Replace the battery by sliding the old one out and a fresh CR2032 coin cell in
A Tile tracker's battery lasts about three years before it runs down. When your Tile stops finding your keys or wallet, a dead battery is usually the reason. The fix takes less than five minutes and costs about three dollars for a replacement CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any drugstore, grocery store, or online.
You do not need tools, glue, or a technician. The battery slides out from the side of the Tile, and a new one slides back in. After you insert the fresh battery, your Tile will reconnect to the app automatically within a few seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Tile batteries are CR2032 coin cells that slide out sideways from a slot on the edge of the device.
- You can buy replacement CR2032 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for two to five dollars each.
- After inserting a fresh battery, open the Tile app and wait a few seconds for the device to reconnect.
- If your Tile still does not work after a battery replacement, the device itself may be damaged and cannot be repaired.
Locate the battery slot on the edge of your Tile
The battery compartment is a thin horizontal slot on the side or edge of your Tile. Look for a small rectangular opening about the width of a coin. On most Tile models, this slot is on the flat edge of the device, not on the front or back face.
If you have trouble spotting it, hold the Tile up to a light and look along all four edges. The slot will be slightly recessed and may have a faint line around it. Do not confuse it with the speaker hole or any other opening.
Slide the old battery out using a fingernail or coin
Insert your fingernail, a coin, or a plastic spoon handle into the battery slot and gently push the old battery sideways. The battery will slide out partway. Once you see the edge of the battery, grip it with your fingers and pull it the rest of the way out.
If the battery is stuck, do not force it. Try using a plastic tool instead of metal—a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card works well. Metal tools can scratch the inside of the slot. Push slowly and steadily rather than jabbing.
Buy and prepare a CR2032 replacement battery
A CR2032 is a standard coin cell battery about the size of a dime and slightly thicker. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), supermarkets (Walmart, Target, grocery stores), dollar stores, and online (Amazon, eBay). A single battery costs between two and five dollars. Some stores sell them in multipacks for less per battery if you want spares.
Before you insert the new battery, check that the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) faces outward. The negative side (flat or marked with a −) faces inward toward the Tile's circuit board. If you insert it backward, the Tile will not power on.
Insert the new battery and test the connection
Slide the fresh CR2032 into the battery slot with the positive side facing out. Push it in slowly until you hear or feel a small click, which means the battery is seated properly. The battery should sit flush with the edge of the Tile—not sticking out.
Open the Tile app on your phone within a few seconds. The app will show your Tile as connected within five to ten seconds if the battery is installed correctly. If the app still shows the device as offline after thirty seconds, remove the battery, flip it around, and try again with the opposite side facing out.
Confirm your Tile is working before you leave
Once the app shows your Tile as connected, tap the ring button in the app to make your Tile play a sound. If you hear a beep or see the light flash, the battery replacement was successful. Your Tile is now ready to find your belongings again.
If the Tile does not make a sound or reconnect after you have tried both battery directions, the device itself may be damaged. Tile devices cannot be repaired—they are designed to be replaced. Check whether your Tile is still under warranty by logging into your Tile account online.
Store extra batteries and plan ahead
Since CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, consider buying a few extras when you replace your first one. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short-circuit them. A small plastic bag or battery organizer works well.
Mark your calendar about two and a half years after you replace the battery so you remember to check your Tile's status before it dies completely. A Tile that stops working suddenly is often just a dead battery, but catching it early means you will not lose track of your keys or wallet while waiting for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size instead of CR2032?
No. Tile devices are designed only for CR2032 coin cells. Other battery sizes will not fit the slot or will not power the device correctly. Always use a CR2032 replacement.
What if the battery slot is too tight and I cannot slide the battery in?
The slot may have dust or debris inside. Use a dry cotton swab or a clean, dry cloth to wipe out the inside of the slot gently. Do not use water or liquids. If the slot is still too tight after cleaning, the device may be damaged and the battery cannot be replaced.
How long does a new CR2032 battery last in a Tile?
A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about three years in a Tile, depending on how often you use the ring button and how far away your phone is from the device. Tiles that are used more frequently may need a new battery sooner.
Can I return a Tile with a dead battery instead of replacing it myself?
Tile does not repair or replace devices with dead batteries. The battery replacement is designed to be done by the user at home. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can ask a friend or family member to help, or visit a local electronics store to see if they offer battery replacement services.
Will replacing the battery erase my Tile's location history or settings?
No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data. Your Tile will reconnect to the app and resume working exactly as it did before the battery died. All your settings and location history remain the same.