The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year, and you replace it yourself by twisting open the back and swapping in a new CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.
You do not need tools, a technician, or to pair the AirTag again. The device remembers your iPhone or iPad after the battery swap. A new CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 at any drugstore, grocery store, or online retailer.
AirTags do not warn you before the battery dies — they straightforward stop reporting location. You will notice when Find My stops showing the device's location or when your iPhone displays a low battery notification in the Find My app. At that point, the battery is nearly gone.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries last roughly one year under normal use, and you can replace the CR2032 coin cell yourself without any tools.
- The back of the AirTag twists off counterclockwise; you do not need to explore force, just steady pressure with your fingers.
- After you install the new battery, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically — you do not need to re-pair it.
- A CR2032 battery costs $3 to $8 and is sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online, often in multipacks that are cheaper per battery.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a CR2032 battery, which is a flat, round, silver coin about the size of a dime. You can buy these at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or Amazon. They often come in packs of two or four, which costs less per battery than buying a single one.
Check the package to confirm it says CR2032 — not CR2025 or CR2016, which are slightly different sizes and will not work. The number refers to the diameter and thickness in millimeters.
You do not need a screwdriver, knife, or any tool. Your fingers are enough. If the back is very tight, a coin can help, but most people open them without one.
How to Open the AirTag and Remove the Old Battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up and the metal back facing down. Place your thumb on the metal back and your fingers on the white plastic top. Push down gently with your thumb while turning the metal back counterclockwise — the direction opposite a clock's hands.
The back will twist off after a quarter turn or less. Do not force it; if it does not move, you may be turning the wrong direction. Once it loosens, you can unscrew it the rest of the way by hand.
Inside, you will see a small round battery sitting in a metal cup. The side facing you (usually marked with a + sign) is the positive end. Lift the battery straight up and out. If it sticks, gently pry it with your fingernail or a coin.
Installing the New Battery and Closing the AirTag
Take the new CR2032 battery and check which side is marked with a + sign — that is the positive end and should face up, toward you. Drop the battery into the metal cup with the + side facing up. It will sit flat and snug.
Align the metal back with the white plastic body and twist it clockwise — the direction a clock's hands move — until it stops. You will feel a slight resistance when it is seated correctly. Do not overtighten; once it stops turning easily, it is closed.
Your AirTag is now ready to use. Within a few seconds, it will reconnect to your iPhone or iPad through Bluetooth. You will see the device reappear in the Find My app if it had disappeared, or the low battery warning will clear.
Why the Battery Drains and How to Make It Last Longer
An AirTag's battery drains because the device is constantly broadcasting a Bluetooth signal so that other iPhones nearby can detect it and report its location back to you. This happens whether the AirTag is moving or sitting still in a drawer.
Battery life varies based on how often the AirTag is detected by other devices. An AirTag on a frequently used keychain in a busy area will drain faster than one in a quiet home. Apple estimates one year of typical use, but some people report 18 months or more if the AirTag rarely moves.
You cannot extend the battery life by changing settings — there is no low-power mode or way to reduce the broadcast strength. The only way to use less battery is to use the AirTag less often, which defeats the purpose. Plan to replace the battery once a year as part of regular maintenance.
What to Do If the AirTag Does Not Reconnect After Battery Replacement
In rare cases, an AirTag does not reconnect to your iPhone when ready after a battery swap. Wait 30 seconds and open the Find My app again — the device usually appears within that time.
If it still does not show up, try restarting your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Then open Find My again. If the AirTag still does not appear, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinstall it. Make sure the positive side of the battery is facing up.
If the AirTag still will not reconnect after these steps, the device itself may be damaged. You can try removing it from your account in Find My and re-pairing it by holding your iPhone near the AirTag and following the on-screen prompts. If that does not work, the AirTag may need to be replaced.
Where to Buy Replacement Batteries and What to Expect to Pay
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all stock them. Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery, depending on the brand and quantity. Buying a pack of four costs less per battery than buying one or two.
Brand names include Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands like Kirkland (Costco) and Amazon Basics. All CR2032 batteries work the same way in an AirTag — the brand does not matter. Store brands are usually cheaper and perform identically.
Some retailers sell CR2032 batteries in the pharmacy section, others in the electronics aisle, and some in both. If you cannot find them, ask a store employee — they are a common item and most stores restock them regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries work physically, but they have a lower voltage than disposable ones and may not last as long. Most people stick with disposable CR2032 batteries because they are cheap and reliable. If you want to try a rechargeable version, buy one from a reputable brand like Tenergy or EBL.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work if the battery is installed with the negative side facing up. The device will not turn on or connect to your iPhone. If this happens, straightforward open the back again, flip the battery over so the + sign faces up, and close it. No damage occurs from installing it backward.
Do I need to tell my iPhone that I replaced the battery?
No. The AirTag reconnects automatically once the new battery is installed. You do not need to re-pair it, remove it from Find My, or do anything on your iPhone. Just close the back and wait a few seconds.
How do I know when the battery is actually dead?
Your iPhone will show a low battery notification in the Find My app, usually when the battery has about 10 percent charge left. After that, the AirTag will stop reporting its location within a few days. If Find My has not shown your AirTag's location in several days, the battery is dead.
Can I use a different size coin cell battery if I cannot find a CR2032?
No. CR2032 is the only battery that fits inside an AirTag. CR2025 and CR2016 are slightly thinner and will not make proper contact with the metal cup. Using the wrong size could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Always buy a CR2032.