4 weeks ago
21
Don't use these in your AirTags!
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- LIR2032 Li-Ion rechargeables resemble the safer CR2032 cells, but there are big differences.
- They have higher voltage but much lower capacity.
- I've come across several AirTags damaged by these rechargeable cells.
I'm trying to remember life before Apple AirTags. I used to misplace a lot of stuff, and I've accumulated more than a few gray hairs after frantically tearing my couch apart looking for keys.
That's now a thing of the past, and I have AirTags on anything 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 chucking out a handful of old CR2032 button cells every year. It feels wasteful, but there's no real alternative (well, you can power AirTags from AA and AAA batteries, but this makes them significantly bigger).
To address this, one local business thought they'd found an alternative. A holiday rental property had turned to AirTags to keep an eye on keys after losing several sets. AirTags helped to both reduce business costs to replace them and the amount of deposits the customers were losing.
Also: So many button batteries I've tested have hidden dangers - but this brand gets it right
But, like me, the company didn't like the handfuls of button cells they were having to throw out every year, so they replaced them with rechargeable cells. After all, LIR2032 cells are the same size as CR2032 cells, and they'll fit into the same battery slot. Surely they're the same, right?
Wrong.
Regular, disposable CR2032 cells have a nominal voltage of 3V and a power capacity of 240mAh. LIR2032 might look the same, but these have a higher nominal voltage of 3.6V and a much lower 40mAh capacity -- that's six times less. There are higher capacity rechargeable cells called LIR2032H, but these still only have about 70mAh.
They might look the same, but LIR2032 are very different to CR2032 cells.
This means, at best, much more frequent battery changes (every two to three months, as opposed to once a year).
But there are other problems with using these batteries. First: they die rapidly and with little or no warning, which can leave whatever the AirTag is attached to vulnerable to being lost.
Another issue is that these batteries can be discharged to a point where they can't be recharged. This can damage the battery, and I've seen a few of these cells leak the electrolyte while in use, something that could damage the host device. I've seen a few AirTags damaged by these rechargeable cells. The cells can also be damaged by incorrect charging.
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 these rechargeable cells in AirTags! I know it feels wasteful to have to put a bunch of CR2032 cells in the recycling every year, but it's better than buying a battery that doesn't last long, could die without warning, and could even damage your AirTags.
My advice instead, is to use good quality CR2032 batteries in your AirTags (I recommend Energizer Color Alert cells, which have several safety mechanisms to prevent accidental ingestion). Keep the rechargeable LIR2032 batteries for devices that have them fitted from new (things like car keyfobs, and solar-powered calculators).
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