Abstract: A washing machine capable of communicating with a drying machine, and a method therefor are provided. The washing machine includes a communication circuitry configured to exchange data with an external device including a drying machine, a control panel including a dedicated button configured to obtain a user input for activating or deactivating a common function common with the drying machine, and at least one processor configured to, in response to obtaining the user input for activating the common function through the dedicated button, control the communication circuitry to activate the common function and transmit a communication signal for activating the common function to the drying machine, such that even if the drying machine is installed on the washing machine, the user may operate the drying machine without inconvenience.