AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTags do not charge. They run on a standard CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery runs low, you replace it with a new one instead of plugging anything in.

Apple designed AirTags this way intentionally. A coin cell battery lasts about one year under normal use, which means you replace it roughly once annually. This is simpler than managing another device that needs charging, and it means your AirTag keeps working even if you forget about it for months.

The trade-off is that you need to buy replacement batteries and know how to swap them out. But the process takes about 30 seconds and costs a few dollars per battery.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags run on CR2032 coin cell batteries that you replace when they die, not rechargeable batteries you plug in.
  • A single battery lasts roughly one year of normal use, so you will replace it about once per year.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for two to five dollars each.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacing the battery yourself takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

How to know when your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone sends you a notification when an AirTag's battery drops below a certain level. You will see an alert in the Find My app that says the battery is low. This gives you a window of time to replace it before the AirTag stops transmitting its location.

You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery indicator at the top of the screen. It shows a percentage or a low battery symbol.

Even after you get a low battery warning, the AirTag will continue working for a while. You do not need to replace it when ready, but you should do it within a few weeks to avoid the AirTag going silent when you need it most.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are widely available because they are used in so many devices. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers like Amazon. A pack of two to four batteries typically costs two to five dollars.

Buy batteries from a reputable source. Counterfeit or very old batteries may not last as long or may fail unexpectedly. If you buy online, check the seller's reviews and the manufacturing date if it is listed.

Some people keep a spare CR2032 battery in a drawer at home so they have one on hand when the notification arrives. This prevents the situation where your AirTag dies and you have to wait for a battery to arrive.

How to replace an AirTag battery yourself

Replacing the battery takes about 30 seconds and requires no special tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic 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.

Remove the old battery and note which side was facing up — the positive side (marked with a plus sign) should face toward you. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side up, then replace the cover by pressing it down and twisting clockwise until it clicks.

Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds. The Find My app will update to show the battery is full again. If it does not update right away, close and reopen the Find My app.

What happens if you ignore a low battery warning

If you wait too long to replace the battery, the AirTag will eventually stop working. It will no longer send location data to your iPhone, and you will not be able to find it using Find My. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work again as soon as you put in a fresh battery.

This is why the low battery notification exists. It gives you a heads-up so you can replace the battery before the AirTag becomes useless. If you use an AirTag to track something important — like your keys or a bag you travel with — replacing the battery promptly keeps that protection in place.

Why AirTags do not have rechargeable batteries

Apple could have built AirTags with rechargeable batteries, but that would mean carrying a charging cable and remembering to plug them in regularly. Coin cell batteries avoid this problem. They last long enough that you only think about them once a year, and you do not need any special equipment.

Rechargeable batteries also degrade over time and eventually stop holding a charge. A coin cell battery either works or it does not — there is no slow decline in performance. When it dies, you swap it for a new one and move on.

The downside is that you generate a small amount of electronic waste each year. If that concerns you, look for recycling programs in your area that accept coin cell batteries. Many pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an AirTag if I try?

No. AirTags have no charging port and no rechargeable battery. Attempting to charge one will not damage it, but nothing will happen. You must replace the coin cell battery when it dies.

How long does a CR2032 battery really last in an AirTag?

Apple states about one year under normal use. The exact time depends on how often the AirTag transmits its location. If you check its location constantly, the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use Find My, it may last longer.

What if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is inserted with the negative side facing up. Your iPhone will not connect to it. straightforward remove the cover, flip the battery, and replace the cover. No harm is done.

Are all CR2032 batteries the same?

Most CR2032 batteries work in AirTags, but quality varies by brand. Panasonic, Energizer, and Duracell are reliable choices. Very cheap batteries from unknown sellers may not last as long or may fail without warning.

What do I do with the old battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. Take it to a pharmacy, electronics store, or hazardous waste facility that accepts battery recycling. Many places have free battery collection bins. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management to find a drop-off location near you.