If your AirTag cannot be found after replacing its battery, the issue may be due to improper battery installation, battery compatibility, or a temporary connection problem with your iPhone or the Find My network. Follow these steps to restore connectivity and make your AirTag visible again.
Verify Battery Installation
Ensure Correct Battery Orientation
AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery. When inserting it, make sure the positive side (+) faces upward toward the cover. An incorrect orientation prevents the device from powering on.
Confirm Proper Contact
After inserting the battery, press down until you hear a sound from the AirTag. This chime confirms that the battery is seated correctly and that the AirTag has power.
If there’s no sound, remove the battery, wipe both the battery and contact points with a dry cloth, and reinsert it.
Check Battery Compatibility
Avoid Batteries With Coatings
Some CR2032 batteries, especially Duracell models with a bitter coating, may block the AirTag’s battery contacts and prevent power flow. Use a standard CR2032 lithium coin cell without any protective coating.
Use a Fresh, Verified Battery
Ensure the replacement battery is new and not expired. Weak or used batteries may not provide enough voltage to power the AirTag.
Restart the AirTag
Restarting the AirTag can help it reconnect properly:
- Remove the battery cover by pressing and twisting counterclockwise.
- Take out the battery.
- Reinsert it and press until you hear a chime.
- Replace the cover and twist clockwise until it locks.
Once restarted, bring it near your iPhone and open the Find My app to check if it reappears.
Check iPhone Bluetooth and Find My Settings
Enable Bluetooth and Location Services
Go to Settings → Bluetooth and toggle it off and on again.
Then check Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services and ensure both Location Services and Precise Location are enabled.
Confirm Find My Network Settings
Navigate to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone and verify that both Find My iPhone and Find My network are turned on.
Restart Your iPhone
Restarting the iPhone clears temporary connection or pairing glitches. After the restart, open the Find My app and check if the AirTag appears under the Items tab.
Remove and Reconnect the AirTag
If the AirTag was previously linked but still cannot be found:
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap Items → select the AirTag (if it appears).
- Scroll down and tap Remove Item.
- Bring the AirTag close to your iPhone and start the pairing process again.
Follow the setup prompts until it’s added successfully.
Check for Firmware and iOS Updates
Update iPhone Software
Go to Settings → General → Software Update and ensure you’re using the latest version of iOS. Outdated software can prevent AirTag communication.
Allow AirTag Firmware to Update
After successful reconnection, keep your AirTag near your iPhone for at least 15–30 minutes to allow any pending firmware update to install automatically.
Reset the AirTag
If the AirTag still cannot be found, perform a full reset:
- Remove the cover and battery.
- Reinsert the battery until you hear a chime.
- Repeat this step five times until you’ve heard five chimes in total.
- After the fifth sound, secure the cover back on.
Now, try reconnecting it again using your iPhone.
When to Contact Apple Support
If your AirTag remains undetected after following all steps, it may indicate a hardware issue or a defective battery contact. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance or replacement.