What battery does a Tamagotchi take? It depends mostly on the era and the model. The vintage Tamagotchis of the 1990s generally use two small LR44 cells, while the Connection/Plus generation and several 2000s models use a single CR2032. The Tamagotchi Nano is back on two LR44 cells; several colour-screen models, including the Pix, run on AAA batteries. The Smart and the Uni have a rechargeable battery. This guide lists the batteries for the main Tamagotchis and virtual pets sold at Buy-Tamagotchis.com.
Battery table by model
| Model | Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tamagotchi P1/P2 original, 1996-1997 | 2 × LR44 | Vintage original. Not to be confused with the modern reissues. |
| Angelgotchi / Tamagotchi Angel original | 2 × LR44 | The modern Angel reissues take a CR2032. |
| Morino / Forestgotchi | 2 × LR44 | Also sold as AG13 depending on the brand. |
| Ocean / Umino | 2 × LR44 | Vintage 1998 model. |
| Osutchi / Mesutchi | 2 × LR44 per device | So a working pair needs 4 LR44 cells. |
| Devilgotchi, Mothra, TamaOtch, Genjintch | 2 × LR44 | As with every vintage 1990s model. |
| Tamagotchi Connection V1 / Plus | 1 × CR2032 | The Connection generation switched to the 3 V lithium cell. |
| Connection V2 to V5 (Familitchi) | 1 × CR2032 | The whole Connection generation uses this cell. |
| Keitai / Akai | 1 × CR2032 | One cell per device. |
| Entama / Uratama | 1 × CR2032 | One cell per device. |
| Tamagotchi School / TamaSuku | 1 × CR2032 | Applies to both TamaSuku 1 and 2. |
| Tamagotchi Mini / Chibi | 1 × CR2032 | 2005 models and the 2017 reissue. |
| Pocket Pikachu and Pikachu 2 GS | 1 × CR2032 | Both the 1998 yellow unit and the GS version. |
| Tamagotchi Nano (Demon Slayer, One Piece, Harry Potter, Grogu…) | 2 × LR44 | Like the vintage Tamagotchis. |
| Colour-screen Tamagotchis (Plus Color, iD / iD L, P’s, 4U, Pix…) | AAA batteries | Check how many in your battery compartment. |
| Tamatown Tama-Go | AAA batteries | Check how many in your battery compartment. |
| Tamagotchi Smart and Uni | Rechargeable battery | No batteries to buy: charge it by cable. |
| Tamagotchi Connection 2024 reissue | 1 × CR2032 | As on the original Connection. |
| Digital Monster Digimon Ver.1 / Ver.2 original | 2 × LR44 | The modern reissues may take a different battery. |
| Dragon Quest Arukundesu original / Arukundesu 2 | 2 × LR44 | The Returns version is different. |
| Dragon Quest Arukundesu Returns | Lithium CR cell | Check the exact reference printed inside the compartment. |
Not sure which model you have? Start with our guide How to identify your Tamagotchi.
LR44: the vintage Tamagotchi battery
The early Tamagotchis generally take two 1.5 V LR44 button cells. You will also see them sold as AG13 or A76 depending on the manufacturer. For a collectible device, use two fresh cells of the same brand and batch, and never mix a new cell with an old one.
Mind the reissues: the modern Original Tamagotchi copies the look of the P1/P2 but takes a CR2032. Appearance alone is not enough: read the markings on the back or inside the compartment.
Worth knowing: vintage Tamagotchis give no low-battery warning. The device simply switches off, and the game in progress is lost when you change the cells.
CR2032: Connection, Keitai, Entama and the other 2000s models
The CR2032 is a flat 3 V lithium cell. It powers most of the Connection/Plus generation: V1 to V5, Keitai, Akai, Entama, Uratama, TamaSuku and the Tamagotchi Mini.
Nano, Pix and colour screens: the modern Tamagotchis
The Tamagotchi Nano and its licensed editions (Demon Slayer, One Piece, Harry Potter and so on) take two LR44 cells, like the vintage models. The Tamagotchi Plus Color, iD / iD L, P’s, 4U and Pix, along with the Tamatown Tama-Go, run on AAA batteries: check how many your model needs in the compartment. The Tamagotchi Smart and Uni have a rechargeable battery.
Vintage versus reissue: the most common trap
Two Tamagotchis that look almost identical from the outside can need different batteries. This is especially true of the P1/P2 and the Tamagotchi Angel:
| Model | Vintage original | Modern reissue |
|---|---|---|
| P1/P2 / Original Tamagotchi | 2 × LR44 | 1 × CR2032 |
| Tamagotchi Angel | 2 × LR44 | 1 × CR2032 on the modern Gen 3 |
Another practical tell: a vintage P1/P2 compartment is held by two screws and holds two cells, while the reissue has a single screw and a single cell.
How to change the battery without damaging your Tamagotchi
- Use a screwdriver that actually fits the compartment screw; don’t force one that is too big or too small.
- Take the old cells out without bending the metal contacts.
- Check for corrosion or residue inside the compartment.
- Fit only the battery type specified for your device, respecting the polarity.
- Close the cover without overtightening the screws, especially on old shells.
My Tamagotchi won’t switch on with fresh batteries
If the screen stays blank, check the polarity first and try a second set of fresh cells. On vintage devices the problem can also be oxidised contacts, an old battery leak or a poor connection inside the compartment. Remember the RESET button on the back, which is often needed after a battery change. Avoid forcing or scraping the contacts with a metal tool unless you are used to repairing old electronics.
Frequently asked questions
Are LR44 and AG13 the same thing?
AG13 is a common designation for a cell of the same format as the LR44. For a vintage Tamagotchi, go for a good-quality alkaline cell marked LR44/AG13, and always replace both cells at once.
Can I use a CR2025 instead of a CR2032?
It isn’t recommended. The diameter is the same, but the CR2025 is thinner and has a different capacity. Use the CR2032 the manufacturer specified.
Will I lose my Tamagotchi when I change the battery?
On the vintage models and most Connection models, yes: the game in progress is lost and you start again from a new egg. So pick your moment rather than changing the battery mid-evolution.
Should I take the batteries out of a Tamagotchi in storage?
Yes. For a collectible you won’t use for several months, removing the batteries limits the risk of a leak and of corrosion in the compartment.
Browse all our Tamagotchi and virtual pet guides to check how your model works. You can also see our Tamagotchi accessories, our original Tamagotchis and our electronic toys.