Yes, you can replace an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that you attach to keys, bags, or wallets to find them if they go missing. Inside is a replaceable battery — a standard CR2032 coin cell, the same type used in watches and calculators. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification, and you can swap in a fresh one without opening any tools or sending the device anywhere.

The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. Apple does not sell replacement batteries specifically for AirTags, but you can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. A pack of four costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket without a prescription or special order.
  • The battery compartment opens by pressing down and twisting the stainless steel back — no tools needed, and it takes less than a minute.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • Counterfeit CR2032 batteries exist, so buy from a pharmacy, supermarket, or established electronics retailer rather than an unknown seller online.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. With your other hand, press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). The cover will pop off after about a quarter turn.

The old battery sits in a shallow cup in the center. Lift it out — you may need to use your fingernail or a plastic spoon to pry it gently if it is stuck. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (the shiny side with the + symbol) facing up. Press the stainless steel cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks.

Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds. If you do not see a notification, open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and check the battery status. It should show as full.

Where to buy replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery aisle. Supermarkets carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Target, Walmart, and Best Buy all sell them. Online, Amazon and the official websites of battery brands like Energizer and Duracell are reliable sources.

Avoid buying from unknown sellers on marketplaces like eBay or AliExpress unless they have thousands of reviews and a clear return policy. Counterfeit batteries exist and may not hold a charge or could leak inside your AirTag. A name-brand battery from a store you recognize costs only a few dollars more and is worth the safety margin.

What happens when the battery dies

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low — usually when it has a few weeks of charge left. At that point, the AirTag will stop sending location updates to Find My, and you will not be able to locate it. The device itself does not break; it straightforward goes silent until you replace the battery.

If you lose track of an AirTag before you notice the low battery warning, you can still mark it as lost in the Find My app. Other people's iPhones will detect it and send its location to you anonymously, even if the battery is dead. This feature works because the AirTag broadcasts a signal that does not require much power.

Why AirTag batteries are user-replaceable

Apple designed AirTags to be opened by hand because the company wanted to avoid the environmental waste of throwing away a working device just because the battery died. A sealed, non-replaceable battery would mean sending the entire AirTag to recycling or a landfill every year.

This design also saves you money. Replacing the battery yourself costs $3 to $8 and takes 30 seconds. Sending a device to a repair center would cost more in shipping alone and take weeks. The trade-off is that you have to remember to buy a battery when the notification arrives, but that is a small burden for a device that otherwise requires no maintenance.

Troubleshooting a battery replacement that did not work

If you replaced the battery and your iPhone still shows a low battery warning, the new battery may be defective or inserted incorrectly. Remove the cover again and check that the positive side (the shiny side) is facing up. If it is, try a different battery from a different pack or brand.

If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem. Apple offers a one-year warranty on AirTags. You can contact Apple Support through the Find My app or visit an Apple Store with your receipt. They will replace the device or repair it at no cost if it is still under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type could damage the device or cause the battery to leak. CR2032 is the only battery that fits the compartment and has the correct voltage.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Roughly one year under normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag sends location updates, which depends on how often your iPhone is nearby. If you carry the AirTag with you daily, the battery will last closer to one year. If it sits in a drawer, it may last longer.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. There are no sharp edges, no electrical current, and no risk of damaging the AirTag by opening it. The only thing to watch for is not dropping the small battery or the cover. If you have young children in the house, keep the battery out of reach — CR2032 batteries are a choking hazard.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take it to a battery recycling program. Many retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery drop-off bins near the entrance. Some pharmacies and supermarkets also accept batteries. Never throw a battery in the trash — they contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill.

Can I buy an AirTag with a non-replaceable battery?

No. All AirTags sold by Apple have user-replaceable CR2032 batteries. There is no sealed version. If you want a tracking device with a built-in rechargeable battery, you would need to look at other brands like Tile, but those work differently and are not compatible with iPhones.