5 Critical Steps To Change Your AirTag Battery In 2025 (Avoid The #1 Mistake)

Is your Apple AirTag suddenly silent, or did you just receive that dreaded "AirTag Low Battery" notification? As of December 2025, knowing the precise and correct procedure for a battery swap is essential for keeping your valuable items trackable. The good news is that replacing the battery in your AirTag is a simple, five-minute DIY task that doesn't require a trip to the Apple Store, but a crucial, little-known detail about the replacement battery itself can make or break the process.

This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date, expert-level instructions for changing your AirTag's power source, including the exact battery type you need and the number one troubleshooting mistake that causes a new battery to fail instantly. Follow these steps to get your tracking device back to a full year of reliable service.

The Complete AirTag Battery Replacement Checklist

The AirTag is designed for user-serviceability, utilizing a standard, inexpensive coin battery. Before you begin the replacement process, ensure you have the following components ready. Having the right tools and parts prevents delays and potential damage to the device.

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Required Tools and Components

• The AirTag: The device that needs a new battery.
• CR2032 Lithium 3V Coin Battery: This is the only battery type compatible with the Apple AirTag. Its typical lifespan is around one year.
• The Right CR2032 Battery: This is the most crucial step. You must use a CR2032 battery without a bitterant coating. Some popular battery brands, notably certain Duracell models, apply this child-safety coating to discourage ingestion, but the coating can prevent the battery from making proper electrical contact inside the AirTag.
• Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: To clean the contacts and prevent fingerprints.

The low battery warning will automatically appear in the "Find My" app on your iPhone when the power level is critically low. Do not wait for the AirTag to completely die before performing the replacement.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your AirTag’s CR2032 Battery

The battery replacement process is straightforward and involves a simple twist-and-lock mechanism. The entire procedure should take less than two minutes once you have the correct battery.

Step 1: Access the Battery Compartment

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel cover facing you. Place two fingers on the cover—one thumb and one index finger—and press down firmly. While pressing, rotate the cover counter-clockwise until it stops turning. You should hear a small sound, indicating the cover is unlocked.

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If your AirTag cover is stuck, a common issue, try using a small piece of rubber or a soft cloth for better grip. Applying firm, steady pressure down and then rotating is key to engaging the locking mechanism.

Step 2: Remove the Cover and Old Battery

Once the cover is unlocked, it will lift right off, exposing the old CR2032 coin battery. The battery will likely fall out easily, or you can gently shake the AirTag to dislodge it. Be careful not to touch the internal components.

Safety Note: Immediately dispose of the old battery properly. Keep all coin batteries away from children and pets, as they pose a serious choking and chemical burn hazard.

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Step 3: Clean Contacts and Insert the New Battery

Before inserting the new battery, quickly inspect the inside of the AirTag for any dust, debris, or moisture. Gently wipe the metallic contacts with a clean, dry cloth.

Take your new, bitterant-free CR2032 battery and insert it into the compartment with the positive side facing up (the side with the "+" sign and the branding text).

When the new battery makes contact, your AirTag will play a short, distinctive chime. This sound is your confirmation that the battery is correctly installed and the device is powered on.

Step 4: Reattach the Stainless Steel Cover

Align the stainless steel cover with the open compartment. There are three small tabs on the cover that should line up with the corresponding slots on the AirTag body. Once aligned, press down firmly on the cover.

While maintaining pressure, rotate the cover clockwise until it locks back into place. You should hear another small click, and the cover should be flush with the white plastic body. The battery is now secure and the AirTag's water resistance is maintained.

Expert Troubleshooting: Why Your New AirTag Battery Might Not Be Working (The Bitterant Problem)

If you've followed the steps precisely and your AirTag is not chiming or the "Find My" app still shows a low battery, you are likely experiencing the most common, yet least-understood, issue: the bitterant coating.

The Bitterant Coating Interference

To comply with child safety regulations, many manufacturers, including certain lines from Duracell, apply a non-toxic, bitter-tasting substance (a bitterant coating) to the surface of their CR2032 batteries. While this is a vital safety feature, the coating acts as an insulator, preventing the battery from making proper electrical contact with the internal terminals of the AirTag.

The Solution: If your new battery is not working, it is almost certainly due to this coating. The only reliable fix is to purchase a new CR2032 battery from a brand or line that does not use the bitterant coating. Look for batteries explicitly labeled as "non-bitter" or use brands like Energizer, Sony, or generic options that do not apply the coating. Do not attempt to scrape the coating off, as this can damage the battery or the AirTag.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

• Check Orientation: Double-check that the positive (+) side of the lithium 3V coin battery is facing up. Incorrect orientation will prevent the AirTag from powering on.
• Verify Seating: Ensure the stainless steel cover is fully rotated and locked. If it's loose, the electrical connection may be intermittent.
• Clean Contacts: Even a tiny speck of dust or residue from your fingers on the battery or the contacts can interrupt the circuit. Remove the battery and wipe both sides with a clean, dry cloth before reinserting.

By using the correct, bitterant-free CR2032 battery and following the simple twist-and-lock procedure, you can ensure your Apple AirTag continues to be a reliable part of the "Find My" network for years to come.