Apple’s AirTag is handy Bluetooth accesory that gives you an idea of where all your tech is. If you’ve picked up an AirTag since its launch you’re probably going to need to change the battery – here’s how to do it.
The AirTag is an interesting device because, unlike just about every other Apple product, it can’t be charged up via a Lightning or USB-C cable. Instead, when the AirTag runs out of juice you’ll need to physically change the battery inside to get you back up to 100%.
The Find My app will let you know when your AirTag needs a new cell and the battery itself is a widely used CR2032 coin cell unit. You can pick these up from a supermarket, electrical store, pharmacy or online. See below for the specific unit we used.
The AirTag system works with many of the best iPhones we’ve tested.
Hardware Used
- Apple AirTag
- Any CR2032 coin cell battery (we used these)
The Short Version
- Get your battery and AirTag ready
- Press and twist the metal rear of the AirTag
- Remove the battery
- Replace with the new cell and twist the rear covering back on
Step
1Get your new battery and AirTag ready
Before we get started, remove your AirTag from any accessories you might have it in and get your new coin cell battery ready.
Step
2Remove the back
To access to AirTag battery, press down on the silver rear and twist it anticlockwise until it comes away from the plastic front.
Step
3Take out the old battery
Once the silver rear cover has been removed, take out the old coin cell battery and discard it. This type of battery can be recycled depending on your area.
Step
4Insert the new battery
Pop the new battery inside the AirTag (make sure it has the positive side facing up) and ensure it’s properly fitted into the device.
Step
5Reattach the cover
Grab the rear cover and place it back on the AirTag. Push the rear cover down and twist clockwise until you feel resistance and it doesn’t fall off.
Step
6You’re all finished
The AirTag should power on itself and once again be visible inside the Find My app.
FAQs
You should get around a year of use before you need to swap the cell in your AirTag, however this can vary depending on use
No, the only way to get the AirTag back to 100% is to swap out the battery using the method detailed above
Open the Find My app on your iOS device, tap Items, and locate the AirTag you wish to check the battery status. There should be a battery indicator visible. If your AirTag is low on battery you’ll see a note of this here.
You might like…
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
