How to disable an AirTag

An AirTag stops working when you remove its battery. Open the white plastic disc on the back by pressing down and turning it counterclockwise — it unscrews like a bottle cap. Lift out the coin-cell battery (usually a CR2032) and set it aside. The AirTag is now inactive and will not transmit location data or connect to any device.

If you want to keep the AirTag but prevent it from being used to track you, you can also remove it from your Apple ID account through the Find My app. This disconnects it from your account without physically disabling it, though the battery will still drain over time. The physical removal method is faster and more certain if you do not plan to use the tag again.

Removing the battery does not erase the AirTag or reset it to factory settings — it straightforward stops it from functioning. If you later want to use it again, insert a fresh battery and it will reconnect to your account automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the white plastic battery cover on the back of the AirTag by pressing and turning counterclockwise, then take out the coin-cell battery inside.
  • An AirTag without a battery cannot transmit location data, connect to the Find My network, or communicate with any device.
  • You can also remove an AirTag from your Apple ID account through the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, which disconnects it from tracking without opening the device.
  • Removing the battery does not reset the AirTag — reinserting a fresh battery will restore it to working condition.

Removing an AirTag from your Apple ID account

Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap or click the Items tab at the bottom of the screen. Find the AirTag you want to remove and tap or click on it. Scroll down and select Remove Item, then confirm when prompted. The AirTag is now disconnected from your account and cannot be tracked through Find My.

This method is useful if someone else owns the AirTag but has it registered to their account, or if you want to give the tag to another person. After removal, the new owner can add it to their own Apple ID account. The AirTag itself remains functional — only the connection to your account is severed.

If you remove an AirTag from your account and then lose track of it, you will not be able to locate it through Find My anymore. Make sure you physically have the tag or know where it is before removing it from your account.

What happens when an AirTag loses power

When the battery dies or is removed, the AirTag stops broadcasting its location to the Find My network. It will not appear in your Find My app, and other Apple devices will not be able to detect it. The tag enters a dormant state and uses no power.

A dead AirTag can still be located if it is near an Apple device that is powered on and connected to the internet — the Find My network will report its last known location. However, this location data becomes stale quickly and is only useful if the tag has not moved since the battery died.

If you have an AirTag with a dead battery and you want to use it again, straightforward replace the battery with a new CR2032 coin cell. These batteries cost a few dollars and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics retailers. The AirTag will power on when ready and reconnect to your account.

Disabling AirTag notifications on your device

If you want to keep an AirTag active but stop receiving notifications about it, you can adjust settings in the Find My app. Open Find My, select the Items tab, tap the AirTag, and look for notification options. You can turn off alerts for when the tag leaves a location or when it is separated from you.

Disabling notifications does not stop the AirTag from working or tracking — it only silences the alerts on your device. The tag will continue to transmit its location to the Find My network, and you can still manually check its location in the app at any time. This is different from removing the battery or disconnecting the tag from your account.

Some users disable notifications to reduce alert fatigue while still keeping the tag active for situations where they might need to locate it later. If you travel frequently or share locations with family members, you may want to adjust these settings rather than fully disabling the tag.

Checking if an AirTag is tracking you

Your iPhone or iPad will alert you if an AirTag that is not registered to your account is traveling with you. If you receive this notification, open Find My and look for an Unknown Item alert. Tap on it to see the tag's location history and get directions to it.

If you find an unknown AirTag, you can hold your device near it to play a sound that helps you locate it physically. You can also choose to disable notifications for that tag or remove it from your device entirely. If you believe the tag is being used to track you without your consent, you should contact local law enforcement.

Android devices do not receive automatic alerts about unknown AirTags, but Apple released a separate app called Tracker Detect that Android users can read to scan for nearby AirTags. This app will not show you real-time tracking data, but it will tell you if an AirTag is in your vicinity.

Physically destroying an AirTag

If you want to may support an AirTag can never be used again, you can destroy it. The device is small and durable, but it can be damaged by dropping it repeatedly, running it over with a vehicle, or exposing it to extreme heat or water. Submerging it in water for an extended period will eventually corrode the battery and internal components.

Destruction is not necessary for most situations — removing the battery is sufficient to disable the tag. However, if you have concerns about someone retrieving the tag and replacing the battery, physical destruction provides absolute certainty that it cannot be reactivated.

Before destroying an AirTag, remove it from your Apple ID account through the Find My app. This ensures that if the tag is recovered, it cannot be reconnected to your account or used to track you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone track me with an AirTag if I remove the battery?

No. Without a battery, an AirTag cannot transmit any signal or connect to the Find My network. It is completely inactive and poses no tracking risk. The only way someone could locate it is if they physically knew where you left it.

Will removing an AirTag from my account delete it permanently?

No. Removing an AirTag from your Apple ID account only disconnects it from your account. The tag itself remains functional and can be added to another Apple ID account. If you want to use it again, you can straightforward add it back to your account.

What kind of battery does an AirTag use?

AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery, which is the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. A fresh battery typically lasts about one year with normal use. You can buy replacement batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers for a few dollars each.

Can I disable an AirTag without removing the battery?

Yes. You can remove the AirTag from your Apple ID account through the Find My app, which disconnects it from tracking. However, the battery will continue to drain even though the tag is not actively tracking. Removing the battery is more effective if you do not plan to use the tag again.

Will my iPhone warn me if someone puts an AirTag in my bag?

Yes, if the AirTag is registered to someone else's account. Your iPhone will send you a notification after a few hours if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you. You can then locate it, play a sound to find it physically, or disable notifications for it.