Whether a new or an existing Apple AirPods , there might never have been a time when the button on the back of the case has been pressed. While it may seem useless at first, the button can prove to be extremely helpful when dealing with issues related to device compatibility. That’s in addition to fixing various AirPods issues when they surface. Here's what you need to know about the mysterious button on the back of AirPods.
Along with the UX, AirPods' hardware is also very minimalist. Both AirPods and the included charging case feature a stark white paint job. The earbuds have capacitive touch controls, the case doesn't have any ugly branding on it, and the whole package is as simple as can be. In fact, the only physical button anywhere on AirPods is the button on the back of the case. It's a small, circular button with no clear utility. While it can be easy to totally ignore the button and never use it, that back button on your AirPods case is actually housing a lot of crucial functionality.
How To Use AirPods Back Button For Pairing
For owners of an Android phone or a Windows device, connecting AirPods is possible — but not as quick or as seamless. This is where the button on the back of the case comes in. Once pressed with the earbuds in the case, the button acts as a way for the AirPods to enter a pairing mode, allowing s of a non-Apple device to connect to them. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your device, make sure Bluetooth is enabled, open the lid on the AirPods case, and press and hold the back button until the status light flashes white. Once the light starts flashing, AirPods should appear as a Bluetooth headphone option for your Android/Windows device.
How To Use AirPods Back Button For Resetting
But pairing AirPods to non-Apple devices isn't the only use case for the back button. That back button is also helpful for resetting your AirPods. If you're experiencing audio issues, poor battery life, connectivity bugs, or anything else that shouldn't be happening, you can reset your AirPods with the back button to attempt and fix them. Open the lid on your AirPods case, press and hold the back button for 10 seconds, and look for the flashing white light. This lets you re-pair AirPods with your device as if you're setting them up for the first time, potentially solving any problems you were experiencing before.
Again, unless there is a need to connect a pair of AirPods to a non-Apple device or reset them to fix any sound/performance/connection issues, then the button on the back of the case is likely to remain unused. However, it is good to know it is there — and what it can do — before an Apple AirPods wearer needs to use the button on the back.
What Are The Silver Holes On The AirPods Pro Case?
Those who have the AirPods Pro 2 might notice a new feature on the case – two silver holes on the side. These aren't a design feature, and actually have a purpose. The little silver strip is an eyelet for a lanyard loop, letting s thread in a lanyard and conveniently attach the case to a bag, belt, or even the wrist.
A lanyard isn't included in the box, so s will have to pick one up separately. Apple sells the Incase Lanyard for $12.95 on its website, but there are many cheaper options available on Amazon, some as little as $5 or $6. The lanyard loop is only available on the AirPods Pro 2 case, which means s with the regular AirPods or the first-gen AirPods Pro won't see the silver holes. It's a convenient feature for sure, but not essential, given that many third-party AirPods cases come with a lanyard loop and carabiner, providing the same functionality.
Source: Apple