AirTags don't charge — they use replaceable batteries instead

An AirTag is powered by a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type you find in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. You don't plug it in or place it on a charger. When the battery runs low after several months of use, you straightforward open the AirTag, remove the old battery, and snap in a new one. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

This design choice matters because AirTags are meant to be small enough to slip into a wallet, attach to a keychain, or hide in a backpack. Adding a charging port or wireless charging coil would make them thicker and heavier. A replaceable battery keeps them lightweight and lets you swap in fresh power whenever you need it, without waiting for a charge cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace by hand, not a rechargeable battery that plugs in.
  • A single battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before you need to swap it out.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
  • Apple will replace the battery for you at an Apple Store if you prefer not to do it yourself, though you'll pay a service fee.

How to replace the battery yourself

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops. The back will come loose in your hand. You'll see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder with a plastic tab attached to it.

Grab the plastic tab and pull the battery straight out. Drop in your new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the shiny side with the + symbol) facing up. Press the back cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks. You'll hear a sound from the AirTag confirming the battery is seated correctly. That's it — your AirTag is ready to use again.

If the back won't twist open, you may be turning it the wrong direction or not pressing hard enough. Press firmly downward while twisting, and make sure you're going counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid).

Where to buy replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. You'll find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. A pack of two or four batteries costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in bulk if you want to stock up.

You don't need to buy Apple-branded batteries. Any CR2032 from any manufacturer works fine in an AirTag. Some people prefer name brands like Energizer or Duracell, while others find store-brand batteries work just as well at a lower price. The battery itself is the same chemistry regardless of the label.

How long a battery lasts

Apple estimates that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. What counts as normal use depends on how often the AirTag is actually broadcasting its location. An AirTag in your everyday backpack or car will drain the battery faster than one sitting on a shelf at home.

If you use your AirTag constantly — checking its location multiple times a day, or keeping it in a place where it's searching for a lost item — the battery may last only six to nine months. If you use it occasionally to track something you rarely lose, it might stretch to 18 months. You'll get a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low, giving you time to grab a replacement before it dies completely.

What to do if your AirTag battery is dead

A dead AirTag stops broadcasting its location, so you won't be able to find it using the Find My app. If you know where it is, just replace the battery and it will start working again when ready. If you've lost the item the AirTag is attached to and the battery has died, you're out of luck — the AirTag can't help you locate it anymore.

This is why it's worth replacing the battery as soon as you get the low-battery warning rather than waiting until it dies. You'll have a few weeks of notice before the battery is completely drained, which gives you time to pick up a new CR2032 at your local store.

Getting Apple to replace the battery for you

If you don't want to open the AirTag yourself, you can take it to an Apple Store and ask them to replace the battery. They'll do it while you wait, usually in a few minutes. You'll pay a service fee — typically around $10 to $15 depending on your location — on top of the cost of the battery itself.

This option makes sense if you're uncomfortable opening the AirTag or if you're already at an Apple Store for another reason. For most people, though, buying a battery and replacing it at home is faster and cheaper. The process is genuinely straightforward and takes less time than waiting in line at a store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple doesn't recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage 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 happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag straightforward won't work. You won't damage anything — just open it back up, flip the battery so the positive side (the shiny side with the + symbol) faces up, and close it again. The AirTag will start working when ready.

Do I need to do anything special when storing an AirTag for a long time?

If you're putting an AirTag away for months, you can leave the battery in — it will hold a charge for years. If you want to be extra cautious, you can remove the battery and store them separately in a cool, dry place. Just put the battery back in when you're ready to use the AirTag again.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is low but not dead?

Yes. A low battery doesn't stop the AirTag from working — it just means the battery is running down and you should replace it soon. You'll get a notification on your iPhone warning you that the battery is low, giving you time to grab a new one before it dies completely.

Can I buy batteries at an Apple Store instead of replacing them myself?

Apple Stores don't sell CR2032 batteries separately. You can buy them at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online. If you want Apple to install the battery for you, they'll provide one as part of the service fee, but you can't just purchase the battery alone at an Apple location.