How to remove and replace the battery on your AirTag

Look, you’re probably here because you recently received a notification from iPhone that your AirTag’s battery is running low. Or maybe you bought a refurbished version of Apple’s tracking device and want to make sure it has enough power to last for a while. Either way, I’m here to assure you that replace an AirTag battery It’s simple. The entire process should only take a couple of minutes.

How often do you need to replace it? After activating a new AirTag, you can expect to replace the first battery in about a year. The timing of subsequent replacements really depends on the quality of the batteries you buy, as well as how much you use the tracker. Unlike the iPhone or Apple Watch, the battery on an AirTag is not rechargeable and must be replaced when it runs out.

Fortunately, you don’t need to buy any special batteries from Apple. Most CR2032 lithium button batteries will work fine. These are the same 3-volt batteries commonly placed in wristwatches, kitchen thermometers, and other small electronic devices. A pack of four batteries costs around $6 on Amazon.

Just know that some of these CR2032 batteries have been treated with a bitter coating to discourage children from swallowing them. Not all of those bitter-tasting batteries will work with AirTags, so if yours has this coating, be sure to check the packaging to see if it’s compatible. Working cased batteries will clearly say “Apple AirTag Compatible” on the packaging.

change it

Now that you have a new battery for your AirTag, removing the old battery and adding the new one is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Turn the AirTag so the silver side with the Apple logo is facing you.
2. Use your fingertips to press down and turn the silver piece about a quarter of a turn counterclockwise. The silver cap should be disconnected and loosened.
3. Remove the silver piece and you should now be able to remove the old battery.
4. Place the new CR2032 battery into the empty slot, with the “+” sign facing you.
5. Put the silver piece back on top, press down and turn it clockwise until the cover snaps into place.
6. Made. But don’t throw that old battery in the trash. Recycle it neither via Apple either a reputable e-waste service.

Would you rather have a rechargeable tracker on your keychain or attached to your pet? While AirTag is WIRED’s recommended tracker for iOS devices, the pebble It might be worth looking for a tracker where you can use a USB-C cable to charge it and avoid changing those pesky little battery cells.