Yes, you can replace the battery in an AirTag yourself

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year with normal use. When the battery dies, you do not need to buy a new AirTag — you straightforward open the device and swap in a fresh battery. The whole process takes less than a minute and costs a few dollars.

Apple designed the AirTag to be opened by hand. The stainless steel back twists off to reveal the battery compartment. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. They are cheap and widely available, which makes AirTag one of the least expensive tracking devices to maintain over time.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are user-replaceable CR2032 coin cells that cost between $2 and $5 for a pack of several.
  • The stainless steel back of the AirTag twists counterclockwise by hand — no tools required.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you a few weeks of warning before it dies completely.
  • A fresh battery restores the AirTag to full function; there is no pairing or setup needed after replacement.

How to open an AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers on the white plastic rim. Twist the steel back counterclockwise — it will rotate about a quarter turn before it stops and separates from the plastic body.

Once the back is off, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery has a silver side and a copper side. Lift the battery straight up and out of the holder. If it is stuck, you can gently pry it with your fingernail or a plastic tool, but it usually comes out easily.

Installing a new battery and closing the AirTag

Take your new CR2032 battery and check that it is the right type — the package will say CR2032 or DL2032. Hold the battery with the silver side facing up (toward you) and the copper side facing down (toward the holder). Place it flat into the metal holder and press down gently until it sits flush.

Now align the stainless steel back with the white plastic body. The back has a small notch that lines up with a post on the plastic. Once aligned, twist the back clockwise until it is snug. You will feel it click into place. Do not force it — if it does not turn smoothly, remove it and realign the notch.

Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds. You do not need to re-pair the AirTag or do anything else. It will work exactly as it did before.

What to do when your iPhone warns you the battery is low

Your iPhone sends a notification when the AirTag battery drops to about 10 percent capacity. This warning usually arrives several weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to buy a replacement battery without the AirTag becoming useless in the meantime.

You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app on your iPhone, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen. If you see a low battery warning but the percentage is still above 10 percent, the notification may be a few days old.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries and what to expect

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and other general retailers have them in the electronics or battery section. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from battery manufacturers.

A single CR2032 battery costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a pack of two or four is usually cheaper per battery than buying one. Common brands include Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands — they all work equally well in an AirTag. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not last the full year.

How long a new battery lasts and what affects battery life

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year. This assumes normal use — meaning the AirTag is in a wallet, backpack, or keys and is checked occasionally through the Find My app. If you check your AirTag's location constantly or if it is actively being tracked by other people's iPhones, the battery will drain faster.

Temperature also affects battery life. An AirTag left in a hot car or exposed to extreme cold will drain its battery more quickly than one kept at room temperature. If you use your AirTag in harsh conditions, you may need to replace the battery every 8 to 10 months instead of a full year.

Comparing AirTag battery costs to other tracking devices

AirTag is one of the cheapest tracking devices to maintain because the battery is replaceable and inexpensive. A Tile tracker, which is a competing product, also uses a replaceable CR2032 battery, so the ongoing cost is similar. However, some other tracking devices use non-replaceable batteries, which means you have to buy an entirely new device when the battery dies — a much larger expense.

If you lose an AirTag or it stops working, you can replace just the battery for a few dollars. If you lose a device with a sealed battery, you are out the full purchase price. Over the life of owning a tracking device, the ability to replace the battery saves money and reduces electronic waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit in the holder or will damage the device. Stick to CR2032 or DL2032 — these are the same battery with different manufacturer names.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the copper side facing up instead of the silver side, the AirTag will not work. The battery will not make electrical contact with the device. straightforward open the AirTag again, flip the battery over, and close it. No damage is done.

Do I need to erase my AirTag before replacing the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or settings. Your AirTag will continue to work with your Apple ID and Find My account exactly as before. You do not need to re-pair it or do anything special.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. Apple designed the AirTag to be opened by hand without tools. You do not need to visit an Apple Store or send it in for service. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries at home every year.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept used batteries for recycling. You can also take them to an electronics recycling center or a hazardous waste collection event in your area.