Home Celeb Up 18

5 Critical Steps To Change Your AirTag Battery (And The CR2032 Mistake That Kills It)

• minute read
Contents

Is your Apple AirTag suddenly silent, or did you just receive that dreaded "Low Battery" notification in the Find My app? Don't panic—replacing the battery is a simple, five-step process you can complete in less than a minute. As of late 2025, AirTags remain one of the most reliable item trackers, but they rely on a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which typically lasts about one year before needing a quick refresh.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the official, easy-to-follow steps for battery replacement and, more importantly, expose the single most common and frustrating mistake that causes many AirTags to fail immediately after a fresh battery change: the 'bitterant coating' problem. Knowing this trick is the key to a seamless replacement.

The Essential AirTag Battery Replacement Checklist

Before you even touch your AirTag, gathering the right tools will ensure the process is quick and successful. You only need two things, but one of them comes with a critical warning.

Required Materials and The CR2032 Battery Warning

  • A New CR2032 Lithium 3V Coin Cell Battery: This is the only battery type compatible with the AirTag.
  • A Clean Cloth or Non-Metallic Object: To help you grip the polished stainless steel cover.

CRITICAL WARNING: Avoid Bitterant-Coated Batteries. Some popular battery manufacturers, most notably Duracell, apply a bitter-tasting coating to their CR2032 batteries to discourage children from swallowing them. While well-intentioned, this coating can interfere with the electrical contacts inside the AirTag, causing the device to fail to power on or register the new battery.

If you must use a bitterant-coated battery, you may need to gently wipe the coating off the positive (+) side of the battery with an alcohol wipe (isopropyl alcohol) and dry it completely before insertion. For guaranteed success, choose a brand known to work reliably, such as Amazon Basics or Energizer, which often do not include the coating.

The Official 5-Step Guide to Changing Your AirTag Battery

The AirTag is designed for user-serviceability, meaning no special tools are required. Follow these steps precisely to maintain the device's water resistance seal.

Step 1: Prepare and Access the AirTag

First, remove your AirTag from any accessory, such as a keychain, holder, or loop, to fully expose the front and back surfaces. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel cover facing you.

Step 2: Press Down on the Cover

Place two fingers on the polished stainless steel cover—the side with the Apple logo. Press down firmly on the cover. This pressure is necessary to disengage the internal locking mechanism.

Step 3: Rotate Counterclockwise

While maintaining pressure, rotate the cover counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops rotating. You should hear a distinct click or feel the cover release from the main body of the AirTag.

Step 4: Remove the Old Battery and Insert the New One

Lift the cover off. The old CR2032 battery will now be exposed and can be easily removed. You may need to gently tap the AirTag or use a non-metallic tool to nudge it out. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up, ensuring the battery is seated securely within the compartment.

PRO TIP: When the new battery is correctly inserted, the AirTag will play a short confirmation sound, indicating it has powered on successfully. If you don't hear a sound, immediately check for the bitterant coating issue described above.

Step 5: Reattach and Lock the Cover

Place the stainless steel cover back onto the AirTag, aligning the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag body. Press down firmly on the cover and rotate it clockwise (to the right) until it clicks and stops rotating. This action re-establishes the water-resistant seal.

Your AirTag should now be fully operational. You can check the status in the Find My app.

Troubleshooting: Why Your AirTag Still Isn't Working After a Battery Change

If you followed the steps perfectly and your AirTag remains unresponsive, or the "Low Battery" warning persists in the Find My app, it is almost certainly one of two issues.

The Bitterant Coating Problem

As mentioned, the bitterant coating on the battery is the number one reason an AirTag fails to work with a new battery. If you used a Duracell or another coated brand, remove the battery and wipe the positive (+) side clean with an alcohol wipe, then dry it thoroughly before reinserting it.

Incorrect Battery Seating or Alignment

The AirTag's internal contacts are sensitive. Ensure the battery is seated perfectly flat and flush in the compartment. Also, confirm that the stainless steel cover is fully rotated clockwise until it clicks into place. A loose cover can prevent proper electrical contact and compromise the AirTag's IP67 water resistance rating.

Checking the Battery Status in the Find My App

Apple does not provide a constant percentage battery meter for AirTags. Instead, the "Low Battery" alert is designed to appear when the power level drops to a critical point, giving you ample time to replace it.

To check the status: open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Items tab, and select your AirTag. If the battery is healthy, no status will be displayed. If it’s low, the words "Low Battery" will appear directly beneath the AirTag's name. If you've just replaced the battery, this warning should disappear within a few minutes once the AirTag reconnects to your device.

Extending Your AirTag’s Battery Life

While Apple estimates AirTag battery life at about one year, this can vary based on usage and environmental factors like temperature. The primary function that drains the battery is the transmission of the Bluetooth signal, which is constant. However, the process of Precision Finding (using the U1 chip) and playing the sound can also draw more power.

Since the AirTag is always on and constantly communicating with the Find My network, there are no settings to "turn off" or conserve power. The best way to maximize life is simply to use high-quality, fresh CR2032 batteries from a reputable brand without the bitterant coating.

5 Critical Steps to Change Your AirTag Battery (And The CR2032 Mistake That Kills It)
how to change battery in airtag
how to change battery in airtag

Detail Author:

  • Name : Mrs. Carolina Gutkowski
  • Username : velda68
  • Email : wolf.olaf@tillman.biz
  • Birthdate : 1992-05-19
  • Address : 1058 Reichert Roads Cristopherfurt, NV 17334-0450
  • Phone : (786) 432-0901
  • Company : Hartmann Inc
  • Job : Budget Analyst
  • Bio : Distinctio earum odio omnis et. Qui soluta est vitae mollitia unde porro dolores. At et aut consequatur unde et.

Socials

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/calista.crooks
  • username : calista.crooks
  • bio : Et accusantium expedita aliquam quis sit. Vel eius quo quasi voluptatem. Aut non delectus ipsam exercitationem dolorem vero aut molestiae.
  • followers : 2316
  • following : 1142

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@crooksc
  • username : crooksc
  • bio : Occaecati ea nam quae non. Et cum quod voluptas.
  • followers : 4212
  • following : 1171

linkedin:

Random Posts