Play/pause button.
Alternates between starting and pausing media playback.
See it in context
What it is
The symbol commonly changes to show the available action. The media state and the control label must stay synchronized, including when playback changes outside the control.
When to use it
Label the action currently available and preserve playback position when paused.
Know the difference
Stop typically ends or resets playback; pause preserves a position to resume.
Across platforms
Web
Use a native button for an action and an anchor for navigation. Preserve keyboard activation and a visible focus indicator.
iOS · iPadOS · Android
Provide a comfortable touch target, use familiar system symbols when appropriate, and show a clear pressed or selected state.
macOS · Windows · Linux
Keep pointer, keyboard, and focus behavior consistent. Common commands can additionally expose a menu item or keyboard shortcut.
watchOS · Wear OS
On a watch, use a short label and a generous target within the small display. Crown or rotary input can supplement touch for adjustable values.
tvOS · Android TV
On TV, give the focused control a prominent visual state and support remote activation; hover and precise pointer targeting are not assumed.
visionOS
In spatial interfaces, use a comfortably targetable control with a clear focus response for indirect gaze-and-pinch interaction.
Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.