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Apple's AirTag operates discreetly to monitor personal belongings such as keys, purses, and suitcases. In contrast to numerous compact trackers, it avoids the need for recharging and relies on a common changeable coin battery that generally endures for approximately 12 months based on how often it's used.
As the power source weakens, an alert will pop up on your iPhone. The swap is straightforward, requiring only minutes and no specialized equipment. This walkthrough covers identifying a low battery, selecting the right replacement, and performing the exchange without issues.
The procedure involves just a handful of actions.
Grasp the AirTag so the shiny stainless steel surface points upward.
Apply steady pressure to the metallic lid and twist it in a leftward direction. Keep rotating until resistance prevents further movement.
Remove the lid and extract the spent battery.
Place a fresh CR2032 cell inside, ensuring the positive (+) face is upward. When properly positioned, the device will produce a short tone to indicate restored functionality.
Reposition the lid over the AirTag, matching the three tiny protrusions on the lid to the corresponding grooves on the main unit.
Push lightly and turn the lid rightward until it locks. It should align smoothly and feel firmly attached.
No reconnection or configuration is necessary post-swap; the AirTag links back to your Apple account on its own.
Your iPhone delivers an automatic warning for diminishing AirTag power. This notice won't disrupt location services, though prompt replacement ensures uninterrupted tracking.
To verify if a swap is due, launch the Find My application, select the Items section, and choose your AirTag. A 'Low Battery' notice below the name confirms the need. Absence of such a message suggests sufficient charge. Lacking a display or visual indicator, AirTags rely on the Find My app for battery status details from Apple, with the alert serving as the primary cue for action.
Should the insertion fail to produce audio, withdraw the cell and confirm its alignment with the positive side up. Ensure the rear lid is firmly attached too, then check for the sound.
If alignment is correct yet no tone occurs, test another CR2032 unit. This 3V lithium coin type is widely stocked in electronic shops, grocery outlets, and drugstores. Varieties with heavy casings might not connect reliably. Opt for ones labeled as AirTag-compatible per Apple's advice. A functional one will enable seamless resumption of duties.
Under regular conditions, AirTag power sources hold up for roughly one year. Heavy reliance on features like precise locating, audio cues, or frequent pings can shorten this duration. iOS provides advance notice prior to total drain, eliminating the urgency for early swaps except in cases of extended trips or prolonged inactivity.
Discard used coin cells responsibly, avoiding regular waste bins. Numerous stores and collection points handle lithium types for eco-friendly processing. Consult regional rules for suitable drop sites. Keeping depleted ones in a safe holder until recycling minimizes hazards like unintended exposure or swallowing.
Battery replacement ranks among the easiest upkeep routines for Apple gear. With accessible parts and tool-free design, users can finish in less than 60 seconds. Heeding alerts and adhering to safety basics keeps the AirTag dependably locating items with little hassle.