Yes, you can change the battery in most Tile models

Most Tile trackers use a standard coin-cell battery that you can replace yourself in about two minutes. The exact battery type and replacement process depends on which Tile model you own — Tile Slim, Tile Mate, Tile Pro, or Tile Sticker each have slightly different designs. Once you swap in a fresh battery, your Tile will work as it did when new.

The main exception is the Tile Sticker, which is sealed and cannot be opened. If your Sticker's battery dies, you would need to replace the entire device. All other current Tile models are user-replaceable.

Key Takeaways

  • Tile Mate, Tile Pro, and Tile Slim all use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • To open your Tile, locate the small slot on the edge, insert a coin, and turn counterclockwise until the back pops off.
  • Once the battery is out, note which side faces up, then insert the new battery the same way and snap the back on.
  • Tile Sticker cannot be opened and must be replaced entirely if the battery dies.
  • A fresh battery typically lasts one to two years depending on how often your Tile sends a signal.

What battery your Tile uses

Tile Mate, Tile Pro, and Tile Slim all use a CR2032 battery. This is a common coin-cell battery about the size of a dime, and you can find it at pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery costs between $2 and $5, and packs of multiple batteries cost less per unit.

Check your Tile's packaging or the Tile app to confirm your model before you buy. If you own an older Tile (first or second generation), contact Tile support to confirm the battery type, as some earlier models used different batteries.

How to open your Tile and remove the old battery

Locate the small slot on the edge of your Tile's plastic case. This slot is designed to fit a coin or a flat tool. Insert a coin (a dime or penny works well) into the slot and turn it counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to loosen a screw. After a quarter turn or so, you should feel the back of the case release.

Once the back is loose, gently pry it off with your fingernail or the edge of the coin. The battery will be sitting in a small metal holder inside. Note which side of the battery is facing up — the flat side or the raised side — because you need to insert the new battery the same way. Carefully lift out the old battery and set it aside.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and insert it into the holder with the same side facing up as the old battery was. The battery should sit flat in the holder and not require force. If it feels stuck or difficult to seat, double-check that you have the correct side facing up.

Once the battery is in place, align the back of the case with the body of the Tile and press down firmly until you hear or feel a click. The case should sit flush with no gaps. Turn the coin in the slot clockwise to lock the back in place — you should feel it tighten, but do not over-tighten, as you may crack the plastic.

Testing your Tile after battery replacement

Open the Tile app on your phone and look for your Tile in the list of devices. It should show as connected and ready to use. If the app shows your Tile as offline or unreachable, try opening and closing the app, or restart your phone's Bluetooth. Wait a few seconds and check again.

If your Tile still does not appear after a restart, the battery may not be making good contact with the holder. Open the case again, remove the battery, and inspect the metal contacts inside the holder for dirt or corrosion. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth, then reinsert the battery and close the case again.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in a Tile typically lasts between one and two years. The exact lifespan depends on how often your Tile is searching for a lost item or sending its location to the Tile network. If you use your Tile frequently — pressing the button to find your keys several times a day — the battery will drain faster than if you use it rarely.

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 replacement battery and swap it in before your Tile stops working.

What to do if your Tile Sticker battery dies

The Tile Sticker is a thin, adhesive tracker designed to stick to items like credit cards or remote controls. Because of its slim design, the battery is sealed inside and cannot be replaced. Once the battery dies, you must replace the entire Sticker.

If you use Tile Stickers regularly, consider buying a replacement ahead of time so you have one ready when the battery runs out. Tile Stickers are less expensive than other Tile models, which makes replacement more practical than it would be for a Tile Pro or Tile Mate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

Your Tile will not work if the battery is reversed. The metal contacts inside the case are designed to connect to only one side of the battery. If your Tile does not turn on after replacement, open it again and flip the battery 180 degrees, making sure the same side faces up as the original battery did.

Can I use a different battery type instead of CR2032?

No. The CR2032 is the correct and only battery type for Tile Mate, Pro, and Slim. Using a different battery may damage your Tile or cause it to malfunction. Always buy a CR2032 specifically.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new Tile?

Replacing the battery is far cheaper. A CR2032 costs a few dollars, while a new Tile costs $20 to $35. Since the battery lasts one to two years, replacing it multiple times is still much more affordable than buying a new device.

Do I need to re-pair my Tile with my phone after changing the battery?

No. Your Tile should reconnect to the app automatically once the new battery is installed and the case is closed. If it does not appear in the app within a minute, restart your phone's Bluetooth and check again.

Where can I buy a CR2032 battery?

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, electronics retailers, and online. They are one of the most common battery types, so you should find them easily and inexpensively wherever batteries are sold.