This battery security function can break your Apple AirTags. Here is tips on how to repair it

The opposite day somebody purchased me a few Apple AirTags to take a look at. Apparently, they each stopped working after having the battery changed just a few days earlier.

Did each AirTags simply resolve to die on the identical time?

Uncertain.

My first clue was that they each determined to die when the battery was modified.

Had been the batteries defective? 

No.

The truth is, the explanation why the AirTags stopped working is due to a security function that some producers are including to their lithium coin cells to stop them from being eaten and swallowed by youngsters.

The issue: security coatings

Button cells may appear innocent sufficient, but when swallowed they will trigger severe well being issues–together with everlasting harm and demise (a extra graphic description of the accidents may be discovered right here)–in a really brief time period. They’re harmful even when discharged, so care must be taken all through the entire of the battery’s lifecycle.

To discourage infants and toddlers from placing them of their mouths, some makers are making use of a coating of an especially bitter compound known as Bitrex to the button cell.

And belief me, these things is extremely bitter (sure, I’ve tried it, so you do not have to).

However the issue is that this coating may be problematic when the button cell is utilized in some units.

And a type of units is Apple’s AirTags. Apple even mentions it within the battery alternative directions.

You would purchase batteries that do not have the bitter coating on them, however given how harmful lithium coin cells are, I would not do that if there’s an opportunity of kids getting maintain of them.

Alternatively, you possibly can take away the coating. However once more, the coating is doing an necessary job in conserving younger ones secure, so I am very reluctant to take away all of it.

The repair for AirTags that cease working after a battery swap

My answer has been to take away a few of it, or simply sufficient Bitrex for the battery contact to the touch the metallic of the button cell.

You need not clear an enormous patch for the AirTag. Simply sufficient for a tiny contact.

I take advantage of an alcohol wipe–a lens cleansing swab or injection swab will do the job–to scrub off a small part of the coating. No swabs? A pencil eraser additionally does the job–simply do not choose something that you’ll put in your mouth afterward!

I discover that cleansing a couple of quarter of the coin cell is sufficient for the battery to make contact, whereas on the identical time retaining sufficient of the bitter compound to discourage ingestion. 

Then it is a case of test-fitting the battery.

You may know when the battery makes correct contact with the AirTag as a result of it emits a little bit tune.

For different units, it is a comparable course of of creating positive the contacts align with the cleaned portion of the battery.

As for tips on how to hold youngsters secure round button cells, here is what it’s best to do:

• Purchase high quality manufacturers — these are extra doubtless to make use of be constructed to greater requirements and use security options.
• Hold batteries of their unique packaging till wanted.
• Hold them out of sight.
• Solely take away a small portion of the bitter coating, and solely do this if wanted.
• If units have security options on the battery compartment–equivalent to screws or tabs–ensure to refit them.
• Get rid of used button cells safely.