Apple AirTag is designed to run silently in the background, helping you keep track everyday items like keys, bags and luggage. Unlike many small trackers, an AirTag doesn’t need to be recharged. Instead, it uses a standard replaceable coin cell battery that typically lasts about a year, depending on usage.
When the battery is low, your iPhone alerts you. Replacing it is a simple process that takes just a few minutes and requires no tools. This guide explains how to know when your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, which battery to use, and how to swap it safely.
How to replace your AirTag battery
Replacing the battery only takes a few steps.
Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up.
Press the metal battery cover firmly and rotate it counterclockwise. Continue turning until the lid stops moving.
Lift the cover and remove the old battery.
Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. Once the battery is properly installed, the AirTag will emit a brief chime, confirming that power has been restored.
Put the battery cover back on the AirTag. Align the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag body.
Gently press and rotate the lid clockwise until it stops. The cover should be flush with the AirTag and secure when locked in place.
No pairing or setup steps are required after battery replacement. Your AirTag will automatically reconnect to your Apple ID.
When to replace your AirTag battery
Your iPhone will automatically notify you when an AirTag battery is low. The alert appears as a notification and does not interrupt tracking, but it’s a good idea to replace the battery promptly to avoid losing location updates.
If you are unsure whether your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, open the Find my apppress the Items and select your AirTag. If a message appears under the AirTag name saying “Low Battery,” you’ll know it needs to be replaced. If no message appears, it can be assumed that the battery level is OK at the moment. AirTags don’t have a screen or any other battery indicator, but Apple displays a battery percentage for AirTags in the FindMy app. The low battery warning is the only signal Apple provides before a replacement becomes necessary.
What to do if your AirTag doesn’t make a sound
If you don’t hear any sound after inserting the new battery, remove it and check that it is correctly oriented with the positive side up. You also need to attach the back cover to the AirTag to see if the chime sounds next.
If the battery is oriented correctly and still does not sound, try another CR2032 battery. AirTag uses a 3V CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, a common type available at most electronics stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Some batteries, especially those with thick coatings, may not make consistent contact. Apple suggests looking for packaging that says “Compatible with AirTag.” Once a working battery is installed, the AirTag should resume normal operation immediately.
How often should you replace your AirTag battery
Most AirTag batteries last about a year under normal use. Frequent use of precision search, sound playback, or location updates may shorten battery life. iOS will notify you before the battery is completely drained. So there is no need to replace it preventatively unless you are preparing for travel or long-term storage.
Used button batteries should not be disposed of with household waste. Many retailers and recycling centers accept lithium batteries for proper disposal. Check local recycling guidelines for battery drop-off locations. Storing used batteries in a secure container until they can be recycled helps reduce the risk of accidental contact or ingestion.
Replacing an AirTag battery is one of the simplest maintenance tasks Apple devices require. With battery readily available and no tools involved, most users can complete the process in less than a minute. As long as you pay attention to low battery notifications and follow basic security precautions, your AirTag should continue to reliably track your belongings with minimal effort.
This article was originally published on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/how-to-replace-your-airtag-battery-130000463.html?src=rss
