How to Replace Tile Battery: Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

What this article covers:
A model-by-model breakdown of Tile battery replacement, including which Tile trackers have a replaceable battery, step-by-step instructions, what to do when your battery is non-replaceable, and how to test and recycle after a swap.

Who It’s For

• Anyone who got a low battery alert on their Tile tracker 

• Tile Mate and Tile Pro users ready to swap in a fresh battery 

• Tile Slim and Tile Sticker users wondering if replacement is even possible 

• Anyone deciding whether to replace a Tile battery or just buy new ones

Key Takeaways

• Only certain Tile models have a replaceable battery. 

• The Tile Pro (all years) and Tile Mate (2018 and 2020) have replaceable batteries. 

• The Tile Slim and Tile Sticker have non-replaceable batteries built to last up to 3 years. 

• Replaceable Tile models use either a CR1632 (Tile Mate) or CR2032 (Tile Pro) lithium coin battery. 

• After replacing, use the Tile app or the Life360 app to test the connection and dismiss the low-battery notification. 

• Recycle old batteries at a local e-waste center.

Your Tile just flashed a low-battery warning, and now you're wondering what to do next. Replacing the Tile battery takes about two minutes and costs less than a dollar, but not every Tile has a replaceable battery.

This guide walks through every current Tile model, gives you the exact steps for each replaceable battery model, and tells you when to skip the swap and just order new ones instead.

Which Tile Models Have a Replaceable Battery?

Tile trackers are split into two groups. Those with a replaceable battery and those with a sealed, non-replaceable battery built into the device.

The Tile Pro and the Tile Mate (2018 and 2020 models) both have a replaceable battery. You can open the battery door, swap in a fresh coin cell, and keep going. The Tile Pro uses a CR2032 battery and lasts about one year per charge. The Tile Mate uses a CR1632 battery and also lasts roughly one year.

The Tile Slim and Tile Sticker both have non-replaceable batteries sealed inside the device. These models are designed to last up to 3 years before you need to think about replacement at all. When that sealed battery finally runs out, the device is done, and it's time to order a new one.

If your Tile has a battery door on the back, the battery is replaceable. If the back is smooth and solid with no visible door or hinge, it's sealed and not replaceable.

What You Need for a Tile Battery Replacement

For the Tile Mate (2018 or 2020): a CR1632 lithium coin battery 

For the Tile Pro (2018, 2020, 2022, or 2024): a CR2032 lithium coin battery

A paperclip or precision screwdriver

You can find CR1632 and CR2032 batteries at most convenience stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores, or order them on Amazon. Life360 recommends Panasonic, Maxell, or EVE brand batteries. Other brands may cause inconsistent performance, so it's worth sticking with one of those three.

How to Replace a Tile Mate Battery

The Tile Mate uses a CR1632 battery. The steps below apply to the 2018 and 2020 models.

1. Apply a little pressure to the battery door on the back of your Tile Mate, then carefully slide it off.

2. Use your paperclip to remove the old battery from the compartment gently.

3. Insert the new CR1632 battery with the positive (+) side facing up and visible.

4. Slide the battery door back on and make sure it is completely sealed. If the door is not fully closed, it can affect the battery connection and your Tile's functionality.

How to Replace a Tile Pro Battery

The Tile Pro uses a CR2032 battery. The process is slightly different depending on your model year.

Tile Pro 2024

1. Locate the pinhole on the back of the Tile Pro, just above the battery door.

2. Insert a paperclip into the pinhole and press down firmly.

3. While pressing, slide the battery door off.

4. Use the paperclip to remove the old battery.

5. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up and visible.

6. Slide the battery door back on and confirm it is completely sealed. An open door may affect the battery connection.

Tile Pro 2018, 2020, or 2022

1. Apply some pressure on the battery door and carefully slide it off.

2. Use your paperclip to remove the old battery.

3. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up and visible.

4. Close the battery door fully, making sure it is completely sealed.

How to Test Your New Battery in the Tile App

Once the new battery is in and the door is closed, open your Tile app to confirm everything is working.

In the Tile app, tap on the Tile you just replaced the battery in, then tap Find. Your Tile should ring. If it rings, the connection is live, and you're good to go.

In the Life360 app, tap the Battery low, replace soon banner above the map to dismiss the low-battery notification. Then tap the keys icon at the bottom of the map, select the Tile you replaced, and tap Find. It should ring to confirm a successful connection.

How to Remove the Low Battery Notification

After a successful swap, the low battery banner won't disappear on its own. Here's how to clear it:

1. Open the Tile app.

2. Tap on the Tile you replaced.

3. Tap the Time to replace the battery banner at the top of the screen.

4. Tap I've Replaced this Battery.

If your Tile still isn't connecting after the replacement, double-check that the battery door is fully closed and that the positive side of the battery faces up. Life360 also has a troubleshooting guide if the issue continues.

Tile Slim and Tile Sticker: What to Do When Batteries Are Non-Replaceable

If you have a Tile Slim or Tile Sticker, the battery is sealed inside and cannot be swapped out. There is no workaround and no way to open the case without damaging the device.

The upside is that these models were built to last. The sealed design significantly extends battery life, giving you up to 3 years of use before you need to think about it. When that time is up, pick up a new Tile Slim or Tile Sticker, and you're right back in business.

If you're considering which Tile to buy next and want to avoid annual battery replacements, the Tile Slim and Tile Sticker are worth a look for exactly that reason. The Tile Pro, on the other hand, is the right call if you want the longest Bluetooth range, the loudest ring, and the freedom to swap a battery yourself rather than replace the whole device.

Should You Replace the Battery or Buy New Ones?

For Tile Mate and Tile Pro users, replacing the battery is almost always the right move. A CR2032 or CR1632 battery costs about a dollar, takes two minutes to replace, and gives you another full year of tracking. Buying new ones is only worth it if your tracker is several years old or has taken significant physical damage.

For Tile Slim and Tile Sticker users, when the battery dies, it's time to replace them. The 3-year lifespan means you're not replacing these frequently, and newer models may offer updated features that make the upgrade worth it anyway.

The Tile app will notify you when your battery is running low, so you're never caught off guard. If you have your Tile connected through the Life360 app, the notification appears there, too.

How to Recycle Your Old Tile Battery

Once you've swapped in a fresh battery, don't toss the old one in the trash. Batteries contain materials that can be harmful in landfills, and most areas have easy options for disposing of them responsibly.

Drop your used battery at a local e-waste center or a participating retail location that offers e-recycling. If you're not sure where to go, the Tile app can help. On iOS, Tile has partnered with Total Technology Results to show you a list of nearby e-waste recycling centers in the United States, with directions.

To find one in the Tile app:

1. Open the Tile app.

2. Tap the Settings icon in the top right corner.

3. Scroll down and tap Recycle Tiles.

4. Tap View Locations.

5. Select a location and tap Directions to open your map app.

You've Got This (And Now Your Tile Does Too)

The best tracker is one that's actually working when you need it. Keep the battery fresh, recycle the old one responsibly, and your Tile will keep doing its job. Explore the full lineup of Tile trackers to find the right fit for your keys, wallet, bag, or anything else that tends to disappear at the worst possible moment.