Whether a new or an existing Apple AirPods user, 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.

Apple’s AirPods are a popular option for anyone looking for a true wireless listening experience, and this is particularly the case for those already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. After all, one of the benefits of buying AirPods as an iPhone owner is the seamless integration between the two devices. This improved integration can be seen in many ways, but connecting the devices is a prime example. Open the AirPods case, hold it close to the phone, and then follow the on-screen prompt to connect them. That’s it.

Related: How To Answer A Phone Call Using AirPods

Along with the UX, AirPods’ hardware is also very minimalistic. 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

AirPods charging case setup button

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 users 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

Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro

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.