5 Critical Steps To Change Your AirTag Battery (The 2025 Guide) And Avoid The Secret Mistake

Is your AirTag showing a "Low Battery" alert? Knowing how to change your AirTag battery quickly and correctly is essential to keep your valuable items trackable. As of December 2025, the process remains straightforward, requiring only a common coin cell battery, but there is one critical, little-known mistake involving certain battery brands that can make your replacement fail immediately. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps, the required battery type, and the crucial tip to ensure your AirTag powers up instantly.

The Apple AirTag is designed for user-serviceable battery replacement, offering approximately one year of battery life under normal use. When the time comes, you don't need a visit to an Apple Store or specialized tools. You simply need a fresh CR2032 battery and a simple twist-and-lock mechanism. Follow this in-depth, step-by-step guide to restore your AirTag's full functionality and keep it connected to the vast global Find My network.

The Essential AirTag Battery Replacement Checklist (What You Need)

Before you begin the replacement process, gathering the right components is key. Using the wrong type of battery or a battery with a specific coating can lead to frustrating connection problems or a non-functional AirTag.

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The Required Battery Type: CR2032 Lithium 3V

The Apple AirTag uses a standard, readily available CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. This battery type is common in key fobs, small electronics, and remote controls, making it easy to purchase at most electronic stores, drug stores, and even supermarkets.

• Type: CR2032
• Voltage: 3V
• Chemistry: Lithium Coin Cell
• Estimated Battery Life: Approximately one year (under typical usage).

The Crucial Warning: Avoid CR2032 Batteries with Bitterant Coating

This is the most critical piece of updated information for a successful 2025 AirTag battery change. Some battery manufacturers, notably certain batches of Duracell CR2032 batteries, now apply a child-safe bitterant coating to the battery's surface to deter accidental ingestion by small children.

While this is an excellent child safety feature, the bitterant coating can interfere with the AirTag's internal electrical contacts, preventing the device from powering on or connecting properly, even with a brand-new battery.

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Pro Tip: When purchasing your replacement battery, check the packaging. If it mentions a "child-safe coating," "bitterant," or "unpalatable" feature, it's best to choose an alternative brand or a specific model without this coating to ensure optimal performance and proper electrical contact with the AirTag's internal components.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your AirTag Battery Correctly

The replacement process is designed to be tool-free and quick. Follow these five simple steps to swap out the old battery for a new one.

Step 1: Prepare the AirTag

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing down and the polished stainless steel battery cover facing up towards you. Ensure you have a clean, dry surface to work on to prevent dust or moisture from entering the device. The AirTag is water-resistant, but it's best to keep the internal components dry during the battery swap.

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Step 2: Open the Battery Cover

Place two fingers (thumb and index finger) on the stainless steel cover. Press down firmly on the cover and simultaneously rotate it counterclockwise (to the left) until the cover stops rotating. You should only need to rotate it a small amount, perhaps about a quarter of an inch.

Once you feel the cover stop, you can remove your fingers. The cover should now be loose and easily lift off, exposing the old battery.

Step 3: Remove the Old Battery

The old CR2032 battery should be sitting loosely in its compartment. Simply tilt the AirTag or use a non-metallic tool (like a plastic toothpick) to gently pop the battery out. Be careful not to damage the internal contacts. Properly dispose of the used lithium battery according to local regulations.

Step 4: Insert the New CR2032 Battery

Take your new, uncoated CR2032 battery. Insert it into the compartment with the positive side (+) facing upward. The positive side is the one with the writing and the brand logo.

You should hear a small, distinct chime or sound from the AirTag immediately after the new battery is inserted correctly. This sound confirms that the device has powered on and the electrical connection is successful. If you don't hear a sound, check the battery orientation and ensure the battery is seated firmly and is not one with the bitterant coating.

Step 5: Secure the Stainless Steel Cover

Place the stainless steel cover back onto the AirTag, aligning the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding grooves on the white body. Press down firmly on the cover and rotate it clockwise (to the right) until it stops and locks into place.

The cover should be flush with the white plastic body. The locking action helps maintain the AirTag's water resistance and ensures the internal components are protected.

Advanced Troubleshooting and AirTag Battery Entities

Even with a new battery, you may encounter issues. Understanding the AirTag's low battery indicators and common fixes will help you maintain your tracker.

Recognizing the Low Battery Alert

Unlike a phone, the AirTag does not show a constant battery level percentage. Instead, Apple designed it to alert you only when the battery is critically low.

• How it Works: When the battery is nearing depletion, a "Low Battery" alert will appear under the AirTag's name in the Items tab of the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• What to Do: Once you receive this notification, you should replace the battery as soon as possible, though the tracker will continue to function for a short period.

When the New Battery Doesn't Work (Connection Problems)

If you've replaced the battery but the AirTag still shows a low battery alert or won't connect, consider these solutions:

1. Check for Bitterant Coating: This is the number one reason for failure. If your new battery is a Duracell or another brand with a bitterant coating, replace it with a standard CR2032.
2. Re-seat the Battery: Remove the battery and re-insert it, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing up and that it is fully seated in the compartment for proper electrical contact. Poor battery insertion is a common mistake.
3. Clean the Contacts: Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the metal contacts inside the AirTag compartment to remove any dust or debris that might be preventing a connection.
4. Hard Reset (If Necessary): If all else fails, you may need to perform a reset by repeating the battery removal and insertion process five times, ensuring you hear a chime each time, before replacing the cover on the fifth insertion.

By following these updated 2025 guidelines and being mindful of the bitterant coating issue, you can ensure your Apple AirTag remains a reliable part of your tracking ecosystem, offering peace of mind for locating keys, luggage, wallets, and other valuable personal items through the power of the global Find My network.