The best batteries for your Apple AirTag are standard CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell batteries. These are widely available, affordable, and specifically designed to power your AirTag for about a year before needing a replacement. Look for reputable brands to ensure reliable performance and longevity.
Losing your keys or bag can be a real headache. Thankfully, Apple AirTags are a clever little gadget that help you track down your misplaced items. But what happens when your AirTag runs out of juice? It’s a common worry, and one that can leave you feeling a bit helpless. Don’t fret, though! Getting the right battery for your AirTag is straightforward, and I’m here to guide you through it. We’ll cover exactly which batteries to use, how to tell when it’s time for a change, and how to swap them out safely. You’ll be back to tracking your essentials in no time!
What Type of Battery Does an Apple AirTag Use?
Your Apple AirTag runs on a very common type of battery: the 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. The specific model you need is the CR2032. You’ll recognize it by its size and shape – it’s a small, silver disc, roughly the size of a nickel.
These batteries are chosen for a few good reasons:
- Availability: You can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere. Major supermarkets, pharmacies, electronics stores, and even convenience stores usually stock them.
- Longevity: They are designed to last a good while, typically up to a year of normal use for an AirTag. This means you won’t be constantly changing them.
- Standardization: Many small electronic devices use this same battery type, so you might already have some on hand.
When you buy a new AirTag, it comes with one CR2032 battery already installed and ready to go.
Understanding the CR2032 Battery
Let’s break down what “CR2032” actually means, so you know what you’re looking for:
- CR: This prefix stands for “C” for ‘cell’ and “R” for ’round’. It indicates it’s a specific type of cylindrical battery.
- 20: This number refers to the diameter of the battery in millimeters (so, 20mm).
- 32: This number indicates the thickness of the battery in tenths of a millimeter (so, 3.2mm).
So, a CR2032 is a 20mm diameter, 3.2mm thick, round lithium battery. It’s a non-rechargeable battery, meaning once it’s used up, you replace it with a new one.
When Do You Need To Change Your AirTag Battery?
Apple makes it pretty easy to know when your AirTag’s battery is running low. You don’t have to guess!
Here’s how it usually works:
- iPhone Notifications: When the battery on your AirTag gets critically low, your iPhone will send you a notification. This is usually a pop-up message that clearly states the AirTag’s battery is low and needs replacing.
- Find My App: You can also check the battery status directly within the Find My app on your iPhone. Open the app, tap on the “Items” tab, and then select the AirTag you want to check. You should see a battery icon next to its name. If it’s very low, it will be visually represented, often by a nearly empty bar.
It’s important to act on these notifications reasonably quickly. An AirTag with a dead battery is no help at all!
How Long Do AirTag Batteries Last?
As mentioned, a CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about a year. This is a good estimate, but it can vary based on a few factors:
- Usage: How often your AirTag’s location is updated. If it’s constantly moving or being pinged, it will use more battery than one sitting stationary.
- Environment: Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Very cold or very hot conditions can shorten battery life.
- Battery Quality: While most CR2032 batteries perform similarly, a higher-quality brand might offer slightly more consistent power.
A year is a solid guideline. So, if you put a new battery in your AirTag a year ago, it’s a good idea to start keeping an eye on your iPhone for those low-battery notifications.
Choosing the Best CR2032 Batteries for Your AirTag
While all CR2032 batteries function the same way, some brands are more reliable than others. For something as important as tracking your valuables, it’s worth opting for reputable brands to ensure consistent performance and safety.
Here are some trusted brands for CR2032 batteries:
- Energizer: A well-known and reliable brand for all kinds of batteries.
- Duracell: Another household name that offers dependable power.
- Panasonic: Often praised for its long-lasting and high-quality coin cells.
- Sony: A reputable electronics company that also makes reliable batteries.
You can often find these in multi-packs, which is economical if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery.
A note on safety: Some cheaper, unbranded batteries might not offer the same level of safety or power consistency. It’s generally best to avoid those, especially for devices like your AirTag where reliability is key.
Can You Use Rechargeable Batteries?
No, you cannot use rechargeable batteries in your Apple AirTag. The CR2032 is a non-rechargeable lithium coin cell battery. While rechargeable options are great for many devices, AirTags are designed for the single-use, long-lasting nature of the CR2032.
How to Replace Your AirTag Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Swapping out the battery in your AirTag is a simple process, but it requires a little care. Here’s how to do it safely and correctly:
Tools You’ll Need
You probably have most of what you need around the house:
- Your Apple AirTag with a low or dead battery.
- A new CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery.
- A flat, steady surface to work on.
- (Optional) A soft cloth or cloth to avoid fingerprints.
The Replacement Process
Follow these steps carefully:
- Open the AirTag: Take your AirTag and place it on the flat surface. The smooth, metallic side is the back of the AirTag. Gently press down on the metallic back cover with your thumb (or index finger) and twist it counter-clockwise. You’ll feel it release. The cover should then lift off. If it’s a bit stiff, ensure you’re pressing down firmly while twisting.
- Remove the Old Battery: Once the back cover is off, you’ll see the coin cell battery inside. You can usually just lift it out with your finger. If it’s stuck, you can carefully use a fingernail or a plastic, non-metallic tool to gently pry it out. Avoid using anything sharp and metallic that could damage the AirTag or the battery compartment.
- Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery. Notice that it has a positive (+) side (usually the side with writing on it) and a negative (-) side. You need to insert the battery with the positive (+) side facing up, towards the metallic back cover. Place the battery into the compartment. It should sit snugly.
- Close the AirTag: Take the metallic back cover you removed earlier. Align the three tabs on the cover with the corresponding notches on the AirTag body. Place the cover back on top. Press down gently and twist it clockwise until it feels secure and the cover is flush with the AirTag body.
- Confirm the Battery Change: Once the AirTag is closed, you should hear a sound or chime, indicating that the battery has been detected and the AirTag is powered on. You can also open the Find My app on your iPhone and check the battery status for that AirTag. It should show as full.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your AirTag battery.
Important Safety Tips for Battery Replacement
Dealing with small batteries like coin cells requires a bit of caution.
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Coin cell batteries are a serious choking hazard. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal injury. Always store spare batteries safely out of reach, and immediately dispose of used batteries properly. For more information on the dangers, the Poison Control provides excellent resources on the risks of ingested coin batteries.
- Handle with Care: Lithium coin cells contain chemicals. Avoid touching the battery contacts or the surfaces of the battery that will make contact with the AirTag directly, if possible. Clean hands are best.
- Don’t Force Anything: If the cover or battery seems stuck, don’t force it. Re-examine the alignment or look for any obstructions. Forcing parts can lead to damage.
- Use the Correct Battery: Always use a CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. Using the wrong type or size can damage your AirTag or lead to it not working.
- Dispose of Old Batteries Responsibly: Used batteries should not be thrown in regular trash. Many communities have recycling programs for batteries. Check with your local waste management authority for proper disposal methods.
Troubleshooting Common AirTag Battery Issues
What if things don’t go smoothly? Here are a couple of common hiccups and how to fix them:
AirTag Not Making a Sound After Battery Change
If you replaced the battery and don’t hear the chime, or if the AirTag isn’t showing up in the Find My app:
- Check Battery Orientation: Double-check that the positive (+) side of the CR2032 battery is facing upwards (towards the cover).
- Ensure Battery is Properly Seated: Make sure the battery is fully pushed into its slot and making good contact.
- Check the Cover: Ensure the metallic cover is twisted on fully and feels secure. A loose cover can prevent proper connection.
- Try a Different Battery: It’s rare, but a new battery could potentially be dead on arrival. Try a different CR2032 from a reputable pack.
AirTag Battery Drains Quickly
If you’ve just replaced the battery and it seems to be draining much faster than expected (e.g., within a few weeks):
- Manufacturing Defect: It’s possible the AirTag itself has a manufacturing defect causing excessive power draw.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures or frequent movement can speed up drainage significantly, but usually not this dramatically unless there’s an issue.
- Faulty Battery: In rare cases, a battery might have an internal fault that causes it to discharge prematurely.
If you suspect a rapidly draining battery, try using a CR2032 from a different, reputable brand. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple Support.
Cost and Availability of AirTag Batteries
One of the great things about AirTags is that they don’t require expensive or hard-to-find batteries. The CR2032 is one of the most common coin cell batteries available worldwide.
Cost:
- You can typically buy a single CR2032 battery for anywhere from $0.50 to $2.00, depending on the brand and where you buy it.
- Buying them in multi-packs (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 packs) is much more cost-effective. A 10-pack from a reputable brand might cost between $5 and $10.
Availability:
As mentioned, these are everywhere:
- Supermarkets: Most large grocery stores have a battery section.
- Pharmacies: Often found near the checkout or in health accessory aisles.
- Electronics Stores: Best Buy, etc., will have them.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart, etc., offer a wide selection.
- Hardware Stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local hardware shops.
- Drug Stores: CVS, Walgreens, etc.
This ease of access means you can usually get a replacement battery within minutes if you discover yours is dead while you’re out.
Alternatives and What to Avoid
When it comes to powering your AirTag, sticking to the recommended CR2032 is paramount. Here’s what to avoid:
- Different Battery Sizes/Types: Don’t use CR2016, CR2025, or any other size or type of coin cell. They won’t fit or might provide the wrong voltage, damaging the AirTag.
- Rechargeable Batteries: As discussed, AirTags are not designed for rechargeable cells of any kind.
- Unbranded/Suspiciously Cheap Batteries: While tempting, very cheap, unbranded batteries can sometimes pose a safety risk or simply not last long. Stick to known, reputable manufacturers for reliability and safety.
The CR2032 is the only game in town for your AirTag, and fortunately, it’s an easy and affordable one to find.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often do I need to replace the battery in my AirTag?
A1: Typically, the CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about a year with normal use. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low.
Q2: What happens if I use a different type of battery, not a CR2032?
A2: Using a battery that isn’t a CR2032 could damage your AirTag or prevent it from working. Always stick to the specified CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery.
Q3: Can I buy CR2032 batteries online?
A3: Yes, CR2032 batteries are widely available for purchase from online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and others. Buying in multi-packs is often more economical.
Q4: Is it safe to replace the AirTag battery myself?
A4: Yes, replacing the battery is safe and straightforward, but it’s crucial to keep batteries away from children and pets as they are a choking hazard. Always dispose of old batteries responsibly.
Q5: My AirTag isn’t making a sound after I replaced the battery. What should I do?
A5: Double-check that the battery is inserted with the positive side (+) facing up, that it’s seated correctly, and that the cover is securely twisted on. You might also try a different CR2032 battery.
Q6: How do I know which part of the CR2032 battery is the positive side?
A6: The positive side of a CR2032 battery is usually the side with the printed text and markings on it. This side should face upwards during installation for your AirTag.
Q7: Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?
A7: You can find CR2032 batteries at most supermarkets, pharmacies, electronics stores, and online retailers. Reputable brands like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and Sony are recommended for reliability.
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Conclusion
Keeping your Apple AirTag powered up is as simple as knowing which battery to use and when to replace it. The standard CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery is your go-to. These are readily available, reasonably priced, and provide ample power to keep your AirTag tracking your belongings for about a year. You’ll get plenty of warning from your iPhone when it’s time for a change, and the replacement process itself is quick and easy to do at home.
Remember to always prioritize safety, especially keeping batteries away from children and pets, and dispose of old batteries responsibly. With the right power source, your AirTag will continue to be a reliable tool for finding your lost items. Happy tracking!