The Apple TV has evolved considerably in recent years, becoming much more than a simple content playback device. Its versatility, integration with the Apple ecosystem, and hidden features have made exploring its full capabilities an interesting task for users, and one of the key elements to getting the most out of it is the Control center, a little-known but extremely useful tool.
Many users are unaware that the Control Center allows them to change system settings, manage FaceTime video calls, control home automation devices using HomeKit, among many other features.
In this article, we'll break down each and every one of the functions of the Apple TV control center, how to activate it, what you can do from there, and how to optimize its use to turn your Apple TV into the entertainment and control center of your smart home.
What is the Apple TV Control Center?
The Control Center is a quick access interface from where you can Access various Apple TV features without having to navigate through all the menus. It's especially useful for changing settings, managing users, or instantly accessing features like the sleep timer or HomeKit scenes. Customize your Control Center on iPhone, you can find more information in related articles.
We could say that it acts as a centralized control panel, designed to facilitate device operation and save time by not having to navigate through the entire configuration menu.
How to open Control Center on Apple TV
To display Control Center on your Apple TV, simply Press and hold the Home button or the TV key on the Siri RemoteOn current models, this action immediately brings up the side panel with all available functions.
In older versions or depending on the version of the operating system (tvOS), the key may vary, but generally a long press is enough to invoke it. This is similar to how Use Control Center on Mac.
Features available in the Control Center
Once opened, the Control Center offers you a ton of options that will allow you to save time and get more convenient access to usual functions.
Switch user profile
One of the key functions is the possibility of managing usersIf multiple people use Apple TV, you can quickly switch between custom profiles from Control Center. This affects not only recommended content but also usage data, app history, and preferences.
You can also add new users from this section, as long as they are linked to an Apple account. For more information on device management, see How to check the battery from the Notification Center.
Controlling playing content
From this side panel you can access the playback controls, pause, skip, track selection, and volume control, without having to return to the app that's playing content. This is particularly useful when you're using features like SharePlay or watching content from connected apps.
Headphone management
If you have some AirPods or Bluetooth headphones connected To Apple TV, you can also control the volume, switch audio outputs, or view the battery level of connected devices from the hub. For more details on how to switch between modes on your AirPods, visit How to switch between noise control modes on your AirPods.
Control FaceTime and video calls
Since the integration of FaceTime with tvOS, the control center has included specific accesses for answer incoming video or audio callsYou can also launch new FaceTime sessions and quickly access camera, microphone, and visual effects controls.
Access to HomeKit cameras and scenes
Another very interesting option is the home automation device management Home appliances, such as security cameras, lights, sensors, or preset scenes in the Home app (HomeKit). If you've set up your smart home with compatible devices, you can view and control them directly from here. To learn more about how the Home app works, visit the iOS Home app.
Sleep timer
One of the most practical functions of the control center is the “Sleep Timer”This option allows you to set a time after which Apple TV will automatically go to sleep. Ideal if you tend to fall asleep while watching TV or if you simply want to save power.
To activate it:
- Press and hold the button to open Control Center.
- Select “Sleep Timer.”
- Choose a specific time interval (for example, 15, 30, or 60 minutes).
Once selected, the timer will begin a countdown. If you want to deactivate it early, simply return to the option and select "Cancel Timer."
SharePlay Controls
If you are using the SharePlay feature to share content with friends or family while on a video call, from the control center you can pause, resume, or adjust the synchronization of shared content.
VPN configuration
Some advanced users use apps that establish VPN connections from the Apple TV. The Control Center also allows you to access VPN settings quickly and check whether it is active or not. For more information about the control in the Control Center, you can read about the Control Center in macOS Big Sur.
Run shortcuts from the Control Center
Another less known but quite powerful function is the possibility of running custom shortcuts directly from this panel. This requires that you have previously created certain shortcuts on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and that they are synced with your iCloud account.
To add shortcuts to the control center:
- From your iPhone or iPad, go to the Shortcuts app.
- Create a new shortcut or select an existing one.
- Enable the option to make it available in the Control Center.
Once you've done this, you can run it with a single click from your Apple TV. Ideal for automations like "Turn off lights + turn on TV + launch Netflix."
Button control for accessibility
The Apple TV has numerous accessibility features, and one of them is the so-called “Button control”This system allows people with limited mobility to navigate menus using pre-configured commands.
From the accessibility settings on Apple TV, go to “Switch Control > Tap Behavior” to choose from several options:
- Predetermined: displays the “Press” button and a “More” button for other actions.
- Automatic pressure: automatically selects items after a certain time if nothing is done.
- Pressure always on: You need to press to select, which gives the user more control.
These options can be combined with external buttons or custom accessories for easier use. If you'd like to learn more about using Control Center in iOS 10, here's an article that may help you: How to use the new Control Center in iOS 10.
Setting up the remote control
Although not all functions of the remote are managed from the control center, it is important to have it optimized so that its use is consistent with what you see on the screen.
From the main system settings you can:
- Choose between “Click and Tap” or “Just Click,” depending on whether you prefer to use the Siri Remote’s touch surface.
- Select the touch scrolling speed (fast, medium, or slow).
- Assign the “TV” button to open the Apple TV app or go to the Home screen.
- Check the remote control battery level and other relevant information from the “Remote Control” section.
The Apple TV Control Center is a powerful and often overlooked tool, and its use not only improves the user experience but also allows for centralized management of key features such as home automation control, playback, accessibility, and user management.
If you integrate it into your routine, you will discover that you can Control your Apple TV in a more agile, direct, and personalized way, and thus take advantage of all the potential that the Apple ecosystem offers you from a single place.
