Which Battery For AirTag: Essential Guide
For your Apple AirTag, you need a single CR2032 lithium coin battery. These are widely available, standard batteries that power your AirTag effectively, ensuring it stays connected and helps you find your belongings with ease. Replacing it is simple, allowing you to keep your tracking active without hassle.
Losing something important feels awful. That little AirTag from Apple is a lifesaver, helping you find keys, a wallet, or even your dog’s leash. But what happens when its battery runs out? It can be frustrating to realize your tracker won’t track if it’s dead. Many people wonder which specific battery is the right one, and how to change it. Don’t worry! This guide is here to make it super simple. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about AirTag batteries, so you can get back to tracking your stuff with confidence.
Understanding Your Apple AirTag Battery
Your Apple AirTag uses a common type of battery that you can find almost anywhere. This is great because you don’t need a special, hard-to-find battery. Apple chose this battery for a good reason: it’s reliable, lasts a good long time, and is easy for anyone to replace. Let’s dive into what makes this particular battery the perfect fit for your AirTag.
The Best Battery Choice: CR2032 Lithium Coin Battery
The single most important thing to know is that your AirTag runs on a CR2032 lithium coin battery. You might see these little silver discs in other small electronics too, like car key fobs or small medical devices. They are also sometimes called DL2032 or ECR2032, but they all mean the same thing – a 3-volt, 20mm diameter non-rechargeable battery.
Why this specific battery? The CR2032 offers a good balance of:
- Longevity: It’s designed to last about a year with typical usage, which is great because you don’t have to replace it very often.
- Power: It provides enough consistent power for the AirTag’s Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technologies to work efficiently.
- Availability: You can buy them at most supermarkets, drugstores, electronics stores, and online retailers.
- Safety: While generally safe, it’s important to handle them with care, especially around children.
What About Rechargeable Batteries?
It’s worth noting that the CR2032 battery for your AirTag is not rechargeable. While rechargeable batteries are fantastic for things like your phone or laptop, they aren’t suitable for the AirTag. The AirTag is designed to use these simple, replaceable coin cells. Trying to use a rechargeable battery might not work, or worse, could damage your AirTag. When the battery dies, you’ll simply pop in a new, non-rechargeable CR2032.
Why Is My AirTag Battery Draining?
Most of the time, your AirTag battery should last around a year. However, sometimes you might notice it draining faster. Here are a few common reasons why this might happen:
- Frequent “Find My” Network Use: If your AirTag is constantly helping locate items that are often out of your direct Bluetooth range, it uses the Find My network more, which can use a bit more power.
- Extreme Temperatures: Very hot or very cold conditions can affect battery performance and lifespan.
- Older Battery: As batteries age, their capacity can decrease, meaning they don’t hold a charge as long as they used to, even if they are within their typical lifespan.
- Background Activity: While very minor, any background processes or frequent pings can contribute over time.
How to Replace Your AirTag Battery
Replacing the battery in your AirTag is a straightforward process. Apple has designed it to be user-friendly. Here’s how you do it:
What You’ll Need:
- A new CR2032 lithium coin battery.
- Your Apple AirTag.
- (Optional) A small, soft cloth to wipe the new battery.
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide:
- Find the Battery Compartment: Look at the shiny, metallic side of your AirTag. This is where the battery compartment is hidden.
- Press and Twist: Take your AirTag and place it on a soft surface so it doesn’t get scratched. With the shiny, metallic side facing up, gently press down on the battery cover with your fingertip, and then twist it counter-clockwise. It might feel a little stiff at first, but it should give way.
- Remove the Old Battery: Once the cover is off, you can lift the old CR2032 battery out. It usually just rests in place.
- Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery. Make sure the positive (+) side is facing up (the side with the markings and the actual “+”). Some people like to wipe the new battery with a soft, dry cloth before inserting it, though this isn’t strictly necessary.
- Replace the Cover: Place the battery cover back on top of the battery. Line up the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag.
- Secure the Cover: Press down gently on the cover and twist it clockwise until it stops clicking into place. You should feel it lock securely.
- Check on Your iPhone: Your iPhone should automatically detect the new battery and connect to the AirTag. You might hear a little chime or see a notification. You can open the “Find My” app to check the battery status of your AirTag.
A Note on Safety: Bitter-Coating
Some CR2032 batteries, especially those intended for children’s products, might have a bitter coating on them to discourage accidental swallowing. This coating should not interfere with your AirTag’s function, but it might make the battery difficult to handle. If you find the battery too slippery, try using a rubber glove or a tool designed for handling coin cells.
Choosing the Right CR2032 Battery: Brands and Considerations
While any CR2032 battery will technically work in your AirTag, some people prefer to stick with reputable brands for added peace of mind. When you’re at the store, you’ll likely see options from:
- Energizer
- Duracell
- Panasonic
- Sony
- Amazon Basics
For typical use, most of these brands will perform very similarly. The key is to ensure you’re buying a genuine CR2032. Avoid overly cheap, unbranded batteries, as their quality and lifespan can be unpredictable. They might die much sooner than expected, leaving you without a working AirTag when you need it most.
Battery Life Expectations
Apple states that a CR2032 battery should last “about a year.” This is an estimate, and real-world performance can vary. Factors like how often your AirTag needs to connect to the Find My network, the temperature it’s exposed to, and the specific brand and age of the battery all play a role. Don’t be surprised if you get 10 months out of one and 14 months out of another.
Troubleshooting AirTag Battery Issues
What if your AirTag isn’t working, or the battery seems to be draining too fast? Here are a few common troubleshooting tips:
AirTag Not Connecting After Battery Change
- Ensure Correct Installation: Double-check that the positive (+) side of the CR2032 battery is facing up and that the battery is seated correctly.
- Check Battery Orientation: If it feels loose, you may have the battery in backwards.
- Clean Battery Contacts: Gently wipe the battery contacts inside the AirTag and the battery itself with a clean, dry cloth.
- Try a Different Battery: The new battery might be faulty. Try a fresh one from a different pack or brand.
- Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart of your iPhone can help it recognize the AirTag again.
- Reset the AirTag: Press and hold the battery for 5 seconds, then remove it and press and hold it again for another 5 seconds. Reinsert the battery. Your AirTag will chime.
Frequent “Low Battery” Notifications
If you’re getting low battery alerts much sooner than expected (e.g., after only a few months), consider these possibilities:
- Environmental Factors: Is the AirTag exposed to extreme cold or heat? Try to keep it in a more stable environment.
- Heavy Usage: If the item it’s attached to is moved around a lot and frequently out of Bluetooth range, the AirTag might be “working harder” to maintain its connection through the Find My network.
- Faulty Battery Pack: It’s possible you got a batch of batteries that are not performing well.
- Software Glitch: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest software updates, as these can sometimes include performance improvements.
Understanding Battery Health and Longevity in Different Devices
While we’re focused on the AirTag, it’s helpful to understand how batteries work in general, especially in other devices you might use daily. This knowledge can help you appreciate why certain batteries are chosen for specific gadgets.
Phone Batteries vs. AirTag Batteries
Your smartphone likely has a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These are designed for high power output and multiple recharge cycles. They provide power for complex processors, large screens, and various radios.
In contrast, the CR2032 in your AirTag is a simple, non-rechargeable lithium coin cell. It’s chosen for its low, consistent power draw, long shelf life, and ability to fit into a tiny device. It doesn’t need to power a screen or a processor; just a small Bluetooth transmitter and some basic circuitry.
Power Banks and Chargers
Power banks and chargers are all about providing power to other devices, often rechargeable ones. They use different battery technologies (usually lithium-ion) and sophisticated circuitry to manage voltage and current safely. The CR2032 in your AirTag is the recipient of power, not the source for other devices or a device that needs frequent recharging like a phone.
Car Batteries
A car battery is a whole different beast! It’s typically a lead-acid battery, designed to provide a massive burst of power to start the engine and then be recharged by the car’s alternator. They are heavy, powerful, and built for a demanding automotive environment, completely unlike the small, low-power CR2032.
Understanding these differences helps clarify why the CR2032 is the perfect, simple solution for such a small tracking device. You can learn more about battery care and types from sources like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Battery Technologies page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best brand for a CR2032 battery for an AirTag?
Most major, reputable brands like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and Sony offer reliable CR2032 batteries. The most important thing is to ensure you are buying a genuine CR2032. For most users, the brand makes little difference in performance or longevity.
How often should I replace my AirTag battery?
Apple estimates the battery should last about a year with typical use. You’ll receive a notification on your iPhone when the battery is getting low, so you’ll know when it’s time to replace it.
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
No, your AirTag is designed for non-rechargeable CR2032 lithium coin batteries. Rechargeable versions may not work correctly and could potentially damage the device.
Where can I buy a CR2032 battery?
CR2032 batteries are widely available. You can find them at most supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces.
My AirTag isn’t connecting after I replaced the battery. What should I do?
First, ensure the battery is inserted with the positive (+) side facing up. Double-check the battery cover is secured correctly by pressing down and twisting clockwise. If problems persist, try a different new battery, as the first one might be faulty. Restarting your iPhone can also help reconnect the AirTag.
What does the bitter coating on some CR2032 batteries mean?
Some CR2032 batteries have a bitter coating applied to discourage accidental ingestion by children. While this coating is safe, it might make the battery feel slippery. If you find it difficult to handle, you can use a rubber glove or a battery handling tool. It does not affect the powering capabilities of the battery for your AirTag.
Can I use a different coin cell battery, like a CR2025, in my AirTag?
No, you must use only the specified CR2032 battery. Other coin cell batteries like the CR2025 have different dimensions and voltage, and will not fit or work correctly in your AirTag, and could potentially damage the device.
Conclusion
Keeping your Apple AirTag running smoothly is easy once you know the right battery to use. The standard CR2032 lithium coin battery is readily available, long-lasting, and simple to replace. By following the straightforward steps, you can quickly swap out an old battery for a new one and get back to tracking your valuable items with peace of mind. Don’t let a dead battery cause unnecessary stress; armed with this guide, you’re well-prepared to maintain your AirTag and ensure it’s always ready to help you find what matters most.
