If your Photon Freedom Micro just doesn’t seem as bright as it once did, it may be time to change the batteries.
Unlike traditional flashlights using alkaline batteries, you won’t see a sharp decline in brightness to signal a dead battery. Lithium coin-cell batteries have a very flat discharge curve, meaning that as the batteries are depleted you will get a very gradual reduction in brightness over the entire life of the batteries rather than a sudden drop at any point. Because of this, deciding when the batteries are “dead” and need to be replaced is often a matter of personal preference. If you find yourself thinking that your light doesn’t seem to be as bright as it once was, it might be time to replace the batteries. While battery replacement in the Freedom Micro is fairly simple & straight-forward, we are happy to provide assistance if you have any trouble replacing the batteries in your light.
Also, one hint if you are looking to extend the battery life and don’t need the absolute brightest possible light — With the exception of the white beam, any Freedom Micro which normally uses the pair of smaller CR2016 batteries (i.e. Blue, Green, Turquoise, Purple & UV beams) *can* run on a single CR-2032 battery instead if you wish. This will reduce the brightness quite a bit, but will greatly increase the run-time. Unfortunately this trick will not work with the White beam Freedom Micro, as the single 3V battery is not sufficient to power both the LED and the electronic circuit found in the Freedom Micro.
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Photon Freedom Micro Battery Replacement Instructions:
Depending on the beam color, your Freedom Micro will use either a pair of CR-2016 lithium batteries (white, green, turquoise/NV green, blue, purple, & UV) or a single CR-2032 lithium battery (red, orange, yellow, & IR). Replacement with CR-2016 batteries pictured to right. 
- Locate the small notch on the logo side near the keyring end of your Freedom Micro LED flashlight. Remove the battery cap by carefully insert a small pointed object in this notch between the body of the light and the battery cap.
- Install new battery(s) with the + side towards the cap. Be sure the top battery is under the metal strap.
- Replace battery cap by first lining up tab on cap with notch in body of case.
*For best performance we recommend Energizer brand replacement batteries.
Operational Tips:
- The Signal/Morse Code mode can be used as a convenient “travel mode” to protect against accidental power drain.
- In the unlikely event of water penetrating the case, simply open the case and allow to dry.
Yo dawg, is it possible to replace the led’s on the freeedoms?
Yes it is possible, although normally not required as the LED is covered under LRI’s lifetime guarantee if you should have any trouble with it.
Yes it is possible, although normally not required as the LED is covered under LRI’s lifetime guarantee if you should have any trouble with it.
Will CR2025 batteries (same physical size and voltage as the CR2016 but higher mah) work in the Freedom Micro?
No, unfortunately not. The CR2025 are the same diameter, but about 50% thicker than the CR2016 so you won’t be able to fit 2 of them in the light.
My white photon freedom works fine with 2032 battery.
The single 2032 battery will work just fine in most models that normally ship with the pair of 2016 batteries, providing increased run-time in exchange for a substantial reduction in brightness. The the white LEDs are hit-or-miss though, as far as their compatibility running at the lower voltage of the single 2032 battery. Some units work fine and some do not. If you experience any issues with on/off function of the switch (i.e. Can not turn the light off once turned on, or unreliable response turning on or off), these sorts of issues would be symptoms of the LED not playing nicely with the lower voltage.