How to Replace a Battery in Our Sound Recorders
If the battery in your Be My Bear sound recorder runs out, you do not usually need to worry about losing your precious recording. The sound is stored on the recorder's internal memory, so replacing the batteries should allow the recorder to play again without deleting the message.
The battery replacement process can be a little fiddly, especially because the batteries are small and the plastic cover needs to be opened carefully. If you are not confident using a small screwdriver or handling tiny batteries, ask another adult to help.
This guide explains what batteries you need, how to replace them safely, and how to return the sound recorder to your Be My Bear teddy bear or stuffed animal.
Important: This guide is for Be My Bear sound recorders that use 3 x LR44 button cell batteries. If your sound recorder looks different, uses a different battery type, has damaged parts, or you are unsure, please contact us before replacing the batteries.
What batteries do Be My Bear sound recorders use?
Our standard sound recorders use 3 x LR44 button cell batteries. These are small round batteries sometimes also sold under similar names such as AG13, A76 or 357/303, depending on the brand and battery chemistry.
For best results, replace all three batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new batteries, and do not mix different battery types or brands if you can avoid it.
What you will need
- 3 x LR44 button cell batteries
- 1 x small flat head screwdriver
- A clean, flat surface
- Good lighting
- A small dish or tray to stop the tiny batteries rolling away
Because the batteries are very small, it is worth working somewhere tidy and well lit. A table or desk is better than trying to change them on a sofa, carpet or bed where the batteries could easily disappear.
Button battery safety warning
LR44 batteries are small button cell batteries. Keep them away from babies, children and pets at all times. Button batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed or placed in the nose or ear.
Do not let children handle the batteries or the open sound recorder. Used batteries should be disposed of safely according to local battery recycling guidance. Do not leave old batteries loose on a table, floor, bag, pocket or toy box.
If you think a child or pet may have swallowed a button battery, seek urgent medical or veterinary help immediately.
Will replacing the batteries delete my recording?
In normal use, replacing the batteries should not delete the sound recording. The recording is stored on the sound recorder's internal memory, not simply held by the battery power.
However, you should still handle the recorder carefully. Do not press the record button while changing the batteries, and make sure the dial or switch is returned to the play position before testing the sound.
Before you start
Before opening the recorder, remove it from your teddy bear or stuffed animal and place it on a clean, flat surface.
Check the recorder for any obvious damage. If the plastic casing is cracked, the wires or parts look loose, the batteries have leaked, or the recorder smells unusual, do not continue. Contact Be My Bear for advice.
If the old batteries have leaked or there is white, green or crusty residue inside the battery compartment, avoid touching it with bare hands. Battery leakage can be irritating and may damage the recorder. In that case, it may be safer to replace the sound recorder rather than trying to repair it.
Battery replacement guide
1. Place the sound recorder on a clean surface
Place your sound recorder on a flat, clean surface with good lighting. Keep the new LR44 batteries nearby, but out of reach of children and pets.
If your sound recorder has a dial or switch, turn it to the position marked P, which stands for play.
2. Carefully remove the plastic cover
Using a small flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the plastic cover from the sound recorder.
Take your time and do not force the cover. The plastic can be damaged if too much pressure is used. If the cover feels stuck, check whether you are opening it from the correct point before trying again.
3. Remove the old batteries
Remove the old batteries from the battery compartment. Pay attention to how they are positioned before taking them out, especially which way the positive and negative sides face.
Place the old batteries straight into a safe container or battery recycling bag. Do not leave them loose where a child or pet could find them.
4. Insert 3 new LR44 batteries
Insert the 3 new LR44 batteries into the recorder, matching the battery direction shown in the compartment.
Button cell batteries usually have a flat positive side marked with a plus symbol. Make sure each battery is seated correctly and sitting flat. If the batteries are inserted the wrong way round, the recorder will not work.
Do not force the batteries into place. If they do not fit easily, check that you are using the correct battery type and that they are facing the right direction.
5. Replace the plastic cover
Carefully replace the plastic cover on the sound recorder. Make sure the dial or switch is still in the P play position.
The cover should sit securely without needing excessive force. If it will not close properly, check that the batteries are lying flat and have not shifted out of position.
6. Test the sound recorder
Press the play button to test the sound recorder before putting it back into your teddy bear or stuffed animal.
If the sound plays clearly, the battery replacement has worked and you can return the recorder to the bear.
If the sound does not play, check the batteries are the correct type, are new, and are inserted the right way round. Also check that the cover is fitted properly and the recorder is set to play.
7. Return the recorder to your bear
Once you are happy the sound recorder is working, place it back inside your Be My Bear teddy bear or stuffed animal.
Make sure the recorder is positioned so that it can be pressed comfortably through the bear's body, then close the bear securely.
Troubleshooting: my sound recorder still does not work
If your sound recorder does not work after replacing the batteries, try the following checks:
- Check that you used 3 x LR44 batteries
- Check that all three batteries are new
- Check that the batteries are facing the correct direction
- Check that the plastic cover is properly closed
- Check that the recorder is set to play
- Check that no battery contact looks bent, dirty or corroded
- Check that the play button can be pressed properly
If the recorder still does not work after these checks, please contact Be My Bear for advice.
What if the sound is quiet or distorted?
If the sound is very quiet, crackly, distorted or cuts out, the batteries may not be seated correctly or may not be fresh. Remove the batteries and reinsert them carefully, checking the direction of each one.
If the sound is still poor, try another new set of LR44 batteries. Cheap or old batteries can sometimes produce weak sound even when they are technically new.
What if I accidentally press record?
Try not to press the record button while changing batteries. If the recorder is accidentally switched to record mode and a new recording is made, it may overwrite the original message.
Before testing the recorder, make sure it is set to the play position marked P. This is especially important if your recording is sentimental, such as a baby heartbeat, a loved one's voice, or a special message.
Can I replace batteries in a heartbeat bear recorder?
Some heartbeat bear recorders and sound modules may also use small batteries, but you should check the specific recorder before changing anything. If the recording is especially precious, take extra care and contact us first if you are unsure.
Do not open, wet or force any sound module if you are not confident. Baby heartbeat recordings and personal voice messages can be very sentimental, so it is worth taking your time.
How to look after your sound recorder
To help your sound recorder last longer:
- Keep it dry at all times
- Remove it before cleaning your teddy bear
- Do not leave it near heat or direct sunlight
- Do not let children handle the open battery compartment
- Replace all batteries at the same time
- Remove batteries if the recorder will be stored unused for a very long time
- Keep spare and used batteries safely away from children and pets
If you are cleaning a teddy bear that contains a sound recorder, remove the recorder first and keep it somewhere dry until the bear is completely clean and fully dry.
Read our teddy bear cleaning guide
Common sound recorder battery questions
How many batteries does the sound recorder need?
Our standard sound recorder uses 3 x LR44 button cell batteries.
What does P mean on the sound recorder?
The P position stands for play. Use this position when testing and playing back your recording.
Will my recording disappear when the batteries run out?
In normal use, the recording should remain stored on the recorder's internal memory even when the batteries run out.
Can children replace the batteries?
No. Battery replacement should be done by an adult. LR44 batteries are small button cells and must be kept away from children and pets.
Can I use different batteries?
Use the battery type specified for your recorder. For our standard sound recorder, this is 3 x LR44 batteries. If your recorder states a different battery type, follow the markings on that recorder or contact us.
What should I do with the old batteries?
Dispose of old batteries safely using an appropriate battery recycling point. Do not put loose button batteries where children or pets can reach them.
Can I wash the sound recorder?
No. Do not wash the sound recorder or wipe it with a wet cloth. Remove it before cleaning your bear and keep it dry.
Need help?
If you are unsure how to replace the batteries in your Be My Bear sound recorder, or if the recorder still does not work after changing them, please contact us and we will do our best to help.