What Does the Button on the Back of AirPods Do? Find Out Now
Short Answer:
The button on the back of AirPods primarily serves to pair and reset the earbuds. Pressing and holding it puts the AirPods into pairing mode, signaled by a flashing white light. If you hold the button longer, until the light flashes amber, the AirPods will reset.
Have you ever taken a moment to observe your AirPods and noticed the small, seemingly insignificant button on the back of the case?
If this is your first time using AirPods, you might find yourself asking what this button does. If you’ve used AirPods before, you should know, since you had to use the button when setting up your earbuds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various uses of the button on the AirPods case, as well as some troubleshooting techniques.
What Does the Button on the Back of AirPods Do?
This small button is a crucial component of your AirPods, serving a range of functions from aiding in device pairing to resetting your AirPods. Let’s discuss these in more detail.
Bluetooth Pairing
The primary function of the button on your AirPods case is to enable Bluetooth pairing. This is a necessary step when connecting your AirPods to a new device or setting them up for the first time.
To bluetooth pair your AirPods to a device:
- Open the lid of your AirPods case without removing the AirPods.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case.
- Let go of the button when the status light in between the AirPods starts blinking white.
- Follow the pairing instructions on your device. This step will vary depending on the device you have.
Resetting Your AirPods
The button also plays a significant role when it comes to resetting your AirPods. This is particularly handy if you’re experiencing glitches or connectivity issues.
Resetting your AirPods will always be the first troubleshooting step you take for any issues that may arise. To reset your AirPods:
- Keep your AirPods in their case and open the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber and then white.
- Close the case and wait for about 30 seconds.
- Open the case again. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap ‘Forget This Device’ next to your AirPods under ‘My Devices’.
- Follow the steps to pair your AirPods again.
Button on Back of AirPods Case Not Working
Even the best tech can face issues sometimes, and your AirPods are no exception.
If the button on the back of your AirPods isn’t working as it should, here are some troubleshooting steps that you can take to fix them.
Charge Your AirPods
It could be as simple as the AirPods battery being dead. Lack of battery can cause the AirPods to behave irregularly or not at all, and that includes the functionality of the button.
Plug your AirPods into a charger, wait for them to gain some charge, and then try using the button again.
Clean the Button
Sometimes, dirt and debris can accumulate around the button, which can degrade its functionality.
Take a soft, dry cloth, and gently clean around the button. Do not use any liquid cleaners, as they can potentially damage your AirPods.
Contact Apple Support
If the button is still not working after trying these steps, it might be time to contact Apple Support. There may be a hardware issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Key Takeaways
The button on the back of your AirPods is an essential component of their functionality, facilitating easy pairing, resetting, and switching between devices.
However, should this button stop working, simply charging and cleaning them should do the trick. As with any tech issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional support if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you press the button on the back of AirPods?
When you press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods, it triggers pairing mode if held for a short time (indicated by a white flashing light), or reset mode if held for a longer time (indicated by an amber followed by a white flashing light).
What does the button on the back of AirPods Pro do?
The button serves the same function as on the regular AirPods. It is used to put the AirPods Pro in pairing mode and to reset them to their factory settings.
For pairing, press and hold the button until the status light flashes white. For resetting, press and hold the button until the status light flashes amber and then turns white.
by Ken
Ken is a Data Analyst in the Healthcare industry and the owner and sole contributor to The Wearable Guy.