Hey people, Apple’s AirTag is a compact, innovative device designed to help you keep track of personal items like keys, bags, and wallets. One of its standout features is its long-lasting battery, which typically lasts about a year. However, like any battery-powered device, the AirTag requires periodic battery replacement to continue functioning efficiently. In this article, we’ll breakdown a detailed step-by-step guide on AirTag battery replacement and tips on maintaining it for optimal performance.
Understanding AirTag Battery Life
For people who don’t know, AirTag operates on a CR2032 lithium 3V coin cell battery, a commonly used battery type found in various small electronics. Apple states that AirTag’s battery should last about one year, but this depends on your usage, especially how often the device uses the
Precision Finding feature or plays sound. When the battery is nearing depletion, you’ll receive a warning AirTag battery replacement notification on your iPhone, alerting you that it’s time to replace it.
Key Factors Influencing AirTag Battery Life
Let’s decode key factors impacting the battery life of airtag:
- Sound alerts: Frequent use of the sound feature (pinging the AirTag to locate it) consumes more battery.
- Precision Finding: This feature uses ultra-wideband technology for more accurate tracking, which can also drain the battery faster than standard Bluetooth tracking.
- Environmental conditions: Extreme temperatures, especially cold, can shorten battery life.
How to Replace the AirTag Battery
Folks, don’t know how to replace the battery? Let’s do that with our guide. Replacing the AirTag battery is simple and requires no special tools. Follow these steps to change it effectively:
1. Prepare the New Battery
Make sure that you have a CR2032 battery ready. These batteries are widely available in electronics stores and online retailers.
Be cautious when selecting the battery, as some CR2032 batteries with bitter coating can interfere with AirTag functionality. Apple advises avoiding these.
2. Locate Your AirTag
Before beginning the replacement process, remove the AirTag from any accessories, such as keychains or holders. This gives you full access to the back of the AirTag where the battery compartment is located.
3. Open the AirTag
Follow the steps below:
- Hold the white side (the front) of the AirTag facing downward in your hand.
- Press down firmly on the stainless steel battery cover with your thumb and twist counterclockwise. This process is similar to opening the back of a watch.
- After a slight twist, the tabs on the cover should pop off, revealing the battery compartment.
4. Remove the Old Battery
Take out the depleted CR2032 battery by simply lifting it from the compartment. Set it aside for proper recycling or disposal.
5. Insert the New Battery
Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment with the positive (+) side facing up.
You’ll know the battery is correctly inserted when you hear a sound from the AirTag, confirming that the device has recognized the new battery.
6. Close the AirTag
- Align the three small tabs on the back cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag.
- Push down on the cover and twist clockwise until it stops. This ensures that the back cover is securely fastened.
Tips for Maintaining Your AirTag Battery
While the process of replacing an AirTag replacement battery is easy, ensuring that your AirTag operates at its best requires some basic maintenance practices.
Here are key tips to maintain the battery life and overall performance of your AirTag:
1. Use Quality Batteries
Always opt for high-quality CR2032 batteries from reputable brands like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic. Avoid cheaper alternatives that might not provide the full one-year lifespan or might leak over time.
2. Avoid Bitterant Coating Batteries
As mentioned earlier, some CR2032 batteries with bitterant coating can interfere with the connection between the battery and the AirTag, resulting in malfunctions. Ensure the battery you choose doesn’t have this coating.
3. Monitor Battery Life Regularly
Instead of waiting for the battery to completely deplete, periodically check the battery status in the Find My app:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Select the Items tab and tap your AirTag from the list.
- The battery status icon will be visible below the AirTag name. When it’s low, you’ll receive a notification, but keeping an eye on it helps you stay proactive.
4. Store AirTags in Moderate Temperatures
Extreme temperatures, particularly very cold environments, can drastically shorten the life of the AirTag’s battery.
Keep AirTags and the items they’re attached to in environments that don’t expose them to high heat or cold for long durations.
5. Turn Off Precision Finding When Not Needed
Precision Finding is a power-hungry feature. If you don’t need it for a period, avoid excessive use. Using Bluetooth tracking alone requires less energy.
Recycling Old AirTag Batteries
Once you’ve replaced the AirTag battery, don’t dispose of the old battery in regular household trash. CR2032 batteries contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Instead, take your used batteries to designated battery recycling centers or drop-off locations at electronics stores that accept them.
Here’s how to safely dispose of or recycle your CR2032 batteries:
- Check local recycling guidelines: Some areas have specific rules for recycling batteries.
- Use battery collection services: Many retail stores, such as Best Buy and Staples, offer free battery drop-off services.
- Store old batteries safely: If you need to store depleted batteries for later recycling, place them in a non-conductive container (like a plastic box) to prevent accidental discharge.
When to Contact Apple Support
In some rare cases, users might experience issues after replacing the AirTag battery, such as the AirTag not recognizing the new battery or failing to play the confirmation sound. If this occurs, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure the battery is properly inserted with the positive (+) side facing up.
- Clean the battery contacts inside the AirTag with a dry cloth to remove any debris.
- Try a different CR2032 battery in case the one you inserted was faulty.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may recommend visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider to inspect the device.
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Final Words
Finalizing this discussion, changing the AirTag battery is a simple and quick process that ensures you can continue using this device to track your personal items effectively. With a CR2032 battery and a few minutes, your AirTag will be back up and running for another year of reliable service.