# Change the operation mode

The operator changes the operation mode, for example from stop to autonomous, or enables and disables Autoware control. A software switch in the application uses the operation mode API. A hardware switch on the vehicle changes the control mode directly, and AD API only reports the result.

## Related API

- [Operation mode](<../../features/operation_mode/index.md>)

## Sequence

### Change the mode with a software switch

The application calls one of the `/api/operation_mode/change_to_*` APIs, or [/api/operation\_mode/enable\_autoware\_control](<../../list/api/operation_mode/enable_autoware_control/index.md>) and [/api/operation\_mode/disable\_autoware\_control](<../../list/api/operation_mode/disable_autoware_control/index.md>). The request fails if the target mode is not available. Check the `is_*_mode_available` flags of [/api/operation\_mode/state](<../../list/api/operation_mode/state/index.md>) before the request.

Change the mode with a software switch in the application.

### Change the mode with a hardware switch

The operator uses a switch on the vehicle. The enable and disable APIs always fail on a vehicle that changes the control mode only by hardware.

Change the mode with a hardware switch on the vehicle.