Is your iPhone sending you notifications that your AirTag battery is low? Don’t worry. Unlike many other Apple products, the AirTag is designed with a user-replaceable battery. Learning how to change an AirTag battery is a simple process that takes less than a minute.
In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps on how to change battery in AirTag, what tools you need (spoiler: you barely need any), and important troubleshooting tips to keep your tracker working perfectly.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you learn how to change an AirTag battery, it is important to get the right replacement. Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 lithium coin cell battery (3V).
⚠️ Important Note on Battery Choice:
Some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating to prevent children from swallowing them. Apple recommends avoiding these bitter-coated batteries (like those from Duracell with child safety features), as the coating can prevent the battery from making proper contact and cause performance issues. Look for standard, uncoated lithium coin batteries for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change AirTag Battery
Follow these simple instructions to replace your dead battery with a fresh one.
Apple Official Example
Step 1: Rotate the Back Cover
The AirTag consists of a white plastic front and a polished stainless steel back.
Press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover.
While pressing down, rotate the cover counter-clockwise (to the left).
Once the cover aligns with the removal marks (the small three vertical lines on the side), the cover will pop off. You can now lift it off completely.
Step 2: Remove the Old Battery
You will see the round CR2032 battery sitting inside.
Simply tip the AirTag over or use your fingernail to gently pry the old battery out.
Dispose of the old battery properly according to your local electronic waste regulations.
Step 3: Insert the New Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery.
Place it into the AirTag with the positive (+) side facing up. Usually, the text on the battery should be visible when looking down at the AirTag.
You should hear a small sound indicating the battery is making contact, though not all batteries make this sound.
Step 4: Replace the Cover
Place the stainless steel cover back onto the AirTag.
Align the cover tabs with the slots on the AirTag body.
Press down firmly and rotate the cover clockwise (to the right) until it stops. It should feel snug and secure.
How to Verify the Battery is Working
After following the steps above on how to change airtag battery, you should verify that the replacement was successful.
Listen for a Chime: If your AirTag is set to make a sound, it might chirp when the new battery is inserted. If it doesn’t, don’t panic.
Check the Find My App: Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Tap on the Items tab at the bottom.
Select your AirTag.
The battery status icon should update to “Good” or show a green percentage shortly after the new battery is recognized.
Troubleshooting: What If It Won’t Close or Update?
Sometimes, figuring out how to change battery in airtag comes with minor hiccups. Here are common solutions:
The back cover is stuck:
The cover is designed to be water-resistant, so it can be tight. Make sure you are pressing down hard before twisting. If it still won’t budge, use a cloth to get a better grip on the metal.
The battery isn’t being recognized:
Check the Orientation: Ensure the positive (+) side is facing up.
Check the Battery Type: As mentioned earlier, ensure you are not using a bitter-coated battery.
Spin the Battery: Sometimes the battery needs to be rotated slightly within its housing to break through any oxidation on the contacts. Try spinning the battery a few times while it is inside the compartment.
FAQ: Changing AirTag Batteries
Here are answers to the most common questions regarding AirTag maintenance.
How often do I need to change the AirTag battery?
Under normal conditions, an AirTag battery is designed to last for more than a year. You will receive a notification on your connected iPhone when the battery drops to a critical level.
Can I use a rechargeable battery in my AirTag?
While standard rechargeable coin cells exist (like LIR2032), they output a lower voltage (3.0V or 3.6V depending on charge) compared to lithium disposables. Apple strictly recommends using CR2032 lithium 3V coin batteries. Using rechargeable batteries may result in unreliable performance.
Does changing the battery unpair the AirTag from my phone?
No. How to change an airtag battery does not affect its pairing status. The AirTag remains connected to your Apple ID. You do not need to reset it or set it up again.
Why is my AirTag beeping after I changed the battery?
If your AirTag beeps repeatedly after a battery change, it might be in “Lost Mode” or being moved by someone other than the owner. Open the Find My app to check its status. If it is a single chirp, that is just the sound of the battery connecting.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change an airtag battery is an essential part of owning Apple’s tracker. It requires no special tools and is very cost-effective. By following this guide on how to change airtag battery, you can ensure your items remain tracked and secure for another year without skipping a beat.
Remember to always keep a spare CR2032 battery handy, so you are never left without protection when the low battery notification appears.