AirTags are one of those nifty little gadgets that you never knew you needed until you discover just how much they simplify your life.
I’m sure you’ll agree that an AirTag is so much more than just a plain old locator for your lost wallet, keys, or car.
I bet it’s come in handy in ways you never expected, like using the separation alert to ensure you don’t lose track of your adventurous toddler in a busy public space.
Or keeping tabs on your luggage during a flight for an added peace of mind (we all love a bit of security, don’t we?).
I have a hunch that you’ve been using your AirTag for a while now and you’re wondering, “How long do AirTags last?” especially since the battery is still going strong, despite regular use. It’s likely made you curious about why it’s still operational.
Well, let me break it all down for you – everything from the type of battery needed, to the battery lifespan of an AirTag, as well as the battery replacement procedure.
This will surely help you maintain your AirTag’s longevity.
Battery Life
Just like any other tech gadget, an AirTag won’t last forever.
The good news, though, is that AirTags are pretty low maintenance. You won’t have to worry about constant battery checks or frequent battery replacements.
An AirTag’s battery life typically exceeds a year, depending on how much you use it.
It uses battery power only when you use your Find My app to track its location or ping it. So, the rate of battery usage really hinges on how often you use it.
Regardless, the average battery lifespan of an AirTag is pretty impressive – it’s hardly a chore to have to replace the battery once a year.
Why is my AirTag’s battery draining so fast?
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How long do AirTags last?” because yours seems to be draining faster than expected, let me shed some light on that for you.
Generally speaking, an AirTag’s battery life averages around a year.
If you’re using the original battery and it’s draining quickly (say within 1-3 months), there are a couple of solutions you could try:
- Take out the battery for a few seconds, then put it back in. (Refer to the “How to replace the battery” section for steps on how to open your AirTag.)
- The battery that comes with the device might be faulty. If it’s still under warranty, you might want to ask for a replacement. Reach out to Apple Support to let them know about the issue.
Battery needed for AirTag
An AirTag is powered by a disposable CR2032 coin cell battery, which is easily available at pharmacies, grocery stores, or even online.
When it’s time to change your AirTag’s battery, make sure to get a disposable CR2032 coin cell battery that doesn’t have a bitterant coating.
This is crucial because the coating can block the battery from properly connecting with the AirTag’s contact points.
What is a bitterant coating?
A bitterant coating is a safety feature that some batteries have to deter toddlers from accidentally swallowing them.
It’s a bitter tasting layer that any kid would spit out immediately upon tasting.
In the event you end up buying a CR2032 coin cell battery with a bitterant coating, don’t worry, you can take off the coating yourself.
Trick to remove the bitterant coating
You can use a simple trick I know: just rub the negative side of the battery with a damp towel until the coating comes off.
Using isopropyl alcohol can also do the job.
Once you’ve removed the bitterant, the battery is ready to be popped into your AirTag.
The signs of low battery
When your AirTag’s battery is low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone alerting you that it’s time to get a new CR2032 coin cell battery.
In the past, you could manually check the battery level of your AirTag in the Find My app. This was really handy if you wanted to plan and get a replacement battery ahead of time.
But with the introduction of iOS 16, the battery level only shows up if the battery is running low.
You can still check whether your AirTag’s battery is low in the Find My app.
If you don’t see a battery icon, then your AirTag’s battery is still going strong. If you do see it, then the battery is running low and it’s time for a replacement.
This trick can be particularly useful if you accidentally cleared your notifications and missed the “AirTag battery is low” alert.
Here’s how:
- Using your iPhone, go to Find My > Item > AirTag > (check the battery icon of the selected AirTag)
How to Replace the Battery
No need to run to the service center if your AirTag is running low on battery.
The process of changing it is a breeze and it’ll take you less than 20 seconds to do it yourself.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Press down on the stainless steel cover of your AirTag and twist it counterclockwise until it comes off.
- Pick up your new CR2032 coin cell battery to replace the old one.
- Make sure to place the new battery in the same way as the old one, with the positive side facing up.
(A gentle sound will indicate that the new battery has been successfully installed.)
- Line up the three tabs on the stainless steel cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag, then rotate it clockwise.
Wrapping up
When it comes to performance, the AirTag is an impressively helpful piece of tech that can be a real lifesaver, especially if you tend to forget where you’ve put things.
I know you want to be ready for when it’s time to change the battery. The last thing you want is to rely on it to find your wallet, only to get no response because the battery’s dead.
But don’t worry, this won’t happen. You’ll get a heads-up when the battery is running low.
The good news is that an AirTag’s battery usually lasts more than a year. Which is a pretty sweet deal for a device that you’ll find incredibly useful on a daily basis.
And the best part? AirTags are super low maintenance.
You’ll only need to change the battery about once a year, and it uses an inexpensive battery that you can replace yourself – no need for a trip to the service center!
In case you’re facing any issues with the longevity of your AirTag’s battery, you can always reach out to Apple Support for help.
We’d love to hear your experience with the AirTag battery life. How’s it going for you so far?
