AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTags do not charge like your phone or laptop. Instead, they run on a single CR2032 coin-cell battery — the same flat, round battery you might find in a watch or car key fob. When the battery runs out, you buy a new one and swap it in yourself. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

This design choice matters because it means you will never plug an AirTag into anything. There is no charging port, no wireless charging pad, and no cable. Apple made this trade-off deliberately: a replaceable battery keeps the AirTag small and waterproof, and it means the device keeps working even if you forget about it for months.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 replaceable coin-cell battery that lasts roughly one year under normal use.
  • You cannot charge an AirTag — you must physically remove the old battery and insert a new one when it dies.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually weeks before it stops working completely.
  • Replacement batteries cost a few dollars and are sold at pharmacies, hardware stores, and online retailers.

How long a single battery actually lasts

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year. That estimate assumes normal use — meaning the AirTag is broadcasting its location regularly but not being searched for constantly. If you use the Find My app to locate your AirTag multiple times a day, the battery will drain faster. If the AirTag sits in a drawer and you never search for it, it may last longer.

Apple does not publish a precise battery life figure because it depends on how often the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices. The company's official stance is "approximately one year," and most users report that matches reality. Some people get 14 months; others see the battery warning after 10 months. The variation is normal and depends on your usage pattern and how many Apple devices are around you.

When your iPhone tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery drops to around 10 percent. This warning usually comes weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to buy a replacement without the AirTag going offline. You can also check the battery level manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown on its details screen.

Do not wait until you see the low-battery warning to think about replacement batteries. If you own an AirTag, it is worth keeping one spare CR2032 battery in a drawer so you can swap it in when ready when the notification arrives. This prevents the awkward situation of needing to locate something while your AirTag is dead.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery requires no tools and no technical knowledge. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — it will pop off. Remove the old battery, noting which side was facing up. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side with the number printed on it) facing up, then press the cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. If the cover is stuck, try wrapping a thin cloth around it for better grip, or ask someone at a pharmacy or electronics store to do it for you — most will replace the battery for free or a small fee if you buy the battery from them. After you insert the new battery, your iPhone will recognize it when ready and show the battery as full in the Find My app.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so they are straightforward to find. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout counter. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry them in the electrical aisle. Grocery stores often have them near the pharmacy or in the seasonal section. Online, you can order them from Amazon, Best Buy, or any retailer that sells batteries.

Prices vary slightly, but a single CR2032 battery usually costs between $3 and $8. Buying a multi-pack of four or eight batteries is often cheaper per battery than buying one at a time. Since you will need a new battery roughly once a year per AirTag, buying a small pack when you first get an AirTag is a practical choice.

Why AirTag uses replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones

Apple chose a replaceable battery for three specific reasons. First, a rechargeable battery would require a charging port, which would create a hole in the AirTag's waterproof seal. Second, rechargeable batteries are thicker and heavier, which would make the AirTag larger. Third, a replaceable battery means the AirTag never becomes useless — even if you forget about it for a year, it will still work the moment you need it, whereas a rechargeable device left unplugged for months might be completely dead.

This design is less convenient than wireless charging in one narrow way — you have to buy and swap batteries. But it is more convenient in almost every other way: the AirTag stays small, waterproof, and always ready to use without any maintenance or planning on your part.

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 battery type could damage the device or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so there is no practical reason to substitute.

What happens if I leave a dead AirTag in my bag?

A dead AirTag will not broadcast its location, so the Find My app will show it as offline. You will not be able to locate it using the app. However, if someone else with an Apple device walks past it, their device can still detect it and report its location to you — this is called the Find My network and works even when the AirTag's battery is dead.

Does cold weather drain the battery faster?

Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce battery performance, but they do not permanently damage a CR2032 battery. Once the AirTag warms up, the battery will return to normal function. Extreme cold (below freezing for extended periods) may shorten overall battery life slightly, but normal winter conditions will not noticeably affect it.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or stop working. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries.