Turn Off iOS 7's Control Center Access in Apps for Better Gaming

Control Center's quick access to regularly used settings in iOS 7 is great. Until you inadvertently pull it up while using another app. Here's how to shut down the up-swipe drawer before it gets in the way.
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Control freed.Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED

Control Center's quick access to regularly used settings in iOS 7 is great. Until you inadvertently pull it up while using another app. Here's how to shut down the up-swipe drawer before it gets in the way.

There are plenty of apps that still require swiping the entire screen with your finger. Fruit Ninja and navigating your Twitter timeline both come to mind. Nothing kills the buzz of an epic slicing session like having your settings suddenly take over three-quarters of your screen.

Fortunately, there's a quick fix. Head to Settings > Control Center and turn off Access within Apps. You'll still be able to bring up Control Center from Home screens, but it will be disabled while you're in an app. You can also disable access from your lock screen if you're concerned about the recent security hacks that have surfaced.

Now you can enjoy your favorite apps without being interrupted by an opaque settings screen getting in the way.