Air tag only makes a sound if squeezed

Hello vic1973,

The AirTag should emit a beep when you insert the battery even before le lid is replaced. The battery may have a bitter coating which prevents it to work well. Use a wet towel or fine sandpaper to remove the bitter coating.

Pretty much any battery that does not advertise a bitterant will work.

Apple indicates some coin cell batteries now list compatibility with AirTags on the packaging.

Two common suggestions for removal of the bitterant are an alcohol wipe, or a cleaner such as Simple Green. (I’ve tried neither.) Wipe the entire battery, including the sides. I’d expect different vendors are using different bitterants, so the removal varies.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag - Apple Support (including info on bitterant)

I have filed this over and over and I tried the wet towel. Nothing is making a difference. If this is the coating, is there a battery apple recommends to purchase that doesn't have this coating? I've tried several brands, they all have it, and I'm beyond frustrated at the amount of effort needed just to get a battery to work in this device -- if I can get it to work at all. Right now, it finally detects location, but after 30 min of sandpaper, it still won't make a sound unless I squeeze it.