AirTags don't have a charging port — you replace the battery instead

An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that runs on a standard coin-cell battery, not a rechargeable one. When the battery runs low, you don't plug it in or place it on a charger. Instead, you open the back and swap out the old battery for a new one. The whole process takes about a minute and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

Apple designed AirTags this way because coin-cell batteries last about a year under normal use, and replacing them is simpler than managing another device that needs charging. You'll know it's time to replace the battery when your iPhone sends you a notification saying the AirTag's battery is low.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you replace yourself rather than recharge.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online for $3 to $8 per battery.
  • Press and twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise to open it, then lift out the old battery and insert the new one with the positive side facing up.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to purchase a replacement before it dies completely.

What battery type your AirTag uses

Your AirTag runs on a CR2032 battery, which is a coin-shaped lithium battery about the size of a dime. This is one of the most common battery types in the world — you'll find it in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Because it's so common, you can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere that sells batteries.

A single CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year in an AirTag under typical use. If you use your AirTag heavily — checking its location constantly or keeping it in a place with poor signal — the battery may drain faster. If you rarely check on it, it might last longer.

Where to buy replacement batteries

You can purchase CR2032 batteries at most retail locations. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the pharmacy counter or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores often carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell them in their electronics sections. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from battery retailers.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and whether you buy a single battery or a pack. A single battery typically costs $3 to $5, while a pack of four or more batteries costs $5 to $8 total. Buying in bulk makes sense if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries.

How to open your AirTag and replace the battery

Start by holding your AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Locate the small seam between the steel back and the white plastic. Place your finger on the steel back and press down firmly while twisting it counterclockwise — think of it like opening a jar lid. The steel back will pop off after a quarter turn.

Once the back is off, you'll see the old battery sitting inside. It's a small silver disc. Lift it straight up and out of the AirTag. Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is which: one side is flat and marked with a plus sign (the positive side), and the other side is slightly raised (the negative side). Insert the new battery with the positive side facing up toward you. You should hear a small click as it settles into place.

Now press the steel back onto the white plastic and twist it clockwise until it's snug. You don't need to force it — just turn it until it stops. Your AirTag is now ready to use. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few minutes and update the battery status in the Find My app.

How to know when the battery is running low

Your iPhone sends you a notification when your AirTag's battery is low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab at the bottom, select your AirTag, and scroll down to see the current battery status. It will show either "Good," "Low," or "Replace Now." You don't need to replace the battery the moment you see "Low" — you typically have several weeks before it dies completely.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, your AirTag will stop sending location updates to your iPhone. It won't be damaged, and it will work again as soon as you replace the battery. There's no harm in letting it run all the way down, though it's more convenient to replace it while you still have power so you can confirm the replacement worked.

Troubleshooting after battery replacement

If you replace the battery and your AirTag still doesn't show up in Find My, try these steps. First, make sure the battery is inserted correctly — the positive side (marked with a plus sign) should face up toward you. Remove the battery, wait a few seconds, and reinsert it. Sometimes the connection needs to be reset.

If that doesn't work, remove the battery again and hold down the metal back of the AirTag for about 15 seconds while it's open. This forces a reset. Reinsert the battery and close the AirTag. Wait a minute for it to reconnect to your iPhone. If your AirTag still doesn't appear in Find My after these steps, the device itself may have a problem unrelated to the battery, and you may need to contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type could damage the device or cause it to malfunction. Always use a CR2032 battery.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use or poor signal conditions may shorten this. You'll receive a notification from your iPhone when the battery is running low.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. Replacing the battery is a straightforward, safe process that takes about a minute. There are no tools required, and you can't damage the AirTag by opening it. Just make sure the new battery is inserted with the positive side facing up.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take old CR2032 batteries to a battery recycling program. Many retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and some pharmacies, accept used batteries for recycling at no charge. Don't throw them in the trash.

Will my AirTag stop working if the battery dies?

Yes, your AirTag will stop sending location updates once the battery is completely dead. It won't be damaged — it will work again as soon as you install a new battery. You'll have time to replace it after receiving the low battery notification.