PSA: Don't replace your AirTag battery with a rechargeable one - or else this happens

Source: ZDNet

Don’t use these in your AirTags! – Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET

Key Takeaways

• LIR2032 Li‑Ion rechargeable cells resemble the safer CR2032 cells, but there are big differences.
• They have a higher voltage but a much lower capacity.
• Several AirTags have been damaged by these rechargeable cells.

I’m trying to remember life before Apple AirTags. I used to misplace a lot of stuff and have torn my couch apart looking for keys.

Now I have AirTags on everything important that can get lost: keys, wallets, suitcases – even my bike.

Also: I extended my AirTag’s battery life to 10 years with this $15 accessory – how it works

The only drawback of AirTag ownership is that I’m throwing out a handful of old CR2032 button cells every year. It feels wasteful, but there’s no real alternative (you can power AirTags from AA or AAA batteries, but that makes them significantly bigger).

To address this, a local business tried an alternative. A holiday‑rental property used AirTags to keep an eye on keys after losing several sets. AirTags reduced the cost of replacements and the amount of deposits customers lost.

Also: So many button batteries I’ve tested have hidden dangers – but this brand gets it right

Like me, the company didn’t like throwing out button cells each year, so they switched to rechargeable cells. After all, LIR2032 cells are the same size as CR2032 cells and fit the same battery slot. Surely they’re the same, right?

Wrong.

Battery Comparison

Regular, disposable CR2032 cells have a nominal voltage of 3 V and a capacity of 240 mAh. LIR2032 cells look the same but have a nominal voltage of 3.6 V and a capacity of only 40 mAh – six times less. Higher‑capacity rechargeable cells called LIR2032H exist, but they still only provide about 70 mAh.

They might look the same, but LIR2032 cells are very different from CR2032 cells. – Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET

At best, this means much more frequent battery changes (every two to three months instead of once a year).

Problems with LIR2032 Cells

1. Rapid, un‑warninged discharge – the AirTag can die suddenly, leaving the attached item vulnerable to loss.
2. Depth‑of‑discharge damage – cells can be discharged to a point where they can’t be recharged, potentially leaking electrolyte and damaging the AirTag.
3. Incorrect charging can also damage the cells.

I’ve seen several AirTags damaged by these rechargeable cells.

Also: I gave my AirTag a 5‑year battery life with this accessory – and it took just minutes to set up

Bottom Line

Although it’s tempting, I don’t recommend using rechargeable cells in AirTags. I know it feels wasteful to replace a bunch of CR2032 cells every year, but it’s better than using a battery that doesn’t last long, could die without warning, and might even damage your AirTags.

Recommendation

Use good‑quality CR2032 batteries in your AirTags. I recommend the Energizer Color Alert cells, which have several safety mechanisms to prevent accidental ingestion:

Energizer Color Alert CR2032 (2‑Pack)

Keep the rechargeable LIR2032 batteries for devices that come with them fitted from the factory (e.g., car key fobs, solar‑powered calculators).