I’m a huge fan of Apple AirTags. Having the peace of mind that you can track a lost bag anywhere in the world is a game-changer for all kind of travelers. While an AirTag won’t stop an airline from misplacing your luggage, it is often the only thing that expedites its recovery when things go wrong.
However, there is one major flaw in the set it and forget it strategy: the battery.
The Silent Battery Problem
AirTags are incredibly low-maintenance. You slip one into your suitcase or wallet and usually don’t think about it again for months. But unlike your iPhone, which demands a daily charge, an AirTag battery typically lasts about a year.
Because they don’t require daily attention, it is incredibly easy to forget they need power at all. While Apple does send low-battery notifications through the Find My app, these alerts often arrive at the worst possible times—like when you’re already at the airport or in the middle of a terminal with no spare batteries in sight.
How to Proactively Check Your AirTag Battery
Don’t wait for a notification. It takes less than 30 seconds to check your status before you start packing:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Items tab at the bottom.
- Select the specific AirTag you want to check.
- Look for the Warning: Apple no longer shows a specific percentage. If the battery is healthy, you won’t see an icon. If it’s nearing the end, a red “Low Battery” banner will appear under the item’s name.
Pro-Tip: The Bitter Coating Trap
When you do replace the battery, you’ll need a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery.
Warning: Many brands (like Duracell) apply a bitter coating to these batteries to prevent children from swallowing them. This coating can actually prevent the battery from making a connection with the AirTag. If you buy these, you may need to wipe the battery down with an alcohol swab before it will work.
Add it to Your Packing Checklist
Most travelers obsess over passports and boarding passes but forget the small devices protecting their expensive gear. An AirTag is only a tracking tool if it’s powered on.
Before your next trip, make Check AirTag batteries a key part of your pre-travel routine. Replacement batteries are inexpensive and take less than a minute to swap out.
Because the worst time to discover a dead battery is when your luggage is already missing.