Example control information format processing methods, base stations, and apparatuses are described herein. One example method includes determining a control information format of downlink control information. When the control information format of the downlink control information is a first control information format, a first field included in the downlink control information corresponding to the first control information format indicates a valid setting. When the control information format of the downlink control information is a second control information format, a second field included in the downlink control information corresponding to the second control information format indicates an invalid setting. The downlink control information is then sent to user equipment (UE).