Ever lost your keys, wallet, or even your pet? Apple's AirTag offers a simple solution to track your belongings, but what powers these little devices? Understanding the power source behind AirTags is crucial for ensuring they function reliably and for planning for their long-term use. Knowing what type of battery AirTags use, how long they last, and how to replace them empowers you to keep your tracking devices operational and avoid the frustration of a suddenly dead AirTag when you need it most.
The battery choice directly impacts the AirTag's performance and longevity. A common and easily replaceable battery means less hassle, while a longer battery life translates to less frequent replacements. Knowing these details lets you budget for upkeep and understand the overall convenience AirTags offer as a tracking solution. Plus, safe and proper battery handling is essential to prevent any potential hazards.
What do I need to know about AirTag batteries?
What kind of battery does an AirTag use?
An AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery. This is a common, widely available 3V lithium battery known for its compact size and long shelf life.
The CR2032 battery provides the necessary power for the AirTag to function for approximately one year under normal usage. Apple designed the AirTag to be energy-efficient, allowing it to operate for an extended period on a single battery. The low-power Bluetooth technology used in the AirTag contributes significantly to its battery life. You can easily replace the battery when needed, ensuring the AirTag continues to function without requiring a complete device replacement.
Replacing the CR2032 battery in an AirTag is a simple process. The battery compartment is accessible by pressing and twisting the stainless steel back cover of the AirTag. Once open, the old battery can be removed, and a new CR2032 battery can be inserted, making sure to observe the correct polarity (positive side facing up). The back cover is then reattached and twisted back into place. The ease of battery replacement adds to the user-friendliness of the AirTag.
How long does the AirTag battery typically last?
The AirTag battery typically lasts for about one year with normal use.
Apple designed the AirTag to be energy-efficient, allowing it to function for an extended period on a single, user-replaceable battery. "Normal use" generally refers to approximately four play sound events per day and one Precision Finding event per day. Battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns. For instance, if you frequently use Precision Finding or play the sound to locate your AirTag multiple times a day, the battery will drain faster. Conversely, if your AirTag remains relatively inactive, the battery may last longer than the estimated one year. The AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, a common and readily available type. When the battery starts to get low, your iPhone will display a notification, alerting you to the need for a replacement. Replacing the battery is a simple process: you press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise to open the case. After swapping in a new CR2032 battery (positive side facing up), you reattach the cover and rotate it clockwise to secure it. Because CR2032 batteries are widely available, replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and inexpensive.Are AirTag batteries replaceable?
Yes, AirTag batteries are replaceable. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is widely available at most stores that sell batteries, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and electronics retailers.
Replacing the battery in an AirTag is a simple and straightforward process. No special tools are required. You simply press and rotate the polished stainless steel battery cover on the back of the AirTag counter-clockwise. This will allow you to remove the cover and access the old battery. Remove the old battery, and then insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. After that, simply reattach the cover, aligning the tabs, pressing down, and rotating it clockwise to secure it. While CR2032 batteries are readily available, it's worth noting that some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating intended to discourage ingestion by children. While this is a good safety measure, some users have reported that this coating can interfere with the AirTag's ability to properly detect the battery. If you experience issues after replacing your AirTag battery, try a CR2032 battery without the bitter coating, or thoroughly clean the battery contacts inside the AirTag.What's the cost of replacing an AirTag battery?
Replacing an AirTag battery is extremely inexpensive, costing only a few dollars. This is because AirTags use a widely available and affordable CR2032 coin cell battery, which can be purchased at most drug stores, grocery stores, electronic stores, and online retailers for around $2 to $5 depending on the brand and quantity purchased.
While the cost of the battery itself is low, you should also consider the time it takes to replace it, which is minimal. The AirTag is designed for easy battery replacement; simply press down on the stainless steel backplate and rotate it counter-clockwise until it detaches. You can then remove the old battery and insert the new CR2032, ensuring the positive side (+) is facing up. Finally, reattach the backplate by aligning it and rotating it clockwise until it clicks into place. It's worth noting that some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating intended to discourage children from swallowing them. While this is a safety feature, the coating might interfere with the AirTag's ability to read the battery level accurately. If you experience issues with your AirTag indicating a low battery soon after replacement, this coating could be the cause. You can try wiping the battery contacts with a clean cloth before installation.How do I know when my AirTag battery is low?
You will receive a notification on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when your AirTag's battery is running low. This notification will appear in the Find My app, alerting you that it's time to replace the battery.
The low battery alert is triggered by the AirTag itself as it monitors its power level. Because the AirTag communicates directly with your Apple devices via Bluetooth, it can seamlessly push this alert even when it's not actively being used to track an item. It's recommended to replace the battery as soon as possible after receiving the notification to ensure continuous functionality. You won't be caught off guard with a dead AirTag when you need it most. The Find My app provides a clear indicator of which AirTag needs a new battery if you have multiple tags. Simply open the app, go to the "Items" tab, and look for an AirTag with a battery icon displayed near its name. Tapping on that specific AirTag will provide more detailed information regarding its battery status and the option to mark the item as lost.Are there specific battery brands recommended for AirTags?
While AirTags use a widely available CR2032 coin cell battery, there's no officially recommended brand by Apple. However, it's generally advised to avoid CR2032 batteries with a bitter coating, intended to discourage ingestion by children, as this coating can sometimes interfere with the AirTag's battery contacts and prevent proper function.
The primary concern when selecting a CR2032 battery for your AirTag is ensuring it makes good contact. Batteries with the bitter coating, while a good safety measure, can create a barrier that the AirTag's internal contacts struggle to penetrate. This can lead to intermittent power or a complete failure to power on. If you do accidentally purchase bitter-coated batteries, some users have reported success after carefully cleaning the battery contacts within the AirTag and the battery surface with a dry cloth, but it’s generally safer to just use non-coated batteries. Ultimately, choosing a reputable brand like Panasonic, Sony, Energizer, or Duracell will typically provide reliable performance. Check the battery's expiration date to ensure freshness and optimal lifespan. It’s often wise to test the new battery immediately after installation to confirm proper functionality before relying on your AirTag for tracking. If you experience issues after installing a new battery, try a different brand to rule out compatibility problems.Is the AirTag battery rechargeable?
No, the AirTag battery is not rechargeable. It uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery.
The CR2032 battery is a common and inexpensive 3V lithium battery. The fact that the AirTag uses a replaceable battery is a deliberate design choice by Apple. This allows users to easily replace the battery themselves when it runs low, without needing to send the AirTag in for service or purchase a new one. Battery life is typically around a year, depending on usage. When the AirTag battery is running low, your iPhone will display a notification. Replacing the battery is a simple process that involves pressing and twisting the stainless steel battery cover on the back of the AirTag to open it, removing the old battery, and inserting a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. After this, you simply realign the cover and twist it back into place.So, there you have it! AirTags use common CR2032 batteries, making them easy and affordable to keep powered up. Hopefully, this has been helpful! Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more tech tips and tricks!