The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year, then you replace it yourself in under a minute

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification. You do not need to take it anywhere or contact Apple — you open the AirTag, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one. The whole process takes less time than it takes to read these instructions.

The battery is not soldered in or glued down. Apple designed the AirTag so the back comes off by hand, and the battery sits in a spring-loaded holder that releases it when you press down slightly. You will not damage anything by doing this yourself, and there is no warranty penalty for opening it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at any pharmacy or grocery store for two to five dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — grip the metal side and turn the white plastic back counterclockwise until it stops.
  • Press the battery down slightly to release it from the spring clip, then drop the new battery in with the positive side facing up.
  • Twist the back on again until you hear or feel a click, and your iPhone will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds.

What you need before you start

You need a CR2032 battery. That is the only thing. You do not need tools, adhesive, or any special equipment. If you do not have one at home, any pharmacy, grocery store, or dollar store carries them in the watch battery or electronics section. Online retailers ship them in bulk for the same price.

Check the battery before you open the AirTag. The packaging should say CR2032 clearly — do not grab a CR2025 or CR2016 by mistake, because they are thinner and will not sit properly in the holder. If you are buying online, search for "CR2032 battery" and look for the three-digit number in the product title.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the metal side in your palm and the white plastic back facing up. Place your thumb on the white back and your fingers underneath the metal side. Turn the white back counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to open a jar — until it stops. It will rotate about a quarter turn and then resist. Do not force it past that point.

Lift the white back off. Inside you will see a small silver battery sitting in a circular holder with a metal spring underneath it. Press down on the battery gently with your finger. It will click down and then pop back up slightly as the spring releases. The battery is now loose and you can lift it out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin.

Set the old battery aside. You can throw it in the trash or recycle it — most communities accept batteries at drugstores or recycling centers, though it is not required.

Installing the new battery

Before you put the new battery in, look at it. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign or the number 3. That is the positive side. The other side is blank or marked with a minus sign. The positive side must face up toward the white back of the AirTag.

Drop the new battery into the holder with the positive side up. It will sit flat in the circular space. You do not need to press it down or do anything else — just make sure it is sitting level and the positive side is facing the right direction.

Closing the AirTag and confirming it works

Place the white back on top of the AirTag, lining up the seam. Turn it clockwise — the same direction you would turn to close a jar — until you feel or hear a click. It will rotate about a quarter turn and then stop. The back is now sealed.

Pick up your iPhone and open the Find My app. Tap Items at the bottom, then tap your AirTag. If the battery is installed correctly, the battery status will show a full or nearly full charge within a few seconds. If it still shows low battery or no battery, open the AirTag again and check that the positive side of the battery is facing up.

What to do if the battery does not show as full

If your iPhone does not recognize the new battery right away, wait 30 seconds and check again. Sometimes the AirTag takes a moment to communicate with your phone after a battery change.

If it still shows low battery after waiting, open the AirTag again and remove the battery. Look at the battery holder — you should see a small metal spring underneath. Make sure the spring is not bent or stuck. Place the battery back in with the positive side up and close the AirTag again. If the problem continues, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different CR2032 from a different package or store.

If the AirTag still does not respond after trying a second battery, the device itself may have a problem. At that point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, because the issue is not the battery replacement.

How often you will need to replace the battery

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year of typical use. What counts as typical use depends on how often the AirTag communicates with your iPhone and other nearby Apple devices. An AirTag in a backpack you carry every day will drain the battery faster than one in a desk drawer you check once a week.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the notification — the AirTag will keep working for a while after that. But it is a good reminder to pick up a new battery the next time you are at a store.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 are thinner and will not make proper contact with the spring. Some people have reported success with rechargeable CR2032 batteries, but Apple does not test or support them, and they may not hold a charge as long as standard alkaline ones.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag will not work, and your iPhone will show a low or dead battery. The spring holder is designed so the battery only fits one way, but it is possible to force it in backwards. If your new battery does not show up as working, open the AirTag and check that the positive side (marked with a plus sign) is facing up toward the white back.

Is it safe to open an AirTag myself?

Yes. The AirTag contains no glue, solder, or sealed components. The back twists off by hand, and the battery sits in a straightforward spring clip. Opening it does not void your warranty, and you cannot damage anything by replacing the battery yourself. Apple designed it this way on purpose.

Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Any pharmacy, grocery store, or drugstore carries them — CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most supermarkets stock them in the watch battery or electronics section for two to five dollars. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in bulk packs for less per battery if you want to stock up. The brand does not matter as long as the package says CR2032.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to my iPhone?

Yes. You do not need to unpair the AirTag, reset it, or do anything special. Just open it, swap the battery, close it, and it will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds. The pairing information stays the same.