The Apple Find My network makes the Apple AirTag a great Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users. The tag is reliable, precise, informative, and relatively inexpensive. A single CR2032 battery powers the tiny device that supports Bluetooth and ultrawideband (UWB) connectivity and has a speaker to boot.
Though AirTag is a simple device, it can be prone to issues. I have AirTags to track different items in my home, including my keys, wallet, purse, and, occasionally, my kids. But I’ve recently been plagued by a problem with my AirTags: low battery warnings within weeks of replacing a battery.
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I’m not alone. A quick Google search shows dozens of people who want answers for this issue. Thankfully, there could be a simple solution: wiping your AirTag clean. If I had known this measure was so effective, I wouldn’t have wasted two hours one morning turning the house upside down looking for the car keys, only to find out they were locked in the car.
What to do if your AirTag battery is dying too soon
What you’ll need: The troublesome AirTag and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
You can open the Apple AirTag by twisting off the faceplate while holding the tracker. This step will give you access to the battery.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe your AirTag’s battery. Don’t be too forceful or touch the battery too much with bare hands to avoid getting oils on its surface.
Gently wipe the inside of the AirTag with the microfiber cloth and then replace the battery. Twist the cover back on and test it out. If this is why your AirTag battery is coming up as depleted, then your battery should show up as full once you re-insert it.
Why does my AirTag battery drain too fast?
Unfortunately, the child-safe coating on coin-cell batteries can interfere with the correct Apple AirTag functionality, so your tracker can falsely alert you of a low battery. Remove the battery and wipe it clean with a dry microfiber cloth to discover if this is the case.
CR2032 batteries are coin-cell batteries that have proven enticing to children under three years. Many manufacturers coat them with a bitterant agent in response to the choking and burning hazards they present. If a child tried to eat one of these batteries, they’d find it far too bitter to taste and promptly spit it out before the battery could cause damage.
Also: Attention Apple AirTag users: Don’t ignore this warning
However, coin-cell batteries should always be kept out of the reach of children and responsibly disposed of when depleted.
How long do AirTag batteries last?
A CR2032 battery can last over a year of regular use in an AirTag. However, this daily use entails an average of four play-sound events and one precision-finding event, so your mileage may vary.
What if my AirTag battery is still low after wiping it?
If your AirTag battery is still low after wiping, you should consider replacing it with a new one. You should also check for AirTag firmware upgrades in the Apple Find My app.
If you believe your AirTag’s battery life is low given the use you put it through, you could check with Apple customer service in case it’s a hardware problem.
What are the best AirTag batteries?
I’ve had the best luck with AirTag batteries with the Duracell 2032 option. The battery has a bitter coating to make it child-safe, but Duracell claims it is compatible with the Apple AirTag, and I’ve never had issues with it.
Also: The best GPS trackers for kids in 2025: Expert recommended
You can also buy other high-quality CR2032 batteries from Energizer and Amazon Basics.
