> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/dashboards/adding-widgets/control-widget/button.md).
# Button
The **Button** sends a command once when you tap it. Unlike a switch, it doesn't hold an on/off state — it just does something and that's it.
## When to use it
Use a Button for one-tap actions where there's no lasting state to track: **ring a chime**, **restart a device**, **run a scene**, or fire a **momentary relay** (like a pulse to a gate). If it's "do this now" rather than "stay this way," a Button is the one.
## What you need first
* A device with a command set up on its **Commands & States** tab (see [Setting up a command](/devices/commands/creating-commands.md)).
* The command you want the button to run.
## How to set it up
1. Open your dashboard in **edit mode** → **Add widget** → **Control**.
2. **Datasource** tab: pick the **Device** and a **Device metric**. Tap **Next**.
3. **Appearance** tab: type a **Widget name**, then under **Widget type** choose **Button**.
4. Set the **Command** the button runs (and any input **Value**s), plus the **Expected sensor value** if the action leaves a state you can check.
5. Choose the **Button color** and a **Button size** — **S**, **M**, or **L** (default M) — and toggle the name/last-update line.
6. Tap **Save**.
## What happens when you tap it
The button sends its command once, and the action shows up in the device's **States** history like any other command. There's no on/off position to keep — it's a trigger.
## Common mistakes
* **Using a Button for something you need to see the state of** — if you want to know whether it's on or off, use a [Switch](/dashboards/adding-widgets/control-widget/switch.md) instead.
* **Waiting for confirmation a quick action can't give** — a one-tap trigger (like "restart") may not leave a reading to verify against, and that's normal.
## See also
* [Control widget](/dashboards/adding-widgets/control-widget.md) — overview and the other control types
* [Controlling Your Devices](/devices/commands.md) — set up the command this button runs
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