What is a CR2032 battery?

Uses and Functions of CR2032 Battery

CR2032 Battery Lifespan

How to Replace a CR2032 Battery

CR2032 Battery vs CR2025 Battery

Other Designations

FAQs

CR2025 vs CR2032 Batteries: What are the Differences?

Ever had your key fob suddenly stop working or your bathroom scale go blank? Chances are, its CR2032 battery has finally given up. It’s one of those little things you don’t think about until it goes sideways. Let’s talk about anything and everything C2032 battery: what it does, how long it lasts, and how to replace it.

What is a CR2032 battery?

You know that small, flat, silver battery you find in gadgets, toys, and small accessories? That’s CR2032, a coin-shaped lithium battery delivering 3 volts of power. The name “CR2032” actually tells you its size, 20mm wide and 3.2mm thick. “C” is for lithium cell, and “R” is for round.

CR2032 became popular because they’re easy to find. They’re available in your local stores like Walmart. If you’re using a device that needs low power over a long period, it probably uses this battery. It’s one of those tiny parts you don’t notice until it needs replacing. 

Alternatively known as 5004LC by NEDA and ANSI, CR2032 batteries can perform even when the temps drop to -20^oC. On the other hand, when it reaches 70^oC, you can still count on its performance. 

Here’s the CR2032 Specs at a glance:

Uses and Functions of CR2032 Battery

If you’ve used a watch, calculator, or key fob, chances are you’ve used a CR2032 battery. These small batteries are built for devices that don’t need a lot of energy all at once. They’re great for everyday things, like your fitness trackers and digital thermometer. Its steady power output helps you enjoy a hiccup-free experience while using your gadgets. 

Your computer also depends on this battery in a small but important way. The CR2032 keeps your PC’s BIOS and saves settings even when it’s powered off. So, if your PC starts forgetting the time or date, the battery might need changing. 

CR2032 is also perfect for devices that need to sit unused for months but still work instantly when needed. That’s why they’re usually used in safety alarms and backup devices. You never really think about it until it matters, and that’s the point.

CR2032 Battery Lifespan

How long your CR2032 battery lasts depends on what you’re using it for. In something simple like a watch, it might last anywhere from five to ten years. But if you use it in something more active, like a light-up keychain, it might only last a year. Battery life really comes down to how much power your device pulls.

Additionally, not every CR2032 battery is made the same. Different brands deliver different qualities. Run-of-the-mill and super cheap options from unknown manufacturers tend to be low-quality. Go for a trusted brand if you don’t have budget restrictions, anyways.

Most manufacturers offer ten years of shelf life for their CR2032 battery (at least in paper). But you have to remember that there are other factors to consider when you’re computing its possible lifespan. 

Anything that consumes 0.5 microamps can rack up a total of 240 mAh. But if a device pulls 3.0mA of power, that lifespan is reduced to 155mAh. The higher the drainage, the shorter its service life will be. Plus, if the gadget uses other functions in the background, like Bluetooth, this drastically kills the power of CR2032 batteries. 

To compute the lifespan of CR2032 for your specific use, just follow this formula:

CR2032 Lifespan = 225 mAh/current 

Storage conditions affect shelf life, too. Storing it in a cool, dry place can make it last as expected (a decade!). Extreme heat or moisture can shorten its lifespan significantly. Also, always check the expiration date printed on the battery package before using it.

How to Replace a CR2032 Battery

Replacing a CR2032 battery is usually simple. Start by locating the battery compartment on the device. Use a small flathead screwdriver, a coin, or your nail to open it. Always note the battery orientation before removing it.

Pry out the old CR2032 battery and insert the new one with the correct polarity. The flat side with a plus sign is the positive terminal. Press it firmly into place without forcing it. Close the compartment securely and test the device to ensure it works properly.

CR2032 Battery vs CR2025 Battery

So, can you use a CR2032 battery to replace a CR2025? What about vice versa? Well, you can… kind of. 

CR2032 is thicker than CR2025 by 0.7 mm at 3.2mm. 

Meaning, if you mount it in a device intended for CR2025, you might not be able to close its lid. On the other hand, a CR2025 can easily fit into a CR2032 device since it’s thinner. And with most tech today using spring-loaded battery mounts, it’s enough to let the cell rest inside properly. Alternatively, you can grab a small piece of aluminum foil and shimmy the battery down for a tight fit. 

Now, with a thicker size, CR2032 provides better capacity. You can enjoy 225 mAh of power compared to the 170 mAh that a CR2025 offers. You get a bit more juice. The only reason you’ll find some devices that require a CR2025 is simply because they’re cheaper than CR2032. 

But performance-wise, CR2032 batteries are still the winner. 

Everything else between the CR2032 and CR2025 batteries is the same. Their composition, diameter, storage, and function are identical. 

Other Designations

There are numerous CR2032 battery manufacturers out there. To easily spot whether a coin battery can work as an alternative, just look for “2032” in its name. This indicates the size and thickness of the product. The first two letters at the beginning may vary per manufacturer. 

You might see BR2032, KECR2032, ECR2032, DL2032, and the list goes on and on. But they're all the same thing. 

Make sure that you get the proper replacement for your CR2032 battery to get the best performance from your devices. 

And that’s a wrap!

Don’t let a dead remote or dim LED lights ruin your day. Now you know the CR2032 might be the cause. A quick replacement can fix more problems than you might expect. It’s simple, affordable, and helps keep your everyday devices working smoothly.

FAQs

Where to buy a CR2032 battery?

You can grab a CR2032 battery from your local Walmart, Costco, or hardware. There are also countless online platforms where you can buy them. However, remember to read reviews to save yourself from wasting money on low-quality CR2032 that won’t last as expected.

Are CR2032 rechargeable?

No. It’s a disposable battery. It offers one-time use until the power runs out. And once it’s dead, you will need to replace it with a new one. 

Is DL2032 the same as CR2032?

Yes. The label DL2032 is simply Duracell’s own take on a CR2032 battery. They are essentially the same battery in size and voltage. However, they might be different in quality and performance, as per the manufacturer.