AirTag won't work with Duracel CR2032?

FIXED!

Remove child anti swallow sticker, then rub the whole battery with an alcohol wipe for 30 seconds this removes the bad tasting coating that’s meant as a deterrent for small children, let it dry 10 seconds, insert and you’ll then hear the functional beep.

I found this on Duracell’s website.

https://www.duracell.com/en-us/product/cr-2032-lithium-coin-button-battery/

Yes, Duracell’s CR2032 batteries are coated and that’s probably why you have the issue. When my AirTag’s battery needed replacement I used an Energizer brand and it works fine. So no, you don’t have to buy some $20 special battery

Well, the moral to this story is don’t buy Duracell batteries for your AirTags in the future. Also check any battery you’re considering buying to see if it is labeled “Child Safe” or coated with bitterant. Apple has published articles stating that these batteries may have issues with AirTags and I’m sure there are other products on the market that would too. Garmin, for example, recommends not using coated batteries. There are upsides and downsides to any battery that has a coating on it where electrical conductivity is concerned. Yes, it’s about child safety but the tradeoffs have to be dealt with.

This is a user forum, you are not addressing apple here  just  fellow users

personally when the battery it came with ran out then I just began using the cheap noname

batts while they may not last as long, then I havent had issues with them, but of cause one can't rule out your airtag is defect

you can try contacting apple Support ->  Get Support (apple.com)

and or give them feedback -> Product Feedback - Apple

Thanks!! That worked for me! I had the same issue and almost bought new batteries.

Worked for me too. I used a nail file. Worked perfectly. Thanks!

I lightly sanded the back and side of the duracell and they started working

Someone at my office had that same problem. Scratched the plastic coating off of the battery rim where the little metal tab touches the + side and it worked fine.

Batteries with a bitter taste coating, called bitterand.... Won't work in the airtag. However, rubbing alcohol b=rubbed lightly on the battery will remove the bitterand and then they will work fine.

I had the exact same issue with the Costco batteries...I tried sanding the battery slightly with fine (800 grit) sandpaper and the AirTag worked immediately ...

The rubbing alcohol solution is definitely better...I'll try that next time as I've got the multipack

Rubbing the saliva does work, but please don’t like it!! I can’t get the taste out! I brush my tongue several times!