, including the useful Now Playing widget.
Why Add Now Playing to the Control Center?
Adding the Now Playing shortcut to the Control Center makes media management incredibly convenient. Instead of unlocking your device or hopping between apps to pause or skip a song, you can simply swipe down (or up, depending on your model) and control the playback instantly.
Here are a few reasons why this feature is worth enabling:
- Quick access to pause, skip, or resume media.
- Less distraction when multitasking or using other apps.
- Universal control across different media apps like Spotify, Podcasts, or Apple Music.
Steps to Add Now Playing to the Control Center
Follow these simple instructions to add the Now Playing shortcut to your Control Center:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap on Control Center.
- Tap Customize Controls (on earlier iOS versions) or simply continue if on iOS 14 or newer.
- Under the section labeled “More Controls“, look for Now Playing.
- Tap the green plus (+) icon next to it.
- Drag it to your preferred position using the three-line icon next to the control.
Once you’ve added it, you can access it by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (on Face ID-equipped devices) or swiping up from the bottom (on devices with a Home button).
Tips for Using Now Playing Efficiently
Now that you’ve enabled the feature, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Tap the album art to open the media app directly for extended controls or browsing.
- Use when screen is locked to quickly manage your playback without unlocking the phone.
- Pair with AirPlay to connect and switch between speakers or devices right from the widget.
Customization and Apps Compatibility
What’s great about the Now Playing button is its wide compatibility. It supports most media and audio apps, seamlessly displaying whatever is currently playing, no matter the source. Whether you’re enjoying a YouTube video, streaming on Tidal, or listening to a guided meditation, the Control Center consolidates it all in one visually clean interface.
For added personalization, consider rearranging the Control Center layout so that Now Playing is easily reachable right after your most-used toggles like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Final Thoughts
The ability to control what you’re listening to with a simple swipe offers immense convenience, especially in today’s fast-paced, multitasking environment. Adding the Now Playing shortcut to your Control Center is a small change that has a big impact on how smoothly you interact with your device.
Whether you’re adjusting volume in a meeting, skipping a song on your morning run, or rewinding a podcast during your commute, the Control Center’s Now Playing feature is just a gesture away. Take a few moments to set it up—you’ll thank yourself later every time you use it.
