# control() Return the [`TorControlClient`](/documentation/Tor/TorControlClient) bound to this Tor instance. ``` func control() throws -> TorControlClient ``` ## Return Value The shared [`TorControlClient`](/documentation/Tor/TorControlClient). The same instance is returned across calls for the life of the session. ## Discussion Hands out the shared, pre-authenticated control client that swift-tor creates during [`start()`](/documentation/Tor/TorClient/start()). Use it for advanced operations the high-level API does not expose: `GETINFO` queries beyond the curated list, raw `SETEVENTS` subscriptions, onion- service management ([`addOnion(key:ports:detach:)`](/documentation/Tor/TorControlClient/addOnion(key:ports:detach:))), and Tor signals (`NEWNYM`, `DUMP`, etc.). > Throws: ``doc://Tor/documentation/Tor/TorError/controlUnavailable`` when Tor is not running > or the control socket failed to authenticate during start. > Important: The returned client is owned by this `TorClient`. > Do not close its socket manually — that is handled by > ``doc://Tor/documentation/Tor/TorClient/stop()``. Calling control commands concurrently is safe; > commands are serialised at the socket layer.