Apple AirTags run on replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

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

This design choice matters because it means you will never find yourself with a dead AirTag that cannot be used until you locate a charger. You straightforward swap out the old battery for a new one, which takes about 30 seconds. The trade-off is that you will need to buy replacement batteries periodically instead of relying on a cable.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you replace when it dies, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • A single battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before you need to replace it.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online for a few dollars per battery.
  • Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low, giving you time to replace it before it dies completely.
  • Replacing the battery yourself is straightforward — you twist open the back of the AirTag and swap the old battery for the new one.

How long a single battery lasts

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts approximately one year under normal use. What "normal use" means depends on how often your AirTag is actually searching for your item or being located by others. If you attach an AirTag to your keys and check on them once a week, the battery will last longer than if you are constantly using the Find My app to locate it.

The battery drains faster if your AirTag is actively being used to find something or if it is in an area with poor Bluetooth signal, because it has to work harder to communicate with nearby Apple devices. If you attach an AirTag to something you rarely move or search for, you might get 18 months or more from a single battery.

When your iPhone tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when an AirTag battery drops to around 10 percent. This gives you a window of time — usually a few weeks — to replace the battery before the AirTag stops working entirely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the notification, but it is a good reminder to pick up a new battery on your next store visit.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will not transmit its location or respond to Find My searches. At that point, it becomes a small piece of plastic until you replace the battery. There is no way to charge it back to life.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute. Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. Press down on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise — it will pop off once you have turned it about a quarter turn. The CR2032 battery will be sitting inside, facing upward with the positive side visible.

Remove the old battery and drop in the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up. Press the back cover down and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. Your iPhone should recognize the fresh battery within a few seconds, and the low battery notification will disappear.

Do not force the back cover — if it is not turning smoothly, you may be twisting the wrong direction. The cover should turn with light pressure. If you are uncomfortable opening it yourself, Apple retail stores and many electronics retailers will replace the battery for you, usually at no charge or for a small fee.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so they are straightforward to find. You can buy them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, supermarkets, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and online through Amazon or other retailers. A single battery typically costs between $2 and $5, and you can often buy a pack of four or more for less per battery.

Check the packaging to make sure you are buying CR2032 specifically — there are other coin-cell sizes like CR2025 and CR2016 that look similar but will not work in an AirTag. The "2032" refers to the battery's dimensions: 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters thick.

What happens if you lose or damage an AirTag

If an AirTag battery dies and you do not replace it, the AirTag itself is not damaged — it is straightforward inactive. You can replace the battery at any point in the future and it will work again. AirTags do not expire or become unusable just because the battery ran out.

If you physically damage the AirTag or lose it entirely, you can remove it from your Apple account through the Find My app. This prevents anyone else from using it to track you. You can then buy a new AirTag if you need one, though the cost of a new AirTag is significantly higher than the cost of a replacement battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

What if I replace the battery and my AirTag still does not work?

Make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up — this is the most common mistake. If it is oriented correctly and the AirTag still does not respond, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If it still does not work, the AirTag itself may be damaged, and you should contact Apple Support.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare an AirTag for storage if I am not using it?

You can leave the battery in an unused AirTag indefinitely — it will not drain significantly while sitting in a drawer. When you want to use it again, just make sure the battery is still there and the back cover is find. If more than a year has passed, consider replacing the battery as a precaution.

Will Apple ever make AirTags with rechargeable batteries?

Apple has not announced plans to change AirTag batteries to rechargeable ones. The current design keeps AirTags thin and lightweight, and rechargeable batteries would add bulk and complexity. For now, replaceable batteries remain the standard for AirTags.