AirTags are a popular solution from Apple to track all your stuff. If you’re considering buying an Apple AirTag, one of the questions you’ll likely want an answer to is, are AirTags always on? If so, then read on because this article is for you.
An AirTag is always on unless the battery has been removed or has lost charge. An AirTag’s battery will last about one year before it needs to be replaced.
In this article, I explore are AirTags always on, do AirTags turn off, how long do AirTags last, and much more.
Do AirTags Turn Off?
AirTags do not turn off unless the battery has been removed or the CR2032 battery has lost its charge. As long as an AirTag has power it will continue to communicate with other Apple devices on the Find My network via short-range Bluetooth.
You can’t re-charge an AirTag, nor do you have to throw it away once an AirTag battery dies. Instead, after about one year of daily use, you will have to replace the CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, which can be done in a few simple steps shown further down in the article.
Furthermore, an AirTag does not have a button, so you cannot turn an AirTag on or off. Nor can you turn off an AirTag from within the Find My app. Removing the battery from an AirTag will prevent it from communicating with any nearby Apple devices, essentially turning off an AirTag.
How Long Do AirTags Last?
AirTags are durable and made to last. They’re splash, water, and dust resistant, boasting an IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529. Additionally, AirTags are designed to keep going for more than a year on a standard replaceable battery.
Measuring 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) in diameter, AirTags are splash, water, and dust resistant up to a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Designed to operate in an ambient temperature rage of between -4° to 140° F (−20° to 60° C), AirTags are built to last a long time.
Just like any other Apple product there is a vast array of AirTag accessories, like the AirTag Loop. And so, depending on your intended use of an AirTag, some accessories will further protect an AirTag and potentially make it last even longer.
What About An AirTag’s Battery Life?
The Panasonic CR2032 3V lithium coin cell battery that comes with an AirTag out of the box is not rechargeable. It is however easy-to-replace, and are readily available to purchase at many large retail stores.
Panasonic CR2032 Batteries
The 3V coin battery in an AirTag provides long-lasting and reliable power for about one year if used daily. The CR2032 battery is the same battery that can be found in many other electronics like your home computer, automatic watch or car key fob. Unfortunately, an AirTag does not come with an extra battery, so replacing it is a must.
Replacing an AirTag’s battery is easy. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure the silver stainless steel battery cover is facing up.
- Next, press down on the cover and rotate counterclockwise.
- Next, remove the cover and battery.
- Next, insert a new CR2032 battery positive side facing up.
- Next, replace the cover making sure that it aligns with the AirTag.
- Lastly, rotate the cover clockwise until it stops.
How Do You Turn Off An AirTag To Save Battery Power?
If you’re looking to save an AirTag’s battery, the only way to turn it off is to completely remove the battery.
You can follow the steps below if you want to save battery power. However, an AirTag is designed to use low-powered components like Bluetooth (BLE 5.2). Your AirTag will last for about one year before the battery runs out, ask yourself, do you need to power it down to save battery power?
- Ensure the silver stainless steel battery cover is facing up.
- Next, press down on the cover and rotate counterclockwise.
- Next, remove the cover and battery.
- Next, insert a new CR2032 battery positive side facing up.
- Next, replace the cover making sure that it aligns with the AirTag.
- Lastly, rotate the cover clockwise until it stops.
How Do You Disable An AirTag?
If you discover an AirTag is tracking you or your car, it can be disabled easily by removing the battery. To disable an AirTag and to stop it sharing your location, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure the silver stainless steel battery cover is facing up.
- Next, press down on the cover and rotate counterclockwise.
- Next, remove the cover and battery.
It’s important to note that removing the battery will stop the AirTag from communicating with any other nearby Bluetooth Apple device on the Find My network. However, the last know location will still be visible to the AirTag owner. Consider removing the AirTag’s battery while at a sheriff’s office or fire station.
Head over to Apple’s support page for more on unwanted AirTag tracking alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, are AirTags always on. However, you may still have other questions surrounding Apple AirTags. If you do, below I have answered some common frequently asked questions.
How often do AirTags ping?
Can you track AirTags anywhere?
Do you charge AirTags?
Final Thoughts On Are AirTags Always On
So, in conclusion. Are AirTags always on? Yes. AirTags are always on. However, an AirTag’s battery will last about one year and so it will eventually die if it’s not replaced. Additionally, an AirTag can be disabled by removing its battery. Doing so will stop the AirTag from communicating with other Bluetooth Apple devices on the Find My network.