Replacing a Tile battery takes about two minutes and costs between $3 and $5
Your Tile tracker stops working when its battery dies, but you do not need to buy a new one. Tile devices use standard coin-cell batteries — the same flat, round batteries in watches and calculators — that you can swap out yourself. The exact battery type depends on which Tile model you own, but the replacement process is nearly identical across all of them.
The most common Tile models use either a CR2032 or CR2025 battery, both available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars. Once you have the right battery, you open the Tile's case, remove the old battery, and snap in the new one. Your Tile will start working again when ready — there is no pairing or setup required.
Key Takeaways
- Tile trackers use replaceable coin-cell batteries, most commonly CR2032 or CR2025, which cost $3 to $5 and are sold at most drugstores.
- You can identify which battery your Tile needs by checking the model name on the back of the device or looking it up on Tile's website.
- Opening the Tile case requires only gentle prying with a fingernail or plastic tool — no screwdriver or special equipment needed.
- After inserting the new battery, your Tile will work when ready without any re-pairing or app changes.
Identify your Tile model and battery type
The first step is knowing which battery your Tile uses. Look at the back of your Tile device — you should see a model name printed there, such as "Tile Slim," "Tile Mate," "Tile Pro," or "Tile Sticker." Write down this name or take a photo.
Once you know the model, you have two options to find the battery type. The easiest is to visit Tile's official website and search for your model name in their support section — the battery type will be listed in the product specifications. Alternatively, you can search online for "[Your Tile Model] battery type" and you will find the answer in seconds. Most Tile Mate and Tile Pro models use CR2032. Tile Slim uses CR2025. Tile Sticker uses CR2032. If you are unsure, buying a CR2032 is the safer choice because it is the most common type across Tile products.
Buy the correct replacement battery
Once you know the battery type, you can buy it almost anywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock coin-cell batteries in their pharmacy or health and beauty sections. Supermarkets usually carry them near the checkout or in the pharmacy. Online retailers like Amazon sell multi-packs if you want extras on hand. A single battery costs $2 to $5 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
When you buy the battery, check the package to confirm it matches the type you need — the package will clearly show "CR2032" or "CR2025" in large text. Do not assume all coin-cell batteries are the same size; they look similar but CR2032 and CR2025 are different thicknesses and will not work in the wrong device.
Open the Tile case
Tile cases are designed to open without tools. Hold the Tile in one hand with the back facing up. Look for a small seam or line running around the edge of the case — this is where the two halves separate. Using your fingernail or a plastic tool like a guitar pick or old credit card, gently pry along this seam. Start at one corner and work your way around. You should feel the case begin to separate after a few seconds of gentle pressure.
Do not force it. If the case is not budging, you are likely prying in the wrong spot or using too much pressure. The case will pop open with light, steady pressure once you find the right angle. If you are worried about damaging it, a plastic spoon or the edge of a plastic bag can also work — anything that will not scratch the device.
Remove the old battery and insert the new one
Once the case is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small circular slot. It is usually held in place by nothing more than gravity, though some models have a small metal clip on one side. If there is a clip, gently lift it away from the battery. Then lift out the old battery — it should come free with minimal effort.
Before inserting the new battery, note which side was facing up on the old one. Coin-cell batteries have a positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a negative side. The positive side should face up toward you when you look into the Tile. Slide the new battery into the slot with the positive side up, and if there is a metal clip, gently press it back down over the battery to hold it in place. The battery should sit flat and flush with the slot.
Close the case and test your Tile
Press the two halves of the case back together. You should hear or feel a small click as they snap into place. If they do not snap together smoothly, the battery may not be seated correctly — open the case again and check that the battery is sitting flat in its slot. Once the case is closed, your Tile is ready to use.
Open the Tile app on your phone and look for your device in the list. If the app shows your Tile as "Connected" or displays its location, the battery replacement worked. You can also press the button on your Tile — if it makes a sound or lights up, the battery is working. There is no need to re-pair your Tile or change any settings in the app. If your Tile still does not appear in the app after a few seconds, try closing and reopening the app, or move closer to the Tile to see if it connects.
What to do with the old battery
Do not throw the old battery in the trash. Coin-cell batteries contain materials that should be recycled. Most drugstores and supermarkets that sell batteries also have battery recycling programs — ask at the customer service desk or look for a battery recycling bin near the checkout. Some electronics retailers like Best Buy also accept old batteries for recycling.
If you cannot find a local option, search online for "battery recycling near me" to find a facility in your area. Many communities have hazardous waste collection events where you can drop off batteries for free. Taking a few seconds to recycle keeps these materials out of landfills and allows them to be reused in new products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Tile battery last?
Most Tile batteries last between one and three years depending on how often you use the device. Tiles that are pressed frequently or used to locate items daily will drain faster than Tiles that sit in a drawer. When the battery gets low, the Tile app will send you a notification telling you to replace it.
Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find the right one?
No. CR2032 and CR2025 are different thicknesses, and using the wrong one will either not fit in the slot or will not make proper contact with the device. Always use the exact battery type your Tile model requires. If your local store does not have it, order online — it will arrive in a day or two.
What if my Tile still does not work after I replace the battery?
First, open the case again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the slot with the positive side facing up. If it is, try closing and reopening the Tile app on your phone. If the Tile still does not appear, the device itself may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery. Contact Tile's support team through their website for troubleshooting steps.
Do I need to unpair my Tile before replacing the battery?
No. You can replace the battery without touching the app or unpairing anything. Your Tile will reconnect automatically once the new battery is in place and the case is closed.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. Tile batteries are standard consumer batteries with no special handling required. You are not opening any electrical circuits or handling anything dangerous. The only risk is dropping the small battery, so work over a table or surface where you can easily find it if it rolls away.