LR44 batteries go in with the flat positive side facing up
An LR44 battery is a small, round button cell about the size of a dime. It has a flat positive (+) side and a rounded negative (−) side. To insert one, open your device's battery compartment, place the battery with the flat side up, and close the cover. The flat side must face the metal contact inside the compartment — if it faces down, the device will not work.
Most devices that use LR44 batteries hold one or two cells. Check your device's manual or the inside of the battery compartment lid — it usually shows a diagram with + and − symbols telling you which way the battery goes. If there is no diagram, the flat side always goes up toward the lid.
LR44 batteries are also sold under other names: A76, AG13, 357, SR44, and 303. These are not all identical — some have different chemistry and voltage — but they are the same physical size and fit the same compartment. If your device originally came with an LR44, stick with LR44 replacements to avoid problems.
Key Takeaways
- The flat positive side of the LR44 must face up toward the lid or contact point inside the battery compartment.
- Most devices show a diagram inside the battery cover with + and − symbols to guide placement.
- LR44 batteries are sold under multiple names (A76, AG13, 357) but are not all the same — use the exact type your device originally contained.
- If a device does not work after you insert a new battery, remove it, wait a few seconds, and reinsert it to make sure the contacts are clean and seated properly.
Where to find the battery compartment
The battery compartment is usually on the back or bottom of your device. Look for a small rectangular or circular door with a slot or screw. Some compartments slide open; others require you to unscrew a tiny screw with a coin or small screwdriver.
If you cannot find the compartment, check the device's manual or look along the edges and seams. Hearing aid batteries, watch batteries, and calculator batteries are almost always accessed from the back. Toys and small electronics may have the compartment on the bottom or side.
Steps to insert the battery safely
First, wash your hands or wear clean gloves. Oils from your skin can leave a film on the battery and contacts, which reduces conductivity. Open the compartment gently — do not force it, or you may crack the plastic.
Pick up the new LR44 battery with your fingers or tweezers. If the compartment has a diagram, follow it exactly. If not, place the battery with the flat side up. Press down gently until you hear or feel a small click, which means the battery is seated in the contacts. Close the compartment and test the device.
If the device does not turn on, open the compartment again, remove the battery, wait five seconds, and reinsert it. Sometimes the contacts need a second seating to make a good connection. If it still does not work, the battery may be dead, or the device may need service.
How to remove an old battery
Open the battery compartment the same way you would to insert a new one. If the old battery is stuck, do not pry at it with a metal tool — you may damage the contacts. Instead, tilt the device slightly so the battery slides toward the edge of the compartment, then lift it out gently with your fingernail or a plastic tool.
Dispose of the old battery according to your local rules. Many areas have battery recycling programs at electronics stores or waste facilities. Do not throw LR44 batteries in the trash if your area requires recycling — they contain mercury or other materials that need proper handling.
Why the battery direction matters
An LR44 battery has two terminals: the flat positive side and the rounded negative side. The device's compartment has two metal contacts that match these terminals. If you insert the battery upside down, the contacts will not touch the right sides of the battery, and no current will flow.
Some devices have a spring or clip inside the compartment that holds the battery in place. This spring usually touches the negative side, so the flat positive side must face the other contact. If you are unsure, the diagram on the compartment lid will show you.
Troubleshooting when the device still does not work
If you have inserted the battery correctly and the device still does not work, the problem may be dirty contacts. Open the compartment and look at the metal contacts inside. If they are dark, dull, or corroded, wipe them gently with a clean, dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Then reinsert the battery.
If the contacts are clean and the battery is in the right direction, the battery itself may be dead. LR44 batteries last anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the device and how often you use it. Try a fresh battery from a new package. If that does not work, the device may have a broken contact or internal problem that requires repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I do not have an LR44?
No. LR44 batteries are a specific size, and a larger or smaller battery will not fit the compartment or make proper contact. Using the wrong size can damage the device or create a safety hazard. Always use the exact battery type listed in your device's manual.
How long does an LR44 battery last?
It depends on the device. A hearing aid battery may last one to three weeks because hearing aids draw power constantly. A watch battery may last one to three years. A calculator battery may last several years if you use it occasionally. Check your device's manual for an estimate.
What if the battery is stuck and I cannot remove it?
Do not force it. Tilt the device gently to let the battery slide toward the edge of the compartment. If it is truly stuck, you may have inserted it upside down and the edges are wedged. Try tilting in different directions. If it still will not budge, stop and take the device to a repair shop rather than risk breaking the contacts.
Is it safe to touch an LR44 battery with my bare hands?
Yes, it is safe to touch briefly. However, oils from your skin can coat the battery and reduce contact with the device's terminals. Wash your hands first, or wear clean gloves or use tweezers to handle the battery. This is especially important for hearing aids and medical devices.
Why does my device work for a few seconds and then stop?
The battery is probably not seated properly. Remove it, wait a few seconds, and reinsert it firmly until you feel it click into place. If the problem continues, the contacts may be dirty — wipe them with a clean cloth and try again. If it still fails, the battery is likely dead.