If you do not replace the battery in your AirTag, several consequences will occur:
Battery Life and Notifications
- Low Battery Warning: When the battery is low, your iPhone will send a notification indicating that the AirTag's battery needs replacement. You can also check the battery status through the Find My app, where it will show "Low Battery" if the charge is very low[1][4].- Functionality Loss: Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will stop functioning. This means it will no longer be able to communicate with your iPhone or provide location tracking. However, the AirTag remains paired with your Apple ID, so when you replace the battery, it should reconnect automatically[4][1].
Duration of Battery Life
- Expected Lifespan: The battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal usage conditions. Factors such as usage frequency and the quality of the replacement batteries can affect this duration[8][6].Specific Issues with Battery Replacement
- Compatibility Problems: Some batteries, particularly those with safety coatings (like certain Duracell models), may not work properly in AirTags due to interference with electrical contacts. This can lead to new batteries failing to power the device even if they are fresh[2][7]. If you encounter issues after replacing the battery, ensure you're using a compatible CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery without a bitterant coating or consider modifying the coating carefully to ensure proper contact[2][3].In summary, neglecting to replace your AirTag's battery will result in loss of functionality and tracking capabilities. Regular checks and timely replacements are essential for maintaining its operational status.
Citations:[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/102600
[2] https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/smart-office/this-battery-safety-feature-can-break-your-airtags-and-other-devices-heres-how-to-fix-it/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukju7kGqO2I
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/AirTags/comments/1222c0y/whats_supposed_to_happen_when_the_airtag_battery/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7nW8k8MS8w
[6] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/airtag-battery-does-not-last-long.2371378/
[7] https://talk.tidbits.com/t/here-s-why-your-airtag-battery-replacement-is-not-working/19899
[8] https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-remove-replace-apple-airtag-battery/