The 7-Step Expert Guide To AirTag Battery Replacement (And The Critical Battery Warning You Must Know)

Replacing the battery in your Apple AirTag is a straightforward process designed to be completed in less than a minute, but a critical, little-known issue with certain CR2032 batteries can cause your AirTag to stop working immediately after the swap. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 2025, will walk you through the simple 7-step replacement process and, more importantly, equip you with the expert knowledge to avoid the common "bitter coating" problem that has frustrated countless users, ensuring your tracking device is back online and functioning perfectly.

The AirTag is an indispensable tool for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and other valuables, relying on the vast Find My network for location data. Since the AirTag’s battery life is rated for about one year, knowing how to quickly and correctly perform a battery replacement is essential for maintaining continuous tracking and peace of mind. We will cover everything from the exact battery type you need to the crucial troubleshooting steps if your AirTag fails to chime upon installation.

The 7-Step Expert Guide to AirTag Battery Replacement

The Apple AirTag uses a standard, user-replaceable 3V lithium coin cell battery, specifically the CR2032 model. The entire process requires no tools and can be done quickly once you have the correct replacement battery ready.

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What You Need Before You Start

• One new CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery.
• A clean, dry cloth (optional, for cleaning contacts).

The CR2032 battery is readily available from most electronics or grocery stores and is a common power source for small devices like key fobs and remote controls. Always check the expiration date on the packaging to ensure maximum battery life.

Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions

Follow these steps precisely to ensure a successful and swift battery swap:

1. Prepare the AirTag: Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel cover facing you. The white plastic side should be facing down.
2. Press and Rotate: Use two fingers (typically your thumb and index finger) to press down firmly on the stainless steel cover.
3. Open the Cover: While maintaining downward pressure, rotate the cover counterclockwise until it stops turning. You should feel a slight give and hear a sound indicating the cover has unlocked.
4. Remove the Old Battery: Lift the stainless steel cover off. The old CR2032 battery will now be exposed. You can typically tip the AirTag to let the old battery fall out, or gently pry it out with a non-metallic object if necessary.
5. Insert the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the compartment with the positive (+) side facing up (visible). This is the side with the writing on it.
6. Listen for the Chime: A successful battery installation is confirmed when you hear a distinct chime sound. This is the AirTag powering on and performing a self-check. If you do not hear a chime, your AirTag will not work, and you must proceed to the troubleshooting section immediately.
7. Secure the Cover: Align the three small tabs on the stainless steel cover with the three slots on the AirTag body. Press down firmly and rotate the cover clockwise until it locks into place. The cover should sit flush with the white plastic body to maintain its water resistance rating.

Once secured, your AirTag is immediately active and connected to the Find My network. You can check the battery status in the Find My app under the "Items" tab, though the app typically only shows a "Low Battery" warning rather than a precise percentage.

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Critical Warning: The Bitter Coating Problem You Must Know

This is the most crucial piece of information for any AirTag owner: a significant number of replacement CR2032 batteries, particularly those manufactured by Duracell (and some other brands), are coated with a bitterant coating to deter accidental ingestion by children.

While this safety feature is laudable, the coating can interfere with the electrical contacts inside the AirTag, creating a thin insulating layer that prevents the device from powering on or connecting.

How to Avoid and Fix the Bitterant Issue

To ensure your AirTag works with any CR2032 battery, you have two primary options:

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Option 1: Use a Non-Coated Battery

Purchase a CR2032 battery that specifically states it does not have a bitter coating. Brands like Energizer or Panasonic are often cited by users as reliable alternatives that typically do not use this coating on their coin cells. The Duracell ProCell line is also a common recommendation for having a higher output and longer life without the coating issue.

Option 2: Carefully Remove the Coating (The Expert Fix)

If you have a bitter-coated battery (often indicated by a slightly rough or matte finish on the positive side), you can remove the coating to ensure electrical conductivity.

• Method A (Alcohol Wipe): Dip a cotton swab or a clean cloth into a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Gently rub the positive (+) side of the battery to remove the coating. Ensure the battery is completely dry before inserting it into the AirTag.
• Method B (Gentle Abrasion): In rare cases where the coating is particularly stubborn, you can lightly and quickly scrape the surface of the positive terminal with a fine-grit sandpaper or the file edge of a multi-tool. Only remove enough coating to expose the bare metal contact points.

After performing this fix, re-insert the battery and listen for the activation chime. This simple step is the most common solution for an AirTag that appears "dead" after a battery replacement.

Troubleshooting: AirTag Not Working After Battery Change

If you have replaced the battery and your AirTag is still not showing up in the Find My app, or if you did not hear the chime, here is a list of troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, addressing common entity problems like connectivity and battery seating.

1. Check Battery Placement and Contacts

The most basic error is incorrect placement. Ensure the CR2032 battery is installed with the positive (+) side facing up. Also, inspect the internal metal contacts. If they appear dirty or corroded, gently clean them with a dry cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean electrical connection.

2. Reseat the Battery (The AirTag Reset Method)

If the AirTag is not connecting, you can try a full reset by removing and re-inserting the battery multiple times. This forces the device to cycle its power state.

1. Remove the battery.
2. Re-insert the battery and press down until you hear a chime.
3. Remove and re-insert the battery four more times, for a total of five insertions. You should hear a chime each time.
4. On the fifth insertion, you should hear a slightly different, longer sound. This confirms the AirTag has been reset and is ready to be paired or reconnected.

3. Check for the Bitter Coating (Re-Check)

If you skipped the critical warning, go back and check your battery brand. If it's a Duracell or another coated brand, perform the alcohol wipe or gentle abrasion fix as described above. This is overwhelmingly the most frequent cause of a "dead" AirTag after a new battery is installed.

4. Remove and Re-add the AirTag in Find My

In rare cases, the AirTag may be stuck in a "low battery" state within the Find My app, even with a new battery. The final step is to remove the AirTag from your account and re-add it.

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Items tab.
3. Select the AirTag that is not working.
4. Swipe up and tap Remove Item. Confirm the removal.
5. With the new battery already installed, the AirTag should immediately appear as a new item nearby, prompting you to reconnect it to your Apple ID.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth, successful, and frustration-free AirTag battery replacement, keeping your valuable items trackable for another year.