Replacing Airtag battery

[WeatherWeasel]

I have a couple of airtags that need a new battery. So I check online how to put my thumbs on the silver back and rotate it counter clockwise. the dang thing won't move .
Have I got a version that the batteries are not removable? Or is there another way. I could order new one. One is for my wallet and the other is for the dog leash (which is being mislayed in the house..)

 

[StumpyBloke]

It's exactly as you say, turn the metal cover anticlockwise. All AirTags have replaceable batteries. One of mine was a particular bitch to open so just persevere is all I can recommend.

 

[WeatherWeasel]

It's exactly as you say, turn the metal cover anticlockwise. All AirTags have replaceable batteries. One of mine was a particular bitch to open so just persevere is all I can recommend.

I understand I might need to toss it in the trash or take it to the apple store and tell them to try to remove the cover. could be a new olympic sport removing the battery. the damn thing won't budge. Was there a batch when they came out that the batteries were not replaceable?

 

[iSuzan]

Was there a batch when they came out that the batteries were not replaceable?

No. All AirTags have replacable batteries. Replaced the battery of mine 2 days ago.

Maybe you press too hard? Or just let someone else try it. Or yes.. last step... go to an Apple store.

 

[WeatherWeasel]

Thank you for the information. I feel extra wimpy now, can't get the damn thing off.

 

[antiprotest]

Ask your girl to do it and after she opens it say that you loosened it for her. That's what I do for anything that I can't open.

 

[usagora]

Do you have one of these rubber gripping pads used to help open jars, etc.? Or something else with grippy rubber?

I use those all the time to provide extra grip. Just push it against the silver part to help you twist it off.

 

[marmiteturkey]

Push gently down with your thumbs as you twist the metal cover anti-clockwise. It shouldn’t be a strength test, it should come off quite easily. If it’s hard you’re either not doing it right or it’s stuck somehow.

 

[bwillwall]

I thought you also had to push downward but I'm not sure. It's not a strength test indeed, but it is a LITTLE tricky I guess.

 

[lostPod]

I think I had to slightly push down and turn to replace

 

[PauloSera]

As mentioned, use a rubber/grippy thing. Mine was impossible to get off until I used one.

 

[WeatherWeasel]

I snagged a new airtag out of the box and it turned easily. I think what happens with use over time, it gets compressed into the locking mechanism and won't budge.

 

[russell_314]

OK I figured I will share my tip on how to do this.

I push the metal side of the AirTag against my bicycle tire. It’s a commuter bike so a smooth tire but maybe a mountain bike tire would work as well? I’m not sure. Push with the bottom edge of the palm of your hand then make an unscrewing motion like you’re taking out a lightbulb. It doesn’t take much movement and you will feel it unlock. It’s very easy!

You could probably do this against the side of your car tire. Just be careful and don’t do it in the road.

 

[professor peach]

I find that Blu Tack works a treat!

 

[WeatherWeasel]

I eventually tried everything and came to the conclusion, that the locking mechanism had become compressed deeper into the device over time and wear. So I removed them from my phone and bought new ones. I tried to move the battery on one and no problem. I assume some rat in the garbage dump is trying to get off the cover as we speak.

 

[pwingman]

You could try using a piece of sticky tape with a crease in the middle to grab hold of then twist.

Stick a piece to each side's surface to help

 

[charlescopley]

I would recommend add little petroleum jelly—seriously just a dash, the stuff spreads very easily—on the grooves so they don’t rust or get caught again

 

[Natya Sadella]

I‘m in the same situation. My battery is good but to trigger a software update, I have to remove the battery.

I push with two thumbs at the sides of the apple logo but for the love of god it‘s doing nothing when trying to rotate it. My fingers just glide over the metal. Do they expect people to have rubber skin or what the ****

 

[midorosan]

I understand I might need to toss it in the trash or take it to the apple store and tell them to try to remove the cover. could be a new olympic sport removing the battery. the damn thing won't budge. Was there a batch when they came out that the batteries were not replaceable?

Just takes a gentle push down and twist anticlockwise, replacement is simple AirTag beeps when new battery is recognised, replace top engage the slots push down gently7 and turn clockwise

 

[Panties Hank]

I eventually tried everything and came to the conclusion, that the locking mechanism had become compressed deeper into the device over time and wear. So I removed them from my phone and bought new ones. I tried to move the battery on one and no problem. I assume some rat in the garbage dump is trying to get off the cover as we speak.

Why toss it with so many free recycling options available? Or better yet, offering it to someone for free who would be willing to take a crack at it?

 

[WeatherWeasel]

Why toss it with so many free recycling options available? Or better yet, offering it to someone for free who would be willing to take a crack at it?

Because I can. And I did. In each pod, the distance between the silver and white case was less than the new pod. Therefore, the top unit was compressed below where it should have been. I was tempted to pry it off, but then again.

 

[HDFan]

Do you have one of these rubber gripping pads

I push the metal side of the AirTag against my bicycle tire.

I find that Blu Tack works a treat!

I use museum putty to hold it down. Works like a charm.