AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTags do not charge like your phone or laptop. Instead, they run on a standard CR2032 coin battery — the same type you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery runs out, you replace it with a new one rather than plugging the AirTag in to recharge.

A single CR2032 battery lasts about one year under normal use. Apple's AirTag will alert you on your iPhone when the battery is getting low, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies completely.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that you replace when it dies, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • One battery lasts roughly one year, and your iPhone will send you a notification when it is running low.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of several, available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute and requires only your fingers — no tools needed.

Why AirTags use disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones

Rechargeable batteries add weight, size, and cost to a device. AirTags are designed to be small and light enough to slip into a wallet, attach to a keychain, or hide in a bag without you noticing them. A rechargeable battery would make them bulkier and more expensive to manufacture.

Disposable batteries also mean you never have to remember to charge your AirTag. You replace the battery once a year and move on. With a rechargeable design, you would need to charge it regularly or risk it dying when you need to track something down.

The CR2032 is also one of the most common batteries in the world, so replacements are cheap and available everywhere — at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Amazon, and most grocery stores.

How to know when your AirTag battery is low

Your iPhone sends a notification to the Find My app when an AirTag's battery is running low. The notification appears on your lock screen and in the app itself, usually giving you a few weeks of warning before the battery completely dies.

You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and scrolling down to see the battery level. The app shows the battery as a percentage or straightforward says "Low" when it is time to replace it.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery takes about one minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose. The cover will pop off, and the old battery will fall out or stay in the case depending on how worn it is.

Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up. Replace the cover by pressing it back on and twisting it clockwise until you hear a click. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds, and the Find My app will show the battery as full.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. A pack of two to four batteries costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy them. You can find them at:

  • Drugstores: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
  • Supermarkets: most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle
  • Big-box retailers: Target, Walmart, Best Buy
  • Online: Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer's website

Buy a pack of several batteries at once so you have a spare on hand when the notification comes. Batteries have a long shelf life and will not degrade sitting in a drawer.

What happens if your AirTag battery dies

If the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops working. It will not send location data to Find My, and your iPhone will no longer be able to track it. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work again as soon as you replace the battery.

If you lose track of something before you notice the low battery warning, you can still replace the battery later and resume tracking. The AirTag will reconnect to Find My and show you its last known location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an AirTag with a wireless charger?

No. AirTags have no charging port and are not compatible with wireless chargers. They only work with a replaceable CR2032 battery. Attempting to charge one will not damage it, but it straightforward will not work.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery lasts about one year under normal use. If you use Find My to track your AirTag frequently, the battery may drain faster. Light use may extend it slightly longer, but one year is the typical lifespan Apple publishes.

Are there third-party AirTag batteries I should avoid?

Any standard CR2032 battery will work in an AirTag. Brand-name batteries from Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic are reliable, but store-brand CR2032 batteries work just as well and cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may have shorter lifespans.

What do I do with the old battery after I replace it?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not go in the trash. Take them to a battery recycling program. Most Best Buy locations accept batteries for free, and many cities have drop-off centers. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management to find a nearby location.

Will my AirTag stop working if I don't replace the battery right away?

Yes. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not function until you replace it. The good news is that Apple sends you a notification when the battery is low, usually giving you several weeks to buy a replacement before it dies.