Provided are a handheld gimbal control method and control apparatus. The control method comprises the following steps: step 1) detecting a current mode of the handheld gimbal; step 2) when the handheld gimbal is in an operating mode, detecting whether the handheld gimbal is at a folding position, and when the handheld gimbal is at the folding position, enabling the handheld gimbal to enter a standby mode; and step 3) when the handheld gimbal is in the standby mode, detecting whether the handheld gimbal is at a non-folding position, and when the handheld gimbal is at the non-folding position, enabling the handheld gimbal to enter the operating mode, wherein there is no sequential order for the execution of steps 2) and 3). The control method of the present invention enables a user to rapidly and conveniently operate a handheld gimbal, without damaging an electric motor.