AirTags use a standard coin-cell battery you replace, not recharge

An AirTag does not charge like your phone or laptop. Instead, it holds a CR2032 coin-cell battery — a flat, round battery about the size of a dime — that you replace when it runs out. Apple designed it this way because the battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, and swapping a battery takes 30 seconds and costs a few dollars, rather than sending the device back to Apple or buying a new one.

When your AirTag battery dies, you will see a notification on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac saying the battery is low. At that point, you open the back of the AirTag, remove the old battery, and drop in a new CR2032. The AirTag will reconnect to your device within a few seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery that lasts about one year and costs $3 to $8 per battery.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online — they are the most common coin-cell battery in the world.
  • To replace the battery, press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag and twist counterclockwise until the cover pops off.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • Storing spare CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place keeps them fresh; batteries stored in hot cars or humid bathrooms drain faster.

How to open your AirTag and replace the battery

The back of your AirTag is a stainless steel disc held on by a friction fit. To remove it, place your thumb on the flat side of the AirTag (the side with the Apple logo) and press the steel back down firmly. While pressing, twist the back counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The back will pop off, and you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder.

Lift out the old battery — it may stick slightly, so use your fingernail or a plastic tool if needed. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Press the steel back onto the AirTag and twist clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. Your AirTag will chime and reconnect to your device within a few seconds.

The entire process takes about 30 seconds. You do not need any tools, and there is no risk of damaging the AirTag if you follow this order.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery usually costs $3 to $8, depending on the brand and how many you buy. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries costs less per battery than buying one at a time.

Online, CR2032 batteries are available on Amazon, eBay, and the websites of most retailers listed above. If you order online, allow a few days for delivery. Since your AirTag will notify you before the battery dies, you have time to order in advance rather than paying for rush shipping.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, especially on third-party marketplaces. A reputable brand like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic will last the full year and cost only slightly more than a no-name battery.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your bag, on your keys, or attached to an item, and your iPhone checks its location a few times per day. If you use an AirTag in a high-precision mode (which requires your iPhone to be nearby and actively scanning), the battery will drain faster — sometimes in a few months.

The battery will also drain faster if the AirTag is in a very cold environment, like a freezer or a car in winter. Cold slows down the chemical reaction inside the battery, making it appear dead even though it will work again once it warms up. This is temporary and does not mean the battery is actually dead.

Your iPhone will send you a low-battery notification when the battery has roughly two weeks of charge left. This gives you time to buy a replacement without the AirTag going offline.

Storing spare batteries so they stay fresh

CR2032 batteries lose charge slowly even when not in use, so storing them properly extends their shelf life. Keep spare batteries in a cool, dry place — a drawer in your bedroom or a cabinet in your kitchen works well. Avoid storing them in hot places like a car dashboard, a bathroom medicine cabinet (which gets humid), or near a heating vent.

Do not store batteries loose in a junk drawer where they might touch metal objects like coins or keys. Metal can create a short circuit and drain the battery. If you buy a pack of batteries, keep them in their original packaging or in a small plastic container.

Batteries stored at room temperature in dry conditions will stay fresh for several years. You do not need to do anything special beyond keeping them out of heat and moisture.

What to do if your AirTag battery dies unexpectedly

If your AirTag stops working before you received a low-battery notification, the battery may have failed prematurely, or the AirTag may have a different problem. First, try replacing the battery with a fresh one. If the AirTag still does not work after you install a new battery, the device itself may be faulty.

Apple offers a one-year limited warranty on AirTags. If your AirTag is still under warranty and the battery replacement did not fix the problem, you can contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app or website to discuss a replacement. If your AirTag is out of warranty, Apple will offer to replace it for a fee, or you can buy a new one.

In most cases, a dead AirTag is straightforward a dead battery, and replacing it solves the problem when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery instead of replacing it?

No. CR2032 batteries are not designed to be recharged, and attempting to recharge them can damage the battery or create a safety hazard. Always replace the battery with a new one. Rechargeable coin-cell batteries exist, but they are not compatible with AirTags and will not work.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the CR2032 with the negative side facing up instead of the positive side, the AirTag straightforward will not work. It will not damage the battery or the AirTag. Remove the back, flip the battery over so the + side faces up, and close the AirTag again.

Is there a way to make the battery last longer?

The battery life is determined by how often your iPhone checks the AirTag's location. If you use the AirTag in standard mode (checking location a few times per day), you will get close to the full year. Disabling Bluetooth or turning off location services on your iPhone will stop the AirTag from working, so there is no practical way to extend the battery life without losing functionality.

Can I use a different type of coin-cell battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin-cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage or capacity, and they will not work reliably in an AirTag. Always use a CR2032.