Ever misplaced your keys, wallet, or even your pet? In today's fast-paced world, keeping track of our belongings is more important than ever. Apple's AirTag offers a simple and effective solution for preventing loss and easing the anxiety of misplacement. These small, coin-sized trackers can be attached to just about anything, allowing you to pinpoint their location using your iPhone. But what powers these convenient little devices?
Understanding the battery life and type used in an AirTag is crucial for several reasons. Knowing the battery type allows you to purchase replacements proactively, ensuring your AirTag remains functional when you need it most. Information about the expected lifespan and replacement process empowers you to maintain your AirTags effectively and avoids unpleasant surprises like a dead tracker when you're trying to find your lost luggage at the airport. It also gives you an idea on running cost and the environmental impact associated with replacement batteries. The battery plays a critical role in the reliable operation of your AirTag, so being informed is key to optimizing its performance and extending its utility.
What battery does an AirTag use, how long does it last, and how do you replace it?
What kind of battery does an AirTag use?
An AirTag uses a CR2032 battery. This is a common, coin-shaped 3V lithium battery that's widely available in most stores that sell batteries, and it's user-replaceable, making AirTag maintenance relatively simple and inexpensive.
The choice of the CR2032 battery was likely driven by its balance of size, energy density, and cost-effectiveness. It allows the AirTag to maintain a small and discreet form factor while providing sufficient power for approximately one year of use under typical conditions. The user-replaceable nature is also a key feature, as it avoids the need for professional servicing or device replacement when the battery is depleted. When the AirTag battery is low, the user will receive a notification on their paired iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Replacing the battery is straightforward: simply press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise to remove it. The old CR2032 battery can then be taken out and replaced with a new one, ensuring the positive (+) side faces upwards. Finally, the cover is reattached by aligning it and rotating it clockwise until it's secured. This ease of replacement contributes to the overall user-friendliness of the AirTag.How long does the AirTag battery last?
The AirTag battery is designed to last approximately one year under typical use. Typical use, in Apple's estimation, is defined as four play sound events and one Precision Finding event per day.
The AirTag uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. This is a widely available and inexpensive battery type, readily found in most drug stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. When the AirTag battery starts to run low, you'll receive a notification on your iPhone or iPad. The actual battery life can vary depending on usage patterns. If you frequently use the Precision Finding feature or play the sound to locate your AirTag multiple times a day, the battery may drain faster. Conversely, if the AirTag remains relatively still and unused, the battery may last longer than a year. Fortunately, replacing the battery is a simple process involving pressing and twisting the back panel of the AirTag to open it.Is the AirTag battery rechargeable or replaceable?
The AirTag battery is not rechargeable, but it is easily replaceable. It uses a common CR2032 coin cell battery.
AirTags are designed for long-term use with a single battery, typically lasting around a year depending on usage. Instead of requiring a proprietary charging cable or wireless charging, Apple opted for a widely available and inexpensive battery type that users can replace themselves. This design choice simplifies maintenance and avoids the need to wait for charging. Replacing the battery is straightforward and requires no special tools. Simply press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counter-clockwise. This allows you to remove the old CR2032 battery and insert a new one, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up. Then, replace the cover and rotate it clockwise to secure it. Once the AirTag detects the new battery, it will reconnect and resume its tracking functionality. The readily available CR2032 battery can be purchased at most drug stores, supermarkets, and electronics stores, both online and in physical locations. Some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating intended to discourage ingestion by children. If you purchase these, they may not work reliably in your AirTag, so be sure to test them before use or seek out uncoated batteries for best performance.What size is the AirTag battery?
The Apple AirTag utilizes a CR2032 battery, which is a widely available 20mm coin cell battery. This size offers a good balance between compact dimensions and sufficient power to last for approximately one year under typical usage conditions.
The CR2032 battery is a standard lithium coin cell, meaning it's easily replaceable when the AirTag's battery is depleted. When the AirTag battery starts to run low, the user receives a notification on their connected iPhone, prompting them to replace it. The process is straightforward: simply press down on the stainless steel battery cover on the back of the AirTag and rotate it counter-clockwise to open the compartment. It's important to note that while most CR2032 batteries will work, some brands add a bitter coating to deter children from swallowing them. This coating can sometimes interfere with the AirTag's connection and power delivery, resulting in the AirTag not functioning correctly or showing a low battery warning prematurely. Therefore, it's generally recommended to use CR2032 batteries without a bitter coating specifically designed for electronic devices like the AirTag for optimal performance.How do I change the battery in an AirTag?
AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery. To replace it, press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise until it stops. Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up, and reattach the cover by aligning the three tabs and rotating it clockwise until it's secure.
To elaborate, the CR2032 battery is a widely available and inexpensive 3V lithium coin cell. You can find them at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers. It's good practice to wipe the new battery with a clean, dry cloth before inserting it to remove any fingerprints or oils that could impede conductivity. After replacing the battery, your iPhone or iPad should automatically recognize the AirTag and indicate that the battery has been replaced. If you don't see this notification, try bringing the AirTag closer to your device. In rare cases, you might need to briefly remove and reinsert the battery to ensure proper contact. If the problem persists, consider cleaning the battery contacts inside the AirTag with a cotton swab and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to fully evaporate before reinserting the battery.Where can I buy replacement batteries for AirTags?
You can purchase replacement batteries for AirTags at a wide variety of retailers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Common locations include big box stores like Walmart and Target, electronics retailers such as Best Buy, drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, and online marketplaces like Amazon.
AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which is a very common type of battery and readily available. When purchasing, make sure to buy a reputable brand to ensure reliable performance and longevity. While some generic brands might be cheaper, they may not last as long or provide consistent power. Major brands like Panasonic, Duracell, Energizer, and Sony are generally considered good choices. Before replacing the battery, ensure you have the correct type (CR2032) and follow Apple's official instructions for battery replacement to avoid damaging your AirTag. You can find these instructions on Apple's support website. Some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating to discourage ingestion by children. This coating can sometimes interfere with the AirTag's ability to properly read the battery's charge. If you encounter this issue, try a different brand or battery type without the coating.Are there any special battery requirements for AirTags?
AirTags use a standard CR2032 3V coin cell battery, readily available from most retailers. While Apple doesn't specify particular brands, it's generally recommended to avoid CR2032 batteries with bitterant coatings, as these coatings can sometimes interfere with the AirTag's electrical contacts and prevent proper operation.
CR2032 batteries are a common type of battery used in various small electronic devices, making them easy to find when a replacement is needed. The AirTag is designed for efficient power consumption, and a single CR2032 battery can typically power an AirTag for about a year, depending on usage. When the battery is running low, your iPhone will notify you to replace it. While any standard CR2032 battery should work, user experiences have shown some issues with certain brands or those with a bitterant coating designed to discourage ingestion by children. The bitterant coating, while a safety measure, can sometimes create a barrier between the battery and the AirTag's contacts, leading to the AirTag not recognizing the battery or functioning intermittently. If you encounter issues with a new battery, try a different brand or one without the coating. Cleaning the battery contacts inside the AirTag *very* gently may also resolve the issue in some cases, but be extremely careful not to damage anything.Hopefully, that clears up the battery situation for your AirTag! It's a pretty standard little battery, easy to find and replace. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you come back soon for more simple answers to your tech questions!