Apple AirTags have changed the way people find their lost belongings, whether that means locating a lost phone that’s run out of charge or a misplaced wallet. What AirTags are is a small coin-shaped tracking device that sends out a non-stop Bluetooth signal, allowing you to see where they’re located using the Find My app. But how do Apple AirTag batteries facilitate this sort of constant monitoring?
This piece will explore the form and function of Apple AirTag batteries, explaining their impressive battery life, how often you should replace them and other items that they can work in.
What are Apple AirTag Batteries?
The Apple AirTag battery is not a specific, in-house design. It’s actually a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. These are very common batteries that are commonly found in devices, such as:
- Car key fobs
- Watches
- Digital calculators
- Garage door openers
- Medical devices like glucose meters and heart monitors
- Computer motherboards (CMOS/BIOS)
- Worn fitness trackers
Most of these items are known for their long service lives, which is one of the main selling points of these batteries.
Also Read: 9 Most Popular Types of Apps in the UK
What is the Average Apple AirTag Battery Lifetime?
Apple AirTag batteries are generally expected to last around one year based on typical usage. That means that these lithium coin batteries emit a low and slow supply of energy. However, there are several usage factors that can easily drain it faster.
- Using the Audio Alerts feature, in which your AirTags chirp to make them easier to find, will act as an energy sink
- ‘Find Nearby’, which is a feature used to find AirTags within a 30-40ft range, often used in conjunction with the audio alerts, is a classic energy drainer
- Temperature (extreme cold or heat) can significantly impact Apple AirTag battery life and capacity, as it can with most lithium cells.
UK climate extremes are becoming increasingly common, so it’s important to store your AirTags and any spare batteries in stable locations.
Also Read: 5 Business Benefits of OAuth Authentication
How to Check and Replace Apple AirTag Batteries
Replacing your Apple AirTag’s battery isn’t that difficult, as the design is made for quick and easy opening. However, it’s important not to preemptively change batteries or let them run out of battery. Following the steps below makes for the smoothest, most effective check-and-change process.
- Check your battery status. Keep an eye on your AirTag’s battery life through the Find My app and check the AirTag specifically. Critically low batteries will be represented clearly with ‘Low Battery’ badges.
- Open the Apple AirTag case. Opening your AirTag case is simple. Just press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise until it stops turning, then remove the lid and leave to one side.
- Replace the battery. Remove the old one and insert a new one with the positive (+) side facing up at you. This should generate a chirp or chime sound from the AirTag to indicate the battery has connected successfully and the device is booting up.
- Close the case. Once the battery has connected, put the cover back in place, aligning the tabs with the relevant slots and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Congratulations, you’ve just replaced your Apple AirTag battery! As a note, if you find that the battery still appears to be on low charge after replacement, it’s likely that the app just needs to update or restart; things should look normal after 24 hours.
Make sure to Buy Quality Apple AirTag Batteries
Apple products are known for their high quality, so you should invest in high-quality batteries for them. Go to a good battery dealer with plenty of different options and seek out a reputable battery manufacturer from their range. Lower-quality batteries will always run out quicker and could even do damage to the AirTag over time.
Picking good batteries will allow for a safer, more consistent AirTag performance, so don’t compromise.
Pro tip. Wipe down batteries with an alcohol swab before use, as many include a bitter coating to put small children off of swallowing them. This coating can impact connectivity if ignored.