Q&A for How to Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

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Question

What do I do if the smoke detector still chirps with a new battery?

Community Answer

Check to see if it was activated by mistake first. You may have to get a new smoke detector.

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Question

How do I stop my smoke alarm from beeping every two minutes for no reason?

Community Answer

Most probably the alarm is "chirping" because the battery is flat and needs replacing. Put in a new battery and that should resolve it. Otherwise, read the instructions printed into or on the alarm or that accompanied the alarm.

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Question

I've replaced the battery in a wired smoke detector, but it keeps chirping. What should I do now?

Community Answer

Try to vacuum out any dust caught in the sensor. If that doesn't work, my manual says to replace it with a new one. Better to be safe than sorry.

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Question

How can I install a battery in a smoke detector?

Community Answer

There is usually a battery compartment at the back. Open the compartment and see how the batteries are inserted. Make sure you replace with the right size batteries.

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Question

How do I replace the cover of the smoke detector after I have changed the batteries?

Community Answer

Examine both sides carefully and line up the points that attach together. Then, push the pieces together until they click into place.

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Question

How do I change the batteries if the smoke detector says LED?

Community Answer

LED is just a type of light. The battery replacement instructions remain the same.

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Question

How can I tell how to position a battery?

Community Answer

Most batteries have a + or - symbol on each end. Match it with the symbol on the device.

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Question

I can open the battery compartment, but the 9 volt battery is stuck. How do I get the battery out?

Community Answer

Find something to slide in and pry it up. In some models, the batteries fit tightly, so it can sometimes be a challenge to remove them.

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Question

What do I do if my smoke alarm keeps beeping after replacing the battery?

Community Answer

Make sure the battery is fully charged and the appropriate voltage for the smoke alarm; if so, try removing the battery and reseating it. If it's still beeping, try cleaning the battery compartment and contacts.

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Question

I installed a new battery and tested to make sure the alarm worked for 5 seconds. Then it started back chirpings every few minutes. Now what?

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Many modern smoke alarms have a feature that signals "end of life" to remind you to replace sensors that are no longer reliable. Some of them "chirp" even with a new battery, hoping that you will check the installation date and replace the entire unit if it is old. If it is not old, ask the manufacturer to replace it under warranty.

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