AirTags don't charge — they use replaceable batteries instead

Unlike most Apple devices, your AirTag does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. Instead, it uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace when it runs out. This is actually simpler than charging: you open the back, swap the old battery for a new one, and you're done. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Apple designed it this way because AirTags are small tracking devices meant to slip into a pocket or attach to keys. A rechargeable battery would make them thicker and heavier, and you'd need to charge them regularly. A replaceable battery lasts about a year under normal use, so you only deal with it once annually.

When your AirTag battery is low, the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification. You don't have to wait for that alert to replace it — you can check the battery status anytime by opening Find My, tapping Items, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown on the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace yourself, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • You can check your AirTag's battery level in the Find My app under Items, then tap the specific AirTag to see the percentage.
  • A CR2032 battery costs between $3 and $8 and is sold at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics retailers.
  • To replace the battery, press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it off and swap the battery.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

You can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere that sells everyday items. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch or battery aisle. Grocery stores often carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all have them in their electronics or battery sections. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from Apple, though buying locally is usually faster and cheaper.

Batteries typically come in packs of one to four, and a single CR2032 usually costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are reliable, but store brands work just as well and often cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers online — they may not last as long or hold a full charge.

How to open your AirTag and replace the battery

Start by holding your AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. You'll see a small circular cover on the back — this is what you need to remove. Place your thumb or finger on the cover and press down firmly, then twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid). You only need to turn it about a quarter turn — it will stop when it's fully loose.

Once it stops turning, lift the cover straight up and off. Inside you'll see the old CR2032 battery sitting flat in the compartment. The side facing up will have a minus sign (−) printed on it. Lift out the old battery by gently prying the edge with your fingernail or a plastic tool — don't use anything metal that could scratch the inside.

Take your new CR2032 battery and check that the plus sign (+) is facing up before you place it in the compartment. Drop it in gently so it sits flat, then put the stainless steel cover back on. Press down and twist clockwise until you feel it click and stop — don't force it or twist too hard. Your AirTag is now ready to use, and the Find My app should show the battery at 100 percent within a few seconds.

What to do with the old battery

Don't throw old CR2032 batteries in the trash. They contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill. Instead, take them to a battery recycling program. Most Best Buy locations have a battery recycling bin near the front of the store where you can drop them off for free. Some Lowe's and Home Depot stores also accept batteries.

If you don't have a retailer nearby, search for "battery recycling near me" online or visit Earth911.com and enter your zip code to find drop-off locations in your area. Many municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can bring batteries. Pharmacies like CVS sometimes accept batteries too — call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Why your AirTag battery might drain faster than expected

If you're replacing your AirTag battery more often than once a year, something is using power faster than normal. The most common reason is that your AirTag is out of Bluetooth range from your devices most of the time. When an AirTag can't connect to your iPhone or other Apple device, it keeps searching for a connection, which drains the battery much faster.

Another reason is that you have notifications turned on for that AirTag in the Find My app. Constant notifications require the AirTag to check in more frequently. If you don't need alerts for a particular AirTag, you can turn them off by opening Find My, tapping Items, selecting the AirTag, and toggling off notifications.

Extreme temperatures can also affect battery life. If your AirTag is exposed to very hot or very cold conditions regularly — like sitting in a car in summer or outside in winter — the battery will drain faster than normal. Try to keep your AirTag in a moderate temperature range when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. Your AirTag is designed specifically for a CR2032 battery, which is 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters thick. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 won't fit properly or make contact with the terminals. Always use a CR2032 to avoid damaging your AirTag.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

Your AirTag won't work if the battery is installed backward. The plus and minus sides have to match the terminals inside the compartment. If you put it in upside down, the Find My app will show the battery at 0 percent or won't recognize the AirTag at all. straightforward open the back again, flip the battery over, and close it — no damage is done.

Is it safe to leave an old battery in my AirTag for a long time?

A dead battery left inside won't damage your AirTag, but it will prevent the device from working. If you're not using an AirTag for several months, you can leave the battery in or remove it — either way is fine. If you do remove it, store the battery separately in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use the AirTag again.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your devices automatically once the new battery is installed and the cover is closed. The Find My app should show it as connected within a few seconds. You don't need to unpair it, reset it, or do anything else — just replace the battery and you're done.