The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it yourself in under a minute with a coin
AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. Apple does not charge you to replace it, and you do not need to mail it anywhere or visit a store. You straightforward open the back, swap the old battery for the new one, and close it again. The whole process takes longer to find a coin than to do the work.
You will know the battery is low when your iPhone or iPad shows a low battery notification in the Find My app — usually a few weeks before the battery actually dies. You can replace it anytime after that notification appears, or wait until the AirTag stops working. Either way, the steps are identical.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 battery that costs a few dollars and is sold at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
- You open the back of the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel side and twisting counterclockwise until it stops.
- The battery sits in a small metal holder — remove the old one and drop the new one in with the flat side facing up.
- After you close the back, your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds.
What you need before you start
Gather a CR2032 battery and a coin — a dime, penny, or quarter all work. You do not need tools, screwdrivers, or anything else. If you do not have a CR2032 battery on hand, buy one at a pharmacy, supermarket, drugstore chain, or online. They cost between two and five dollars and are stocked near the watch batteries or hearing aid batteries.
Check the packaging to make sure it says CR2032 and not CR2025 or another number. The wrong size will not fit. If you are buying online, order it a few days early so it arrives before your AirTag stops working — though you can use the AirTag for a few weeks after the low battery warning appears.
How to open the back of your AirTag
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. You will see a stainless steel ring around the edge. Press down firmly on the steel ring with your thumb or the edge of your coin, then twist the ring counterclockwise (the direction opposite to a clock's hands) until it stops. You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so.
Once the ring stops turning, lift it away from the white plastic. The back will come off in your hand. Do not force it — if it is not turning, you are twisting the wrong direction. Flip the AirTag over and you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder in the center.
Removing the old battery and installing the new one
The old battery sits in a metal cup with a small lip around the edge. Press down on the edge of the battery with your fingernail or the edge of a coin and it will pop out. Set it aside — you do not need to recycle it right away, but CR2032 batteries should go to a battery recycling program rather than the trash. Check your city or county website for a drop-off location.
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny; the other has a small ridge or marking. Drop the battery into the metal holder with the flat side facing up toward the white plastic. You will hear or feel a small click as it seats. The battery should sit flat and flush with the holder — if it is tilted or sticking up, remove it and try again.
Closing the AirTag and reconnecting it
Align the stainless steel ring with the white plastic base and press it down firmly. Twist the ring clockwise (the direction a clock's hands move) until it stops. You will feel it tighten and click into place. It should be snug but you do not need to force it — if you are straining, you have probably twisted it too far.
Within a few seconds, your iPhone or iPad will show that the AirTag is connected again. The low battery notification will disappear from the Find My app. Your AirTag is now ready to use for another year. If it does not reconnect within 30 seconds, restart Bluetooth on your phone by turning it off and back on, then try again.
What to do if the battery is stuck or the ring will not open
If the ring is difficult to turn, wrap a thin cloth or rubber band around it for better grip, then try again. The cloth gives your fingers or coin more traction without damaging the metal. If the battery is stuck in the holder, use a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card to gently pry it out — avoid metal tools that could scratch the inside.
If the ring cracks or the plastic becomes damaged, you can still use the AirTag, but the back will not seal properly and dust or moisture could get inside. Apple sells replacement backs for a few dollars, or you can contact Apple Support to order one. The AirTag itself will continue to work even with a damaged back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size like CR2025?
No. CR2025 and other sizes will not fit properly in the holder and may not make contact with the metal cup. Always use CR2032. The number refers to the battery's diameter and thickness, and the AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work. The flat side must face up toward the white plastic. If your AirTag does not reconnect after you close it, open it again and check that the battery is oriented correctly — flat side up, ridge side down.
Do I need to do anything in the Find My app before I replace the battery?
No. Just replace the battery and close the AirTag. It will reconnect automatically. You do not need to remove it from Find My or re-pair it.
How long does a new battery last?
A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag, depending on how often the AirTag is moving and being tracked. You will get a low battery notification a few weeks before it dies.
Can I replace the battery while my AirTag is still working, or do I have to wait until it dies?
You can replace it anytime. Many people replace it as soon as they see the low battery notification so the AirTag never stops working. There is no harm in replacing a battery that still has some charge left.