AirTag not recognized and showing low battery after battery replacement

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Level 1

8 points

AirTag not recognized and showing low battery after battery replacement

Am I the only person who finds it really difficult to replace the battery cover onto the back of the AirTag after replacing the battery? Takes me several attempts, even though I am careful to line up the 3 clips with the 3 slots first. Apple, if you're reading, there's got to be an easier way. Maybe 3 small 'retainers' on the perimeter which protrude across the battery cover to keep it in place. Then swivel outwards away from the cover so the cover falls out to replace the battery. Then swivel back across the cover. These 'retainers' themselves would be covered by the rubber ring on the key fob so there'd be no chance of them moving by accident and the battery falling out.

Currently going round in circles after replacing the batteries in 2 AirTags, with brand new, purchased today, Duracell 2032 batteries. iPhone still shows low battery. Have taken out/replaced one battery 5 times. No change in tone because there was no tone at all! Deleted one AirTag from my phone then tried to re-add it. iPhone can't find it, even though it's sitting right next to the phone. A 3rd AirTag is working. So I took the battery out of that one and used it as a replacement battery in one of the other 2 AirTags. But even though it did 'chirp' when I inserted it, when I try to Play Sound, it can't find that AirTag. I've had these AirTags nearly 3 years and never had this problem before.

Any ideas??

Come on Apple, do better!

AirTag

Posted on Sep 8, 2026 2:15 PM

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Answer 1

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PreCognition

Level 6

9,026 points

Sep 8, 2026 11:03 PM in response to PP6121

The first thing I’d check is the new batteries themselves. Apple notes that some CR2032 batteries with a bitterant coating may not make reliable contact with AirTag. Duracell sells coated versions, so look on the package for “Compatible with Apple AirTag.”

Since one AirTag didn’t chirp at all with the new battery, that’s a strong clue. Try a known-compatible CR2032 and make sure the + side faces up. You should hear a sound as soon as the battery makes contact.

For the AirTag you removed from Find My, I’d get the battery/contact issue sorted first before trying to add it again. If it chirps reliably with a compatible battery but still can’t be found, then resetting that AirTag would be the next step.

Apple’s battery instructions are here: How to replace the battery in your AirTag - Apple Support

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