Why "Compatible with AirTag" is Suddenly a Thing?

[FoxyKaye]

I saw this mentioned somewhere on one of the AirTag2 threads, and just encountered it ordering new CR2032 batteries online: Is "Compatible with AirTag" suddenly a thing? Wouldn't *any* CR2032 battery be compatible with an AirTag, or has something changed that I missed? Thanks for any thoughts on this!

 

[Weaselboy]

I think they are referring to the "bitter" coating some batteries have. The idea is the coating tastes horrible, so a child would spit out the battery rather than potentially swallow it.

That bitter coating interferes with the electrical connection in Airtags, so bitter coated batteries won't work.

I spent an hour one day fussing with trying to replace an Airtag battery before I stumbled onto the solution in a Google search. I was able to get the Duracell battery I bought to work by cleaning the bitter coating off with alcohol.

If you search Amazon, you can find batteries without the bitter coating.

Duracell Battery Products | CR 2032 Lithium Coin Battery with Bitter Coating

Duracell has a tradition of investing in the extensive development of features that can help keep children safe, especially for its Lithium Coin batteries. With its latest innovation the CR 2032 3 Volt cells are bitter on both sides! The non-toxic bitter coating on the cell that is designed to...

duracell.com

 

[FoxyKaye]

I think they are referring to the "bitter" coating some batteries have. The idea is the coating tastes horrible, so a child would spit out the battery rather than potentially swallow it...

Huh... That's good to know, and thank you!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

@Weaselboy has it right, but specifically - "Made for AirTags" may indicate that it DOES have a bitterant coating AND is compatible. This article gives a little more detail.

I assume the way they make it "compatible" is to use bitterant coating on some areas, and keep it off others. Not totally sure about that though.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Running them under water works too.

 

[jerry78]

Good question. Technically any CR2032 should work in an AirTag.
The “Compatible with AirTag” label is mostly marketing, but Apple does recommend avoiding cells with coatings/additives that can damage the contacts. Sticking with reputable brands usually avoids issues.
Curious if anyone has actually seen problems with generic cells.

 

[andyw715]

You could just lick off the coating.

 

[FoxyKaye]

You could just lick off the coating.

OK, true story: I wanted to see if it was truly as awful (and therefore, supposedly preventative of ingestion by babies) as it claims. So on a dare from my son (in exchange for a Starbucks), I *did* give one of the batteries a lick, and HOLY COW, it is bitter, nasty, and lingers. Our entire family got a really good laugh, so I guess, yay for product safety? LOL

 

[Hajj.david]

OK, true story: I wanted to see if it was truly as awful (and therefore, supposedly preventative of ingestion by babies) as it claims. So on a dare from my son (in exchange for a Starbucks), I *did* give one of the batteries a lick, and HOLY COW, it is bitter, nasty, and lingers. Our entire family got a really good laugh, so I guess, yay for product safety? LOL

Taking one for the team!

 

[TumbleDryer]

mmmm... batteries.

 

[andyw715]

OK, true story: I wanted to see if it was truly as awful (and therefore, supposedly preventative of ingestion by babies) as it claims. So on a dare from my son (in exchange for a Starbucks), I *did* give one of the batteries a lick, and HOLY COW, it is bitter, nasty, and lingers. Our entire family got a really good laugh, so I guess, yay for product safety? LOL

I also tried a bit ago. I hadn't really paid attention to packaging. And when I saw "Child Secure with bitter coating" I though hmm, I wonder... yeah not good. lol