How to open the cover on my AirTag battery when it won't rotate?

My problem wasn’t getting the battery out but twisting the top for the new battery to settle in.

I couldn’t budge it with fingers. Used pliers to gently hold the edge of the metal and it twisted right off!

Bummer, I tried for 15 minutes. Right now I feel like throwing it out!

Yeah, it is NOT easy if it has been a while. I pressed around on all sides to unstick them, not just the 2 places it shows in the video. I also took a wide rubber band and pressed it against the metal to get more friction than my fingers could make.

That answer and video aren't helpful. It just instructs users to press down and turn. Which the OP said wasn't working. (It's not working for me either.)

The trick is to generate rotational friction w/o generating too much “squeeze.”

Using 2x fingers on opposite edges of the cover w/ “minimum squeeze” usually does it.

The other potential issue could be that the battery is defective and swollen. This would make it difficult to remove the cover.

FWIW, I have an “plastic egg” of Silly Putty which reliably does the trick for me.

Generating the needed ”Friction” w/o applying too much “Squeeze” is definitely the balance which must be struck.

I had to use some pliers too!

Try pliers gently on the edge of the battery and it twists open fast and easy.

if it was me then I would try watching some of the guides

How to remove and replace the battery in your AirTag — Apple Support - YouTube

Air Tag Battery Life Hack! (Why a new battery won’t work) - YouTube

more

airtag open battery stuck - Google-

You have to remove the AirTag from its holder, then you can feel the depression and can rotate.

I’ve spent over an hour and can’t get it to go Clockwise. Battery is good cause it. beeps. What a FRUSTRATING experience.

[Edited by Moderator]

Step one… remove the white AirTag from the black cover.