If you’re new to macOS or recently updated your Mac, you might be wondering: Where is Control Center on Mac? Apple introduced Control Center to macOS to make system settings faster and easier to access—just like on iPhone and iPad.
This article explains where to find Control Center on Mac, what it does, and how to customize it.
Where Is Control Center on a Mac?
Control Center is located in the menu bar at the top-right corner of your screen.
How to Open Control Center on Mac
- Look at the top-right of the menu bar
- Click the Control Center icon (it looks like two stacked toggles)
- Control Center will drop down instantly
✅ No keyboard shortcut is required—just one click.
What Can You Do in Control Center?
Control Center groups commonly used system controls in one place, including:
- Wi‑Fi – Connect to or switch networks
- Bluetooth – Manage connected devices
- AirDrop – Control discoverability
- Focus – Enable Do Not Disturb or Focus modes
- Display – Adjust brightness, True Tone, and Dark Mode
- Sound – Change volume and audio output
- Now Playing – Control media playback
You can click any section to expand it for more options.
How to Add Controls to the Menu Bar
You can pin certain Control Center items directly to the menu bar for quicker access.
Steps to Customize Control Center:
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
- Click Control Center
- Choose which items appear in:
- Control Center only
- Menu bar
- Or both
📌 Popular items to add include Battery, Bluetooth, and Sound.
Control Center Keyboard Shortcuts (Workarounds)
macOS doesn’t include a default keyboard shortcut for Control Center, but you can:
- Use Spotlight to open settings quickly
- Assign shortcuts using third‑party apps
- Pin controls to the menu bar to reduce clicks
Which macOS Versions Have Control Center?
Control Center is available on:
- macOS Big Sur (11) and later
- Monterey
- Ventura
- Sonoma
❌ It is not available on macOS Catalina or earlier.
Control Center vs System Settings
| Control Center | System Settings |
|---|---|
| Quick toggles | Deep configuration |
| Fast access | Detailed controls |
| Everyday use | Advanced settings |
Control Center is ideal for quick adjustments, while System Settings is better for detailed customization.
Common Issues and Fixes
Control Center icon missing?
- Make sure you’re on macOS Big Sur or newer
- Restart your Mac
- Check System Settings → Control Center
Controls not responding?
- Log out and back in
- Update macOS to the latest version
Final Thoughts
Control Center on Mac is designed to save time by putting essential controls just one click away. Once you know where it is—and how to customize it—you’ll use it daily.
