Switches let users quickly toggle settings on or off with immediate feedback. Use them for instant, binary choices like preferences or features.

Primary Purpose of Switch
Understanding when and why to use switches in your interface design.

What Switches Do

Switches provide immediate binary control for settings and preferences with instant visual feedback.

Key Characteristics
  • • Immediate state changes
  • • Enable/disable features
  • • Clear on/off states
  • • Touch-friendly interaction
Try It Out

Receive updates and alerts

Notice how the change happens immediately when toggled.

Choosing the Right Control

Different controls serve different purposes. Here's when to use each one:

Switches
  • • Immediate settings
  • • Binary preferences
  • • Mobile interfaces
  • • Feature toggles
Checkboxes
  • • Form submissions
  • • Multiple selections
  • • Agreement confirmations
  • • Optional features
Radio Buttons
  • • Single selection
  • • Mutually exclusive
  • • Limited options (2-6)
  • • Required choices

Common Settings Pattern

Here's how switches typically appear in settings panels with immediate effect:

Connect to wireless networks

Connect to devices

Allow location access

Disable all connections

When NOT to Use Switches

Avoid switches in these scenarios where immediate action isn't appropriate:

Inappropriate Use Cases
  • • Actions requiring confirmation (like delete operations)
  • • Form submissions with delayed effect
  • • Multiple related options that should be grouped
  • • Complex choices needing additional explanation
Best Practice

If the action isn't immediate or easily reversible, consider these alternatives:

  • Button: For actions requiring confirmation
  • Checkbox: For form submissions
  • Radio group: For mutually exclusive options