For your Apple AirTag, the perfect battery choice is the standard CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. These are widely available, affordable, and offer excellent longevity for your tracking needs.
Lost your keys again? Or maybe your backpack seems to have vanished into thin air? We’ve all been there. That’s where Apple’s AirTag comes in, acting as your digital bloodhound to help locate those missing items. But just like any helpful gadget, an AirTag needs power to do its job. What battery does it use, and how do you make sure you’re choosing the right one? It’s a simple question, but getting the right answer means your AirTag can keep working tirelessly for you. We’re here to break down exactly what battery you need and why it’s such a smart, essential choice.
Don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz. We’ll make this super easy to understand. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which battery to grab and feel confident swapping it out when the time comes. Let’s dive in and ensure your AirTag is always ready to find what matters most!
The Genius Choice: CR2032 Batteries for Your AirTag
When it comes to powering your Apple AirTag, the choice is refreshingly simple and incredibly effective: the CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This isn’t some obscure, hard-to-find power source. It’s a standard, readily available battery that you can find in almost any convenience store, electronics shop, or pharmacy. And that accessibility is a huge part of why it’s such a “genius” choice for your AirTag.
These small, coin-shaped batteries are packed with a good amount of power for their size, making them perfect for the compact design of the AirTag. They use lithium technology, which means they tend to last a long time and can maintain their charge even in varying temperatures. For an item you want to rely on day in and day out, this kind of consistent performance is exactly what you need.
Apple specifically designed the AirTag to use this common battery size, which is a nod to practicality. They want you to be able to replace the battery easily, without needing special tools or having to order a specific part that might be out of stock. Think of it like using a standard AA or AAA battery in a remote control – it just makes sense for everyday use.
Why the CR2032 is Perfect
- Ubiquitous Availability: You can buy them nearly anywhere.
- Cost-Effective: They are generally inexpensive.
- Reliable Performance: Lithium technology offers good power and longevity.
- Compact Size: Fits perfectly into the AirTag’s design.
- Long Shelf Life: They don’t lose power quickly when not in use.
Understanding Different Battery Types (And Why CR2032 Wins for AirTag)
It’s useful to know that not all batteries are created equal. While the CR2032 is the clear winner for your AirTag, understanding the landscape of batteries can help appreciate why. Generally, batteries fall into a few main categories:
Alkaline Batteries
These are the most common batteries you’ll find in everyday devices like remote controls, clocks, and toys. They are affordable and widely available. However, they don’t offer the same consistent voltage or lifespan, especially under continuous or demanding use, as lithium batteries. For a device like an AirTag that needs reliable, long-term power, alkaline isn’t the best fit.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
You see these everywhere in our modern tech: smartphones, laptops, and power banks. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and can hold a lot of energy for their size. While fantastic for devices that need frequent charging, they are usually built into the device and not meant for user replacement in something like an AirTag. Rechargeability isn’t a requirement for an AirTag, which is designed for long periods between battery changes.
Lithium Coin Cell Batteries (Like the CR2032)
These are small, disc-shaped batteries. The CR2032 is a specific type of lithium coin cell. They are known for their stable voltage output, long shelf life, and capacity to operate in a wide range of temperatures. Their primary advantage for AirTags is their long, predictable lifespan and their non-rechargeable nature, meaning you just swap them out when needed.
CR2032 vs. Other Coin Cells
While there are other coin cell batteries (like CR2016, CR2025), the CR2032 is specifically chosen by Apple for the AirTag due to its optimal balance of size, voltage, and capacity. It provides enough juice to power the AirTag’s Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband chips efficiently for an extended period, typically around a year.
How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
One of the best features of using a CR2032 battery in your AirTag is its longevity. Apple states that a typical CR2032 battery should last for about one year. This is based on average usage patterns.
What affects battery life? Several factors can influence how long your AirTag battery lasts:
- Frequency of “Finding” Events: If your AirTag is constantly being located by other Apple devices, or if you’re frequently checking its location, it will use more power than an AirTag that’s just sitting in a bag.
- Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect battery performance and lifespan.
- Brand and Quality of the Battery: While most CR2032s are reliable, some higher-quality brands might offer slightly longer performance.
- AirTag Firmware Updates: Apple occasionally releases firmware updates that can optimize power consumption.
Don’t worry about tracking the exact date you last changed the battery. Your iPhone will notify you when the AirTag’s battery is running low, giving you plenty of advance warning to get a replacement. This notification system is another smart aspect of the Apple ecosystem designed for user convenience.
Replacing Your AirTag Battery: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Swapping out the battery in your AirTag is designed to be straightforward. You won’t need a workshop full of tools. Here’s how to do it safely and easily:
What You’ll Need:
- A new CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
- Your AirTag.
- A soft cloth (optional, for cleaning).
Step-by-Step Replacement:
- Prepare Your AirTag: Pick up your AirTag. You’ll notice it has a polished steel backing with the Apple logo etched on one side.
- Remove the Battery Cover: Gently press down on the polished steel battery cover with your thumb. While pressing down, twist the cover counter-clockwise. You should feel it click or loosen.
- Lift Off the Cover: Once it’s loose, lift the battery cover off. The battery itself should now be visible.
- Remove the Old Battery: Tip the AirTag gently or use a non-metallic pointed object (like a plastic toothpick) to carefully pry out the old CR2032 battery. Be sure not to damage the internal components.
- Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery. Place it into the battery compartment with the positive (+) side facing up (the side with the text and markings).
- Replace the Battery Cover: Align the battery cover over the compartment. Press down gently, and then twist it clockwise until it feels secure and clicks into place. Ensure it’s properly seated to maintain water resistance.
- Test Your AirTag: Your AirTag should emit a small sound to confirm the battery has been replaced successfully. You can also check its battery status in the Find My app on your iPhone.
Important Safety Notes:
- Keep Batteries Away from Children: CR2032 batteries can be a choking hazard for young children. Store replacements securely.
- Dispose of Old Batteries Properly: Many retailers and local recycling centers accept used batteries. Check with your local government (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) for proper disposal guidelines in your area. Don’t just throw them in the regular trash.
- Do Not Ingest: Swallowing a lithium coin battery can cause serious internal burns and is a medical emergency.
- Avoid Damaging Components: Be gentle when removing or inserting the battery to avoid bending any delicate connections.
Choosing the Right CR2032 Brand: What to Look For
While the CR2032 is a standard, the quality can vary between brands. For an essential item like your AirTag, investing in a reliable brand can give you peace of mind and potentially longer battery life. Here’s what to consider:
Reputable Brands
Sticking with well-known battery manufacturers is generally a good bet. Brands like:
- Duracell
- Energizer
- Panasonic
- Sony
- Energizer
…are known for producing high-quality, consistent products. These brands often undergo rigorous testing to ensure their batteries perform as expected across various conditions. You can usually find these in multi-packs, which is economical if you have other devices that use the same battery.
Battery Quality Indicators
- Voltage Stability: Look for batteries that are known to maintain a consistent voltage. This is crucial for devices with sensitive electronics like the AirTag.
- Leakage Protection: Higher-quality batteries are less likely to leak corrosive chemicals, which could damage your AirTag.
- Manufacturing Date: Batteries have a shelf life. While CR2032s last a long time, buying from reputable sources usually means you’re getting fresher stock.
Where to Buy
You can find CR2032 batteries in a variety of places:
- Electronics Stores: Best Buy, Amazon, etc.
- Drugstores and Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.
- Supermarkets: Larger grocery stores often have a battery section.
- Office Supply Stores: Staples, Office Depot.
When buying online, always check reviews and ensure you’re purchasing from a trusted seller to avoid counterfeit products.
AirTag vs. Other Trackers: Battery Considerations
The AirTag’s use of a standard, replaceable CR2032 battery sets it apart from many other tracking devices, especially within the Apple ecosystem. Let’s look at a comparison:
AirTag:
- Battery Type: Replaceable CR2032 lithium coin cell.
- Lifespan: Approximately 1 year.
- Advantage: Easy, user-replaceable, widely available, affordable replacements.
- Disadvantage: Requires manual replacement.
Other Bluetooth Trackers (e.g., Tile):
Many Tile models also use CR2032 batteries, making them similar to AirTags in this regard.
- Battery Type: Varies by model; many use CR2032, some use other coin cells or have non-replaceable batteries.
- Lifespan: Typically 1 year for replaceable batteries; built-in batteries last several years but are non-replaceable, requiring device replacement.
- Advantage: Similar ease of replacement for CR2032 models.
- Disadvantage: Some models have expensive, non-replaceable batteries, leading to premature device obsolescence.
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers:
Devices like Apple Watch or Fitbit trackers have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
- Battery Type: Non-replaceable, rechargeable lithium-ion.
- Lifespan: Varies significantly (1-7 days typically), requires daily or frequent charging.
- Advantage: Rechargeable convenience, no need to buy replacement batteries.
- Disadvantage: Device becomes unusable when battery degrades and cannot be replaced; requires regular charging.
The AirTag’s choice of a standard, user-replaceable CR2032 battery emphasizes its design philosophy: long-term usability and user convenience. You’re not locked into a specific charging cycle, nor do you need to replace the entire device after a few years due to a dead battery. You can simply pop in a new, inexpensive battery and keep using it.
Troubleshooting Common AirTag Battery Issues
Most of the time, AirTag battery replacement is seamless. However, if you encounter issues, here are a few things to check:
AirTag Not Making Sound After Battery Replacement:
- Is the Battery Installed Correctly? Double-check that the battery is inserted with the positive (+) side facing up. Sometimes, it just needs to be seated properly.
- Is the Battery Cover Secure? Make sure the steel cover is twisted back on firmly. It needs to make solid contact to complete the circuit and to seal the device.
- Is the Battery Fresh? It’s rare, but you might have a faulty or dead new battery. Try a different, known-good CR2032 battery from a reputable brand.
- AirTag Software Glitch? Try restarting your iPhone or iPad and then check the AirTag’s status in the Find My app. If the battery shows as low or disconnected, try reseating the battery and cover again.
iPhone Not Showing Low Battery Warning for AirTag:
This is less common, as the AirTag communicates its battery level to your iPhone. However, if you suspect it’s not updating:
- Ensure Bluetooth is On on your iPhone and that your AirTag is within Bluetooth range.
- Check the Find My App Regularly: Sometimes, the notification might be delayed. Manually check the battery status within the Find My app for your AirTag.
- Update Your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as updates often include bug fixes for connectivity and device management.
AirTag Battery Drains Too Quickly:
While typically lasting around a year, unusually fast draining could indicate a few things:
- Environmental Factors: Is the AirTag constantly exposed to extreme heat or cold?
- Frequent “Find My” Network Usage: If your AirTag is in a high-traffic area or frequently being pinged, it will use more power.
- Faulty Battery: A defective battery, even a new one, can sometimes drain faster.
- Device Defect: In very rare cases, the AirTag itself might have a manufacturing defect causing excessive power draw. If you’ve tried multiple new batteries from good brands and the issue persists, consider contacting Apple Support.
Frequently Asked Questions About AirTag Batteries
Q1: Can I use any type of coin battery for my AirTag?
No, it’s best to stick to the CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. While other coin batteries might look similar, they can have different voltages or capacities that won’t power the AirTag correctly or for as long. Apple specifically designed the AirTag for the CR2032.
Q2: How do I know if my AirTag battery is dead?
Your iPhone will send you a notification in the Find My app when your AirTag’s battery is low. You can also manually check the battery status of each AirTag within the Find My app by tapping on your AirTag and looking for the battery icon.
Q3: Can I recharge the battery in my AirTag?
No, the CR2032 battery used in AirTags is not rechargeable. It’s a disposable battery that you replace when it runs out of power.
Q4: Are there waterproof CR2032 batteries for AirTags?
The CR2032 battery itself is not typically marketed as “waterproof.” However, the AirTag is designed to be water and dust resistant (IP67 rated). Ensuring the battery cover is properly sealed after replacement is key to maintaining this resistance.
Q5: Where’s the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?
You can find CR2032 batteries at most electronics stores, drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers like Amazon. Buying from reputable brands and sellers is recommended for reliability.
Q6: What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
If you insert the CR2032 battery backwards (negative side up), the AirTag will not power on or connect. You will need to remove the battery, orient it
