MINI Cooper key fob battery
4 of the 25 model years listed for the MINI Cooper have a proven battery. The most common answer is CR2032. Rows below run oldest to newest; a year can appear twice when the car came with more than one kind of key.
- 2002Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2003Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2004Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2004Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2005-2006Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2007Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2007-2013Smart key
Not confirmed yet
- 2008-2010Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2011Key-head remote
Rechargeable
Owner's manual: manua.ls (checked Nov 1, 2026)
Manual text: “Each remote control contains a rechargeable battery that is recharged when it is in the ignition lock”
- 2012-2013Key-head remote
Not confirmed yet
- 2014-2018Smart key
Not confirmed yet
- 2019Smart key
CR2032
Owner's manual: manualslib.com (checked Nov 1, 2026)
Manual text: “Insert a type CR 2032 battery with the positive side facing up.”
Find CR2032 on Amazon - 2020-2023Smart key
Not confirmed yet
- 2024Smart key
CR2032
Owner's manual: manualslib.com (checked Nov 1, 2026)
Manual text: “Insert a CR2032 3V battery with the positive terminal facing up.”
Find CR2032 on Amazon - 2025Smart key
CR2032
Owner's manual: manua.ls and manualslib.com (checked Nov 2, 2026)
Manual text: “Insert a CR2032 3V battery with the positive terminal facing up.”
Find CR2032 on Amazon - 2026Smart key
Not confirmed yet
Changing the battery
Key with remote in the head
- The remote electronics sit in the plastic head of the key itself, so there is no separate fob to open.
- Many key heads split along the side seam. Start at the small notch and pry a little at a time.
- The coin cell is usually under or on the back of a small board. Keep the rubber button pad in place while you swap the cell.
- Close the head, check there is no gap, and try the buttons.
The owner's manual says this remote has a rechargeable cell. It charges while the key is in the ignition or the car is driven. There is no coin cell to buy; if it no longer holds a charge, a dealer replaces the remote.
Smart key (push-button start)
- Most push-button fobs hide a metal backup key. Press or slide its catch and draw the key out first.
- Look inside the empty key slot for a notch. Put the tip of the metal key or a small flat screwdriver wrapped in tape there and twist gently until the shell splits.
- Note which side of the old coin cell faces up (usually the side with the writing), lift it out with a plastic tool, and press the new one in the same way.
- Reassemble, refit the emergency key, and check that the car sees the fob when you press start.
A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 share the same width but not the same thickness, so a swap between them can leave a loose contact or a case that will not close.
If a child might have swallowed a coin cell, treat it as an emergency and get to a hospital right away.