AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTag batteries cannot be charged. Instead, each AirTag holds a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you replace when it runs out, usually once a year. Apple does not make a rechargeable version, and AirTags have no charging port or wireless charging capability.

This design choice means less complexity inside the device and a thinner, lighter tag. The trade-off is that you need to buy replacement batteries and swap them out yourself — a task that takes about 30 seconds and costs roughly $3 to $8 per battery depending on where you buy them.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin-cell batteries that you buy separately and replace yourself when the battery drains.
  • A single battery typically lasts about one year under normal use, though heavy use or cold weather can shorten that time.
  • Your iPhone will send you a notification when an AirTag battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars each.
  • Forcing a rechargeable battery into an AirTag or attempting to modify it will damage the device and void any warranty.

How long an AirTag battery lasts

Under typical use, a CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts roughly one year. "Typical use" means the AirTag is in your bag, on your keys, or attached to an item you carry regularly — it pings Apple's network a few times per day to report its location.

Battery life varies based on how often the AirTag communicates. If you use the Find My app constantly to locate the tag, or if the AirTag is in motion frequently (triggering more location updates), the battery will drain faster. Cold weather also reduces battery life because chemical reactions inside the battery slow down in low temperatures.

You do not need to guess when the battery is dying. Your iPhone automatically checks the AirTag's battery level and sends you a notification when it drops below 10 percent. This gives you a window of days or weeks to purchase and install a replacement before the tag stops working.

Where to buy CR2032 replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell batteries in the world, used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and dozens of other devices. You can find them at almost any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the battery aisle. CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and similar stores all stock them.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from battery specialists. Prices typically range from $3 to $8 per battery, though buying a multi-pack of 4 or 5 usually costs less per unit. Some retailers sell name-brand batteries (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic) at a premium, while store-brand versions perform identically and cost less.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unfamiliar sellers, as counterfeit or low-quality coin cells may leak, fail quickly, or damage the AirTag. Stick with established retailers or well-known battery brands.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery takes about 30 seconds 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 about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will pop off, and the old battery will be visible in the center.

Lift out the old CR2032 battery and note which side was facing up — the positive side (marked with a plus sign) should face toward you. Slide the new battery in the same orientation, positive side up. Press the stainless steel cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds.

Do not force the cover. If it does not twist smoothly, you may have the wrong orientation. Remove the battery, flip it, and try again. The cover should click into place with gentle pressure and a quarter turn of the wrist.

Why AirTags do not have rechargeable batteries

Apple chose replaceable batteries over rechargeable ones for several reasons. A rechargeable battery requires a charging circuit, a charging port, and a larger internal battery to hold enough charge for a year of use. All of that adds weight, thickness, and cost to the device.

Replaceable coin cells keep the AirTag thin and light — important for something you attach to keys or slip into a wallet. They also eliminate the need to remember to charge the device or carry a cable. You straightforward replace the battery once a year when prompted, the same way you would with a watch or car key fob.

The downside is that you have to buy batteries and handle the replacement yourself. For most people, this is a minor inconvenience that happens once yearly. For others, the simplicity and thinness of the design is worth the trade-off.

What happens if you try to use a rechargeable battery

Some people wonder whether they can use a rechargeable CR2032 battery (sometimes called a LIR2032) in an AirTag to avoid buying new batteries. This does not work reliably and can damage the device.

Rechargeable coin cells have a different voltage profile than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries. The AirTag's circuitry is designed for alkaline batteries, and using a rechargeable version can cause the device to malfunction, drain the battery faster, or fail to communicate with your iPhone. Additionally, attempting to modify the AirTag or use non-standard batteries voids Apple's warranty.

Stick with standard CR2032 alkaline batteries from a reputable retailer. They are inexpensive, widely available, and designed to work correctly with the AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an AirTag with a wireless charger?

No. AirTags have no charging capability, wireless or otherwise. They use only replaceable CR2032 batteries. Placing an AirTag on a wireless charger will not charge it and may damage the device.

What should I do with the old battery after I remove it?

Take used batteries to a retailer that accepts battery recycling — most Best Buy, Home Depot, and Best Buy locations have battery drop-off programs. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.

Will my AirTag stop working when ready when the battery dies?

No. You will receive a low-battery notification when the battery reaches about 10 percent. After that, the AirTag will continue to work for several more days or weeks, depending on how much you use it. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not communicate with Find My until you replace it.

Is there a difference between expensive and cheap CR2032 batteries?

Name-brand batteries (Duracell, Energizer) and store-brand versions perform similarly in an AirTag. The main difference is price. Buy from a reputable retailer to avoid counterfeit batteries, but you do not need to pay premium prices for the brand name.

Can I use a different size battery if I modify the AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries, and modifying it to fit a different battery will damage the device and void your warranty. Use only CR2032 alkaline batteries from the manufacturer's specifications.