Yes, you can replace the battery yourself in about one minute
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for two to five dollars. Apple designed the AirTag so you can swap the battery without tools or special knowledge — you twist off the back, remove the old battery, drop in the new one, and twist the back on again. The whole process takes longer to read about than to do.
When your AirTag stops making sound or stops showing up in the Find My app, the battery is almost always the reason. Apple sends you a notification when the battery gets low, but the notification sometimes arrives late or gets missed. If your AirTag has been sitting in a drawer for months, the battery has likely drained even if you haven't used it.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, the same type used in watches and calculators, and cost two to five dollars at most retailers.
- You open an AirTag by twisting the white back panel counterclockwise until it comes loose, then twist it back on clockwise after inserting the new battery.
- A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use, though this varies based on how often the AirTag broadcasts its location.
- If your AirTag still does not work after a battery swap, the device itself may be damaged and Apple will replace it under warranty.
What battery type your AirTag needs
The battery is a CR2032, a coin-shaped lithium cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. You will find this exact battery type in most drugstores in the watch or battery aisle, often in packs of one or more. Duracell, Energizer, and store brands all work equally well — the AirTag does not care about the manufacturer, only that it is a CR2032.
Do not buy a rechargeable CR2032 or a knockoff version from an unknown seller. Rechargeable versions have lower voltage and will not work reliably. Counterfeit batteries from third-party sellers on large marketplaces sometimes fail within days. Stick to major brands or your local store's own brand, which are all the same quality.
You can order CR2032 batteries online and have them arrive within two days, or walk into a pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store and buy one when ready. The cost is so low that buying a pack of two or three makes sense — you will use them eventually.
How to open your AirTag and swap the battery
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic back facing up. You will see a thin seam running around the edge where the white back meets the stainless steel front. Place your thumb on the white back and your fingers underneath the steel front, then twist the white back counterclockwise (the direction opposite a clock's hands) until it comes loose. It usually takes a quarter turn or a half turn — do not force it.
Once the back comes off, you will see the battery sitting in a shallow cup. The side facing up has a plus sign (+) printed on it. Lift the battery straight up and out. If it sticks slightly, use your fingernail to pry the edge up gently. Drop the new CR2032 into the cup with the plus sign facing up, making sure it sits flat and level.
Align the white back with the steel front and twist it clockwise (the direction a clock's hands move) until it stops. You should feel a slight click or resistance when it is fully seated. Do not over-tighten — if it stops turning easily, it is tight enough. Your AirTag will start working again when ready and will show a full battery in the Find My app within a few seconds.
How long a battery lasts and when to replace it
A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts roughly one year under normal use. The actual time depends on how often your AirTag broadcasts its location. If you carry it in your pocket or bag every day, it will drain faster than if it sits on a shelf. An AirTag in a car that you drive daily will last longer than one on a keychain you use constantly.
Apple will send you a notification when the battery drops below a certain level, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. If you ignore the notification, the AirTag will stop working within a month or two. The notification is not always reliable — sometimes it arrives late, and sometimes it does not arrive at all if you have notifications turned off for the Find My app.
If you have not used an AirTag in several months, assume the battery is dead even if you never got a low-battery warning. Batteries drain slowly even when a device is not in use. It is easier to replace the battery than to troubleshoot whether the AirTag itself is broken.
What to do if the AirTag still does not work after replacing the battery
If you installed a fresh CR2032 battery and the AirTag still does not appear in the Find My app or make a sound when you play a sound from the app, the device itself is likely damaged. This is rare — most AirTag problems are battery problems — but it does happen if the AirTag was dropped, sat in water, or was exposed to extreme heat.
Check that you inserted the battery correctly: the plus sign should face up, and the battery should sit flat in the cup without tilting. Remove the battery, wait ten seconds, and reinsert it. Sometimes the AirTag needs a moment to recognize a new battery.
If it still does not work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. AirTags come with a one-year warranty that covers hardware defects. Apple will replace a broken AirTag at no cost if it is still under warranty. You will need your original receipt or proof of purchase, though Apple can sometimes look it up if you bought it with an Apple ID.
Disposing of the old battery safely
Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Lithium batteries can leak or catch fire in landfills or garbage trucks. Most drugstores, grocery stores, and Best Buy locations have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Drop the old battery in one of these bins — it is free and takes five seconds.
If you cannot find a recycling bin nearby, you can mail batteries to a recycling center. Search "battery recycling near me" to find drop-off locations in your area. Some cities have hazardous waste collection days where you can bring batteries along with other electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery type in my AirTag?
No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically smaller and will not make contact with the terminals. Using the wrong battery will not damage the AirTag, but it will not work.
How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead?
Open the Find My app, tap the AirTag, and look at the battery percentage at the top of the screen. If it shows 0% or no battery reading at all, the battery is dead. If the app shows a percentage but the AirTag is not responding, try replacing the battery anyway — the reading sometimes lags behind reality.
Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag's location history?
No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data. Your AirTag will reconnect to your account and resume tracking when ready after you install the new battery. All your location history and settings stay the same.
Is it safe to carry spare CR2032 batteries in my pocket or bag?
Yes, as long as they are not in contact with metal objects that could short-circuit them. Keep spare batteries in their original packaging or in a small plastic bag. If a battery shorts out, it can get hot. This is rare with CR2032 batteries because they are low-power, but it is still good practice to keep them isolated.
What if I lost my AirTag and need to replace the battery without opening it?
You cannot replace the battery without opening the AirTag. If you have lost the AirTag and cannot find it, you can remove it from your Find My account through the app, then buy a new one. There is no way to access the battery without twisting off the back panel.