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

An AirTag is a small tracking device from Apple that holds a standard coin-cell battery called a CR2032. Unlike phones or laptops, AirTags have no charging cable or port. When the battery runs low, you open the back and swap in a fresh CR2032 battery, which takes about 30 seconds. A new battery lasts roughly one year under normal use.

The battery is not rechargeable. This design keeps the AirTag thin and waterproof — there are no openings for water to enter. You buy replacement CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, and a pack of four or eight costs less per battery.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you replace when it dies, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely.
  • Replacing the battery takes about 30 seconds: press the stainless steel back until it clicks, twist counterclockwise, and swap the old battery for a new one.
  • CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers for $3 to $8 each, or cheaper in multipacks.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in an AirTag under typical use.

How to know when your AirTag battery is low

Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will notify you when an AirTag's battery is running low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab at the bottom, select the AirTag, and scroll down — if the battery is low, you'll see a yellow or red battery icon with a message like "Battery Low" or "Replace Battery Soon."

You can also check the battery status in the Find My app without waiting for a notification. The notification usually arrives when the battery has a few weeks of life left, so you have time to order or pick up a replacement. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending its location to your devices until you replace it.

Step-by-step: replacing the battery

Start with the AirTag in your hand with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Locate the small notch or seam where the two halves meet around the edge.

Press the stainless steel back down firmly with your thumb or finger. You should feel resistance. Keep pressing until you hear or feel a small click — this releases the back. The back does not come off completely; it rotates.

While still pressing down, twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. The back will loosen and you can lift it away from the plastic body. The CR2032 battery will be sitting in a small metal holder inside.

Lift out the old battery. Note which side was facing up — the side with the + symbol should face up in the new battery too. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the + side up. Replace the stainless steel back by aligning it with the plastic body, pressing down, and twisting clockwise (to the right) until it clicks firmly into place.

Your AirTag will reconnect to your devices within a few seconds. The Find My app will update to show the battery is full. If the app still shows low battery after a minute, try removing and reinserting the battery to make sure it is seated properly.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell batteries made, so they are stocked almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all carry CR2032 batteries in their electronics sections.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Walmart.com, or the websites of any pharmacy. Buying a multipack of four or eight batteries costs less per battery than buying a single one, and you'll have spares on hand. Expect to pay $0.50 to $2 per battery when you buy a pack, compared to $3 to $8 for a single battery.

Do not buy counterfeit or very cheap batteries from unknown sellers online. Cheap batteries may not hold a full charge or may leak inside the AirTag. Stick to major retailers or well-known battery brands like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic.

How long a battery lasts and what affects it

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year. This assumes normal use — checking the AirTag's location a few times a week and keeping it within Bluetooth range of your devices most of the time.

Battery life gets shorter if you check the AirTag's location constantly, if it spends a lot of time out of Bluetooth range (forcing it to use the Find My network more often), or if you use it in very cold temperatures. If you have an AirTag in a car you drive daily and check its location several times a day, the battery might last 8 to 10 months instead of 12. An AirTag in a rarely-used bag or on a keychain you check once a month might last 14 to 16 months.

The battery does not drain while the AirTag is sitting unused. If you put an AirTag away in a drawer for three months, the battery will have lost very little charge. The drain only happens when the AirTag is powered on and communicating with your devices.

Troubleshooting battery problems

If your AirTag shows low battery but you just replaced it, the new battery may not be seated properly. Remove the back, take out the battery, and reinsert it, making sure the + side faces up. Press the back on firmly and twist until it clicks. Wait 10 seconds for the AirTag to reconnect.

If the Find My app still shows low battery after reinserting, try a different new battery. It's possible the first replacement was defective or dead on arrival. If a second fresh battery also shows low, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem — contact Apple Support for help.

If your AirTag stops responding entirely and won't reconnect to Find My after a battery replacement, remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert it. If it still won't reconnect, try removing and reinserting the battery one more time. If the AirTag remains unresponsive, it may need service from Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge an AirTag battery instead of replacing it?

No. AirTag batteries are not rechargeable. CR2032 batteries are single-use and designed to be replaced when they run out. Attempting to recharge a CR2032 can damage the battery or create a safety hazard.

What happens if I use the wrong battery size in my AirTag?

Using a battery other than CR2032 will not fit properly or may damage the AirTag. Always use a CR2032 coin-cell battery. Do not attempt to use AA, AAA, or other battery sizes.

Is it safe to replace the AirTag battery myself?

Yes. Replacing the battery is a straightforward task that takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. The AirTag is designed for user battery replacement. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry, and that the + side of the new battery faces up.

Can I buy AirTag batteries directly from Apple?

Apple does not sell CR2032 batteries separately. You must buy them from retailers like pharmacies, electronics stores, or online. Apple will replace the battery for you at an Apple Store, but this is unnecessary since the battery is straightforward to replace yourself.

How do I know if a CR2032 battery is dead before I put it in my AirTag?

Most CR2032 batteries come fresh from the manufacturer and will work. If you have old batteries lying around, you can test them with a battery tester (sold at hardware stores) or by putting one in a device you know works, like a scale or remote. If the device works, the battery is good.