How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Apple AirTag
Why does an Apple AirTag battery drain quickly?
Apple's AirTag is a lifesaver for travellers and forgetful individuals alike. A key advantage of the device is that it requires no charging; it runs on a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which Apple claims should last about a year. However, some users report that the battery drains much sooner. The reason is simple: energy consumption depends directly on how actively you use the device's features. While second-generation models are now available, the principles of energy efficiency remain the same.
How to save energy and avoid problems
An AirTag does not have an "off" button because it constantly sends signals to nearby Apple devices. However, you can change certain habits to conserve power. For instance, frequently triggering sound alerts or using the Precision Finding feature too often consumes energy rapidly. The Ultra Wideband chip used for Precision Finding actively connects to your iPhone or Apple Watch, which requires additional resources. Environmental conditions are also important. The operating range for an AirTag is between -20°C and 60°C. Storing it in extremely cold or hot places, such as a car boot, negatively impacts battery performance. Furthermore, an AirTag that is constantly in motion consumes more energy than one that remains stationary.
Battery replacement and quality control
When you see an orange battery icon next to your AirTag in the Find My app, it is time to replace the battery. When power is low, the device automatically restricts certain functions, such as sound alerts or Precision Finding. Replacing the battery is simple: twist and remove the stainless steel cover, take out the old battery, and insert a new one with the positive side facing up. Apple recommends purchasing batteries from reputable brands, as generic or cheap alternatives often do not last as long. Note that some batteries with bitterant coatings may be incompatible with the device. To stay prepared, simply note the date when you replace the battery and set a reminder for the following year. With these simple steps, your AirTag will always be ready to help you find your belongings when you need it most.