AirTags are handy little devices that help you keep track of your belongings. But like any battery-powered gadget, they need a little care to keep working. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about your AirTag’s battery life, how to check it, and what to do when it’s time for a change.
What Powers Your AirTag?
Your AirTag runs on a small, round battery called a CR2032. It’s about the size of a coin and is easy to find in most stores. The good news is that this battery can keep your AirTag running for quite a while.
How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
Apple says that under normal use, your AirTag’s battery should last about a year. That’s pretty impressive for such a small device! However, keep in mind that if you use certain features a lot, like Precision Finding, your battery might not last quite as long.
Checking Your AirTag’s Battery Life
Now, you might be wondering, “How do I know when my AirTag’s battery is getting low?” Don’t worry, it’s easy to check, and your iPhone will even remind you when it’s time for a change.
Using the Find My App
The Find My app on your iPhone or iPad is your go-to place for all things AirTag. Here’s how to use it to check your battery:
- Open the Find My app on your device.
- Tap on the “Items” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Look for the name of your AirTag and tap on it.
- If the battery is getting low, you’ll see a “Low Battery” message under your AirTag’s name.
It’s that simple! If you don’t see any battery warnings, your AirTag still has plenty of juice left.
What If I Don’t See a Battery Icon?
Don’t panic if you don’t see a battery icon or alert. This actually means your AirTag’s battery is doing just fine. Apple only shows you a warning when the battery is getting low, so no news is good news in this case!
Getting a Low Battery Notification
Your iPhone is pretty smart about keeping you in the loop. When your AirTag’s battery starts running low, you’ll get a notification on your iPhone. This notification will tell you which specific AirTag needs a new battery.
If you tap on this notification, it will take you straight to that AirTag’s page in the Find My app. This makes it super easy to keep track of which AirTag needs your attention.
When to Replace the Battery
When you get that low battery notification, don’t rush to change the battery right away. You’ve still got some time. In fact, your AirTag will probably keep working for a few more days after you get the alert.
However, it’s a good idea to change the battery soon after you get the notification. This way, you won’t have to worry about your AirTag suddenly stopping work when you need it most.
How to Replace Your AirTag’s Battery
Changing your AirTag’s battery is a breeze. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a new CR2032 battery. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, or electronics stores.
- Hold your AirTag with the shiny stainless steel side facing up.
- Press down on the steel cover and rotate it counterclockwise.
- Keep turning until the cover stops rotating, then lift it off.
- Remove the old battery.
- Put the new battery in, with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up.
- Put the cover back on, lining up the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag.
- Press down on the cover and rotate it clockwise until it locks in place.
And that’s it! Your AirTag is now ready for another year of keeping track of your stuff.
Making the Most of Your AirTag’s Battery Life
While you can’t really extend your AirTag’s battery life, you can make sure you’re not wasting it. Here are a few tips:
- Use Precision Finding only when necessary. This feature uses more battery power.
- If you’re not using an AirTag for a while, consider removing its battery.
- Keep your AirTags at room temperature when possible. Extreme temperatures can affect battery life.
What Else Can You Do in the Find My App?
The Find My app isn’t just for checking your AirTag’s battery. It’s a powerful tool for managing your AirTags. Here are some other things you can do:
Locate Your AirTag
If you’ve misplaced something with an AirTag attached, you can use the Find My app to see its last known location on a map.
Play a Sound
If your AirTag is nearby but you can’t see it, you can make it play a sound to help you find it. Just tap the “Play Sound” button in the Find My app.
Use Precision Finding
If you have a compatible iPhone, you can use Precision Finding to get step-by-step directions to your AirTag. This is super helpful for finding things in your house!
Reset Your AirTag
If you want to give your AirTag to someone else, you can reset it through the Find My app. This removes all your personal information from the AirTag.
Privacy and Security with AirTags
While AirTags are great for keeping track of your own stuff, they’ve raised some privacy concerns. Apple has built in some features to prevent misuse:
- If an unknown AirTag is traveling with you, your iPhone will alert you.
- AirTags will make a sound if they’re away from their owner for too long.
- If you find an unknown AirTag, you can tap it with your NFC-capable smartphone to get information on how to disable it.
Wrapping Up
AirTags are clever little devices that can save you a lot of headaches by helping you keep track of your important items. With a battery life of about a year and an easy replacement process, they’re pretty low-maintenance too.
Remember, your iPhone will let you know when it’s time to change the battery, so you don’t need to worry about constantly checking. Just keep an eye out for that notification, and you’ll be all set.
Whether you’re using AirTags to keep track of your keys, your bag, or even your pet’s collar, understanding how the battery works will help you get the most out of these handy trackers.