Toggle switches are a widely used UI toggle component, but they are also one of the most frequently misused. While they seem simple—allowing users to switch between two states like ON/OFF or ENABLE/DISABLE—poor design choices often lead to confusion and frustration.
At their core, toggle switch UI elements are best suited for actions that take effect immediately and can be easily reversed. A good example is enabling Dark Mode or turning notifications on and off. However, many designers make the mistake of using toggles for actions that require confirmation, such as deleting an account or saving changes. These scenarios can cause uncertainty, leading users to second-guess their actions or make unintended changes.
Despite their simplicity, toggle UX issues frequently arise. Some common mistakes include unclear states, poor placement, and using toggles for actions that require additional steps. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for toggle switch design, break down common pitfalls, and discuss better alternatives for cases where toggles aren’t the best choice. If you're interested in broader UX design patterns, check out our guide on UX patterns.
Toggle switch design guidelines
Toggle switch UI elements should be intuitive and easy to use, but poor design choices often lead to confusion. To ensure clarity and usability, follow these best practices when designing toggles.
Use toggles only for instant, reversible actions
Toggles UI components are ideal for settings that take effect immediately without requiring further user confirmation. For example, they work well for enabling or disabling notifications, switching to Dark Mode, or muting sounds. However, they should not be used for actions that require saving, confirmation, or multiple steps. A toggle for “Save changes” or “Delete account” can cause uncertainty, as users may not realize the consequences of their action. In these cases, buttons with confirmation prompts are a better choice.
Always provide clear labels
A common mistake in toggle UI design is leaving the switch unlabeled, forcing users to guess its function. Adding explicit labels, such as “ON / OFF” or “Enabled / Disabled,” removes ambiguity and makes the toggle’s purpose immediately clear. A label like “Dark Mode: ON / OFF” leaves no room for misinterpretation, ensuring users know exactly what they are changing.
Use high-contrast colors to differentiate states
A well-designed UI toggle switch should make it easy to distinguish between its ON and OFF states. Low-contrast colors, such as light gray vs. slightly darker gray, can make it difficult for users to tell if a setting is active. Instead, use clear visual differences—such as a bright blue or green for the ON state and a neutral gray for OFF. In some cases, adding small icons (like a checkmark for ON and an X for OFF) can further enhance clarity.
Ensure the toggle is large enough to tap
On mobile interfaces, small touch targets can be frustrating to use. A toggle switch UX should be large enough to tap comfortably, with a minimum recommended size of 44x44 pixels. Additionally, while the visible toggle should remain appropriately sized within the UI, the actual tappable area can be expanded to improve accessibility without affecting aesthetics.
If you're designing interactive input elements, our guides on input fields and filter UX cover best practices for improving usability.
Follow platform-specific conventions
Toggle button UX varies across platforms, and users develop expectations based on their device. On iOS, a toggle in the ON position moves to the right, while on Android, placement may vary depending on system settings. Designing platform-specific toggles ensures consistency and prevents users from struggling with an unfamiliar interaction pattern.
By following these best practices, you can create toggle design solutions that are clear, easy to use, and function as expected. Misusing them, however, can lead to confusion and frustration—something we’ll explore in the next section.
Common toggle design mistakes (and how to fix them)
Even experienced designers sometimes misuse toggle switch UI elements, leading to unclear states, unexpected behaviors, or frustrating user experiences. Below are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Using toggles for actions that require confirmation
A UI toggle is meant for instant changes, but some designers use it for actions that require confirmation—like deleting an account or submitting a form. This can lead to unintended consequences, as users might toggle a setting without realizing the impact.
Fix: For irreversible actions, use a button instead, paired with a confirmation dialog. For example, instead of a toggle UI for “Delete account,” a red button with a confirmation prompt ensures users understand the action before proceeding.
Making toggles look like buttons
Some UI designs blur the distinction between buttons and toggles UI, leading users to expect one behavior but experience another. If a toggle looks too similar to a standard button, users may assume they need to "click" it rather than switch between two states.
For cases where interactive multi-step workflows are required instead of toggles, check out our article on Wizard UI.
Fix: Keep toggle switch design visually distinct. Toggles should resemble sliders or switches rather than standard buttons. If an action requires a user to press and confirm, it should be a button, not a toggle.
Failing to indicate the current state clearly
A toggle button UX should immediately communicate whether a setting is ON or OFF. When designers use low-contrast colors, unclear labels, or ambiguous positioning, users may not know which state the toggle is in. Using strong contrast, icons, and appropriate placement within the interface can help.
If you're working on broader UI layouts, our guide on grid layout can help you structure designs effectively.
Fix: Use toggle UI design best practices like clear contrast and explicit labels. The ON state should be visibly different from the OFF state, ideally using strong colors (e.g., green for ON, gray for OFF). Labels such as “Enabled” and “Disabled” further reduce ambiguity.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can design toggle UX solutions that are intuitive and effective. In the next section, we’ll explore better alternatives for cases where toggles aren’t the best fit.
Alternatives to toggle switches
While toggle switch UI elements are useful for simple ON/OFF settings, they aren’t always the best choice. In many cases, a different UI component can provide better clarity and usability. Here are some alternatives to consider.
Checkboxes for settings that require saving
If a setting doesn’t take effect immediately and requires user confirmation, a toggle UI isn’t the right choice. A checkbox paired with a Save button is a better solution because it allows users to review their selections before committing.
Example: Instead of a UI toggle switch for “Receive email notifications,” use a checkbox with a Save Changes button to make the selection explicit.
Radio buttons for multiple exclusive options
Toggles UI are designed for binary choices, but when users need to pick from more than two options, radio buttons work better. They clearly present all choices at once, reducing the chance of confusion. If you need inspiration for designing forms, our article on form design provides practical examples.
For example, instead of a toggle switch UX for switching between “Basic” and “Premium” modes, use radio buttons so both options are visible at the same time.
Buttons for irreversible actions
Toggle button UX works best for reversible settings. If an action can’t be undone, a button is a better choice because it allows for an extra confirmation step.
Example: Instead of a toggle switch design for “Delete account,” use a red button with a confirmation dialog to prevent accidental actions.
Sliders for adjustable settings
When users need to adjust a value along a range—such as volume or brightness—a toggle UI design is too limiting. A slider allows for precise control and better reflects the nature of the adjustment. If you’re interested in exploring other UI elements, our collection of screen design examples showcases effective UI patterns in real-world applications.
Example: Instead of a toggle design for “Brightness: Low/High,” use a slider that lets users fine-tune the setting.
By choosing the right UI element for the task, designers can create interfaces that are clearer and more user-friendly. If you're not sure if your interface has the right UI, conducting user experience audit may help.
In the next section, we’ll summarize key takeaways and best practices.
Final thoughts
A well-designed toggle UX ensures clarity, immediate feedback, and an intuitive experience. However, many designers misuse toggles in ways that lead to confusion and frustration.
To create better toggle switch UI elements, remember these key takeaways:
- Use toggle UI design only for instant, reversible actions, such as enabling Dark Mode or toggling notifications.
- Always include clear labels to prevent ambiguity about what the UI toggle switch controls.
- Ensure strong visual contrast so users can easily distinguish ON and OFF states.
- Follow platform-specific conventions to match user expectations.
- Consider alternatives when a toggle switch design isn’t the best fit—checkboxes for settings that require saving, radio buttons for multiple options, buttons for irreversible actions, and sliders for adjustable settings.
Getting toggle switch UX right requires attention to small details that have a big impact on usability. At Eleken, our designers specialize in intuitive toggle button UX patterns that enhance user experiences. If you need help designing seamless and user-friendly interfaces, get in touch with us — we’d love to bring your vision to life.
