Yes, you can replace the battery in most Tile trackers yourself
Most Tile models use a standard coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or special knowledge. The process takes about a minute. You open the back of the device, slide out the old battery, and slide in a new one of the same type. After that, your Tile works the same way it did before.
The battery type depends on which Tile model you own. Tile Slim, Tile Sticker, and Tile Mate all use different batteries. Before you buy a replacement, you need to know which model you have and what battery it takes. The model name is printed on the back of the device or in the Tile app under your device settings.
Battery life varies by model. Tile Mate lasts about three to four years before the battery runs down. Tile Slim and Tile Sticker last about two years. Once the battery is dead, you cannot recharge it — you have to replace it with a new one.
Key Takeaways
- Tile trackers use replaceable coin-cell batteries that you can change yourself without opening the device with tools.
- Different Tile models use different battery types: Tile Mate uses CR2032, Tile Slim uses CR2032, and Tile Sticker uses CR2032.
- You can find the correct battery type on the back of your Tile or in the Tile app under device settings.
- Replacement batteries cost between $3 and $8 and are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- The battery swap takes about one minute and requires no tools or technical knowledge.
Which battery does your Tile model use
The most common Tile models all use the CR2032 coin-cell battery. This is a round, flat battery about the size of a dime. Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker all take CR2032. If you own an older Tile model or a specialty version, check the back of the device or open the Tile app, tap the device, and look under "Device Info" or "Settings" to confirm the battery type.
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. You can buy them at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8. Some stores sell them in multipacks, which costs less per battery if you own several Tile devices or want spares on hand.
Do not guess at the battery type. Using the wrong battery can damage the device or cause it to malfunction. If you cannot find the battery type on your Tile, contact Tile support through the app before you buy a replacement.
How to open your Tile and remove the old battery
Tile trackers do not have screws. Instead, the back panel slides off by hand. Hold the Tile with the front facing you. Use your fingernail or a plastic tool (like a credit card edge) to gently pry up the edge of the back panel. Once you have a gap, slide the panel toward the top or bottom of the device — the direction varies by model — until it comes free.
Inside, you will see the battery sitting in a small slot. It is round and metallic. Slide it out gently. Do not force it. If it does not move easily, make sure you have the panel fully open and that you are sliding in the right direction.
Keep the back panel somewhere safe while you swap the battery. You will need it to close the device again.
Installing the new battery and closing the device
Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is facing up. The positive side (marked with a +) should face up toward you. Slide the new battery into the slot where the old one was. It should sit flat and flush with the slot. Do not force it.
Once the battery is in place, slide the back panel back onto the device. Line up the edges and push it down or to the side — whichever direction it came off — until you hear or feel a small click. The panel should sit flush with no gaps.
Open the Tile app and check that your device appears as connected. If it does, the battery swap was successful. If the device does not show up, remove the back panel, check that the battery is seated correctly, and try again.
What to do if your Tile will not turn on after the battery swap
If your Tile does not appear in the app after you install the new battery, the most common cause is that the battery is not seated properly. Remove the back panel again and check that the battery is sitting flat in its slot with the positive side facing up. Push it down gently to make sure it is making contact.
If the battery is seated correctly and the device still does not show up, try removing the battery for 30 seconds, then reinstalling it. This can reset the device. If that does not work, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different new battery from a different package or store.
If you have tried these steps and the Tile still will not connect, the device may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery. Contact Tile support through the app for further help.
When to replace your Tile battery before it dies
You do not have to wait until your Tile stops working to replace the battery. The Tile app will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a new battery and swap it before your device stops tracking.
If you ignore the low-battery warning and the battery dies, your Tile will not respond to the app or to Bluetooth searches. You will not be able to find it or ring it until you replace the battery. For this reason, it is easier to swap the battery as soon as you see the warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recharge a Tile battery instead of replacing it?
No. Tile batteries are not rechargeable. Once they run down, you must replace them with a new battery of the same type. This is different from some other trackers that use rechargeable batteries.
Where can I buy a CR2032 battery?
CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. They are common batteries used in many devices, so you should have no trouble finding them. Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery depending on the store and whether you buy a single battery or a multipack.
What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
If you install the battery with the positive side facing down instead of up, the Tile will not work. The device will not turn on or connect to the app. straightforward remove the back panel, flip the battery over so the + side faces up, and reinstall it. No damage occurs from a backwards battery in this device.
Do I need to reset my Tile after changing the battery?
No. Once you install the new battery and close the back panel, your Tile should appear in the app within a few seconds. You do not need to re-pair it or enter any settings. If it does not show up right away, wait 30 seconds and refresh the app.
How long does a new Tile battery last?
Battery life depends on your model and how often you use the device. Tile Mate typically lasts three to four years on a single battery. Tile Slim and Tile Sticker last about two years. Heavy use — ringing the device frequently or searching for it often — can shorten battery life.