Discovering the best replacement battery for your AirTag is essential for keeping your belongings trackable. This guide simplifies finding the right power source, ensuring your AirTag is always ready when you need it most.
AirTags are incredibly handy for keeping track of your keys, wallet, or even your pet’s collar. But what happens when the battery starts to fade? It can be a real headache losing that tracking ability just when you need it. Don’t worry, replacing an AirTag battery is simpler than you might think! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right battery to safely swapping it out. We’ll make sure your AirTag is ready to help you find your stuff anytime.
Why Keeping Your AirTag Powered is Key
An AirTag is only useful if it has a working battery. Think of it like a flashlight – it’s great when it’s bright, but useless in the dark without power. When your AirTag’s battery is low, you might start seeing alerts on your iPhone. Ignoring these alerts means your AirTag could stop sending its location signals, leaving you in the lurch. This usually happens at the worst possible moment, like when you’re rushing to find your car keys or trying to locate a misplaced suitcase at the airport. Keeping your AirTag powered up means peace of mind, knowing you can always find what matters most.
Understanding the AirTag Battery
Apple designed the AirTag to use a common, easily replaceable battery. This is great news because you don’t need any special tools or unique battery types. The standard battery used is a CR2032, a 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. These are the same batteries used in many other small electronic devices, like key fobs, small remotes, and some digital watches.
What is a CR2032 Battery?
CR: Stands for “Chemical, Round.”
20: Refers to the diameter of the battery in millimeters (20mm).
32: Indicates the thickness of the battery in millimeters (3.2mm).
3-Volt: This is the voltage, which provides consistent power to your AirTag.
Lithium: This type of chemistry offers a long shelf life and stable voltage output.
These batteries are widely available at most supermarkets, convenience stores, electronics shops, and online retailers.
Battery Life Expectations
Apple states that a single CR2032 battery in an AirTag can last for “about a year.” This is an estimate, and actual battery life can vary depending on usage and environmental factors.
Factors affecting battery life include:
Frequency of Location Updates: AirTags use Bluetooth and the Find My network to report their location. If an AirTag is constantly on the move or being pinged frequently, its battery will drain faster.
Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold) can impact battery performance and longevity.
Battery Quality: While most CR2032 batteries perform similarly, some brands might offer slightly longer life or more consistent power.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery
When it’s time to replace your AirTag’s battery, accuracy in your choice leads to a smooth process and reliable performance. You need a good quality CR2032 battery.
Key Features to Look For:
Brand Reputation: Opt for well-known battery brands like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony. These brands generally have a reputation for reliability and consistent performance.
Freshness: Check the expiration date on the packaging. Batteries degrade over time, even when not in use. Choosing a battery with a distant expiration date ensures it will perform optimally.
“Child-Guard” or Bitter Coating: Some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating on one side to deter accidental ingestion by children. This coating can sometimes prevent the AirTag from recognizing the battery properly because it adds a layer that interferes with conductivity. While these are designed for safety, they can cause troubleshooting issues with devices like AirTags. It’s generally safer to choose standard CR2032 batteries without this coating for your AirTag.
Where to Buy CR2032 Batteries:
Local Stores: Supermarkets (Walmart, Target, Kroger), pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), electronics stores (Best Buy), and even dollar stores often carry CR2032 batteries.
Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online shopping platforms offer a wide variety of CR2032 batteries, often in multi-packs for better value.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls:
The Wrong Battery Type: Never try to use a different type of coin cell battery. Ensure it’s specifically a CR2032.
Discount/Unbranded Batteries: While tempting, very cheap, unbranded batteries might have inconsistent voltage or shorter lifespans, leading to frequent replacements or unreliable performance for your AirTag.
Batteries with Bitter Coating: As mentioned, some “child-safe” batteries have a coating that can interfere with the device’s connection.
How to Replace Your AirTag Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing the battery in your AirTag is designed to be an easy, DIY task. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
What You’ll Need:
One CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery: Make sure it’s a reputable brand and not the type with a bitter coating.
Your iPhone or iOS Device: To check for battery status and confirm the replacement.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process:
1. Locate Your AirTag: Find the AirTag whose battery you need to replace.
2. Open the AirTag:
Take the AirTag in one hand.
With your other hand, place your thumb on the polished steel battery cover.
Press down gently and rotate the cover counter-clockwise until it stops. (Think of opening a jar lid).
Once it stops, remove the cover. You should see the old battery inside.
3. Remove the Old Battery:
The battery might pop out easily, or you might need to nudge it gently with your finger or a non-metallic tool.
Safety Note: It’s best to avoid using metal objects to remove the battery, as this could potentially short the battery or the AirTag. Your fingernail is usually sufficient.
4. Insert the New Battery:
Take your new CR2032 battery.
Note that the battery has a positive (+) side and a negative (-) side. The positive (+) side is usually marked and has text on it.
Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up (this means the side with the text should be visible when looking down into the AirTag).
Press the battery down firmly. It should sit securely in place.
5. Close the AirTag:
Align the three tabs on the battery cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag.
Place the cover back onto the AirTag.
Press down gently and rotate the cover clockwise until it clicks or stops. This secures the battery and makes the AirTag water and dust resistant again.
6. Confirm the Battery Replacement:
Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on the “Items” tab.
Select your AirTag from the list.
You should see the battery status indicator refresh, showing a full or nearly full battery.
You may hear a chime when the new battery is correctly inserted and recognized by the AirTag. This confirms it’s working.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
AirTag Doesn’t Chime: If you don’t hear a chime after inserting the battery and closing the AirTag, the battery may not be making proper contact, or it might be inserted incorrectly. Try re-opening, ensuring the positive side is up, and pressing firmly.
AirTag Not Showing in Find My: Ensure you’re using a genuine CR2032 and that it’s not a battery with a bitter coating. Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can help refresh the connection.
Battery Drains Quickly: If a new battery dies within weeks, there might be an issue with the AirTag itself or a faulty battery. Try a different brand of battery. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support.
Maintaining Your AirTag: Tips for Longevity
A little care goes a long way in keeping your AirTag functional and your belongings secure.
Keep it Clean: Wipe your AirTag occasionally with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging it in water, even though it’s water-resistant.
Protective Accessories: Consider using a protective case or holder for your AirTag, especially if it’s attached to something that might get bumped or scraped frequently. This can also help prevent the battery cover from accidentally opening.
Monitor Battery Health: Regularly check the battery status in the Find My app. This allows you to replace the battery proactively before it dies.
Store Properly: If you plan to store an AirTag for an extended period, it’s good practice to remove the battery to prevent any potential drain or corrosion.
Battery Comparison: CR2032 vs. Other Common Battery Types
It’s important to understand why the CR2032 is chosen for devices like AirTags and how it differs from other common batteries you might encounter.
| Battery Type | Typical Use Cases | Voltage | Characteristics | Common in AirTag? |
| :—————– | :—————————————————- | :—— | :———————————————————————————————————– | :—————- |
| CR2032 | AirTags, key fobs, calculators, small remotes, motherboards | 3V | Lithium, coin cell, long shelf life, stable voltage, widely available. | Yes |
| AA / AAA | Remote controls, toys, flashlights, wireless mice | 1.5V | Alkaline (most common) or NiMH (rechargeable). Larger size, lower voltage per cell. | No |
| 9V | Smoke detectors, some toys, small electronics | 9V | Alkaline or lithium. Rectangular shape, higher voltage bundled in one unit. | No |
| USB-C / Lightning | Smartphones, tablets, laptops, power banks | Varies | Not a “battery” in the same sense; it’s a connector for charging devices or direct power. | No |
| 18650 | High-power flashlights, vape pens, power tools | 3.7V | Rechargeable Lithium-ion. Cylindrical, larger, higher capacity and discharge rate. Primarily for higher drain. | No |
As you can see, the CR2032 is specifically chosen for its compact size, consistent 3-volt output, and long life, making it ideal for small, low-power devices like the AirTag. Attempting to use any of the other battery types would be physically impossible and electrically incompatible.
The “Proven Essential” Aspect of an AirTag Battery
The “proven essential” nature of a replacement battery for your AirTag boils down to one core function: ensuring continuous tracking.
Uninterrupted Finding: Your AirTag is a tool for locating items. If its battery dies, it becomes a useless piece of plastic. Having a readily available replacement battery ensures it’s always ready to locate your valuable or sentimental belongings.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a spare battery means you can replace it whenever you get the low battery alert, avoiding the panic of a dead tracker. This consistent readiness is where the “essential” part comes in.
Long-Term Investment: AirTags are an investment in security and convenience. Ensuring they always have power is crucial to realizing their full value. A few dollars spent on a replacement battery prolongs the life and usefulness of your AirTag investment.
Simplicity of Maintenance: Unlike electronic devices that require complex repair or replacement, the AirTag’s battery is designed for quick, user-friendly replacement. This simplicity makes maintaining its essential function very accessible.
For practical advice on battery care and replacement for various devices, resources like Energy.gov’s section on batteries offer general insights into battery technologies and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about AirTag Batteries
Q1: How often should I replace my AirTag battery?
A1: An AirTag battery typically lasts about a year. You’ll get a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low, so replace it then.
Q2: Can I use a rechargeable battery in my AirTag?
A2: No. AirTags are designed to use non-rechargeable 3V lithium coin cell batteries, specifically the CR2032 type. Rechargeable batteries have different voltage and charging characteristics that are not compatible.
Q3: What does it mean if my AirTag doesn’t make a sound when I put a new battery in?
A3: The chime is a confirmation that the battery is correctly inserted and making contact. If you don’t hear it, try re-inserting the battery, making sure the positive (+) side is facing up, and that the battery is fully seated. Ensure you’re using a standard CR2032 without any special coatings.
Q4: Can I use a battery with a bitter coating?
A4: While these batteries are designed for child safety, the coating can sometimes interfere with the AirTag’s ability to make proper electrical contact. It’s best to use standard CR2032 batteries without this coating for your AirTag to ensure reliable performance.
Q5: Where is the positive (+) side of a CR2032 battery?
A5: The positive (+) side is the side with the text (like the brand name, battery type, and voltage) printed on it. When inserting it into your AirTag, this side should be facing up.
Q6: My AirTag still isn’t working after replacing the battery. What should I do?
A6: First, double-check that you used a CR2032 battery and that it was inserted correctly (positive side up). Try another new, reputable CR2032 battery. If it still doesn’t work, there might be an issue with the AirTag itself, and you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Q7: How do I dispose of old coin cell batteries?
A7: Coin cell batteries can be harmful if swallowed and should be disposed of responsibly. Many electronic stores and recycling centers have battery drop-off points. Never throw them in with regular household trash.
Conclusion
Keeping your AirTag powered up is straightforward, ensuring you never lose track of what’s important. By understanding the CR2032 battery, choosing a reliable brand, and following the simple replacement steps, you can easily maintain your AirTag’s functionality. A dead battery means a lost connection, so keeping a spare CR2032 handy is truly essential for continuous peace of mind. Whether you’re tracking your keys or your travel bag, a powered AirTag is your reliable partner. Remember, it’s the small things, like a fresh battery, that keep our tech working seamlessly when we need it most.