How to open the cover on my AirTag battery when it won't rotate?

My problem wasn’t getting the battery out but twisting the top for the new battery to settle in.

That answer and video aren't helpful. It just instructs users to press down and turn. Which the OP said wasn't working. (It's not working for me either.)

Bummer, I tried for 15 minutes. Right now I feel like throwing it out!

I couldn’t budge it with fingers. Used pliers to gently hold the edge of the metal and it twisted right off!

When the airtag cover won't come off easily by twisting, use rubber gloves and then twist with rubber gloves. It does come off with rubber gloves.

Yeah, it is NOT easy if it has been a while. I pressed around on all sides to unstick them, not just the 2 places it shows in the video. I also took a wide rubber band and pressed it against the metal to get more friction than my fingers could make.

The trick is to generate rotational friction w/o generating too much “squeeze.”

Using 2x fingers on opposite edges of the cover w/ “minimum squeeze” usually does it.

The other potential issue could be that the battery is defective and swollen. This would make it difficult to remove the cover.

FWIW, I have an “plastic egg” of Silly Putty which reliably does the trick for me.

Generating the needed ”Friction” w/o applying too much “Squeeze” is definitely the balance which must be struck.

I had to use some pliers too!

Try pliers gently on the edge of the battery and it twists open fast and easy.

Gentle use of pliers worked for me. I took care not to damage the cover.

I had the same problem. Used an adjustable wrench, tightened it around the thin metal edge of the battery cover while I held the white part in my hand. It twisted open immediately.

I use Luvvitt TagPopper to remove and reassemble the battery easily.

The Luvvitt TagPopper is designed to help with exactly that! It makes twisting the back plate easier, so you can securely fit the new battery in place without hassle.