Yes, you have to charge an AirTag, but not very often
An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that uses a replaceable battery, not a rechargeable one. You do not plug it in or use a charging cable. Instead, you open the back of the AirTag, remove the old battery when it runs out, and snap in a new one. A fresh battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, though the exact time depends on how often the AirTag is actively tracking and sending location data.
The battery inside is a standard CR2032 coin cell — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy a pack of them at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. When your AirTag battery dies, the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification, so you will know it is time to replace it before the device stops working.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
- You open the back of the AirTag by pressing down and twisting the white plastic ring, then swap out the old battery for a new one.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely.
- A single CR2032 battery costs less than a dollar and is available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
How to replace the battery yourself
Replacing an AirTag battery takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic ring facing up. Press down firmly on the ring with your thumb or finger and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen. Lift the ring away and the battery will come out with it.
Drop the new CR2032 battery into the empty slot with the flat side facing up (the side with the plus sign). Press the white ring back down into the AirTag and twist it clockwise until you hear a click. The AirTag will beep to confirm the battery is installed correctly, and the Find My app will show the battery status as full again within a few seconds.
What affects how long a battery lasts
A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts one year, but this is an average. If you use the AirTag to track something that moves around frequently — like a backpack you carry every day — the battery will drain faster because the AirTag is constantly communicating with nearby Apple devices. If the AirTag sits in a drawer or on a shelf most of the time, the battery may last longer.
Temperature also plays a small role. Batteries drain faster in very cold conditions, so an AirTag left outside in winter may need a replacement sooner than one kept indoors. The Find My app tracks your battery percentage over time, so you can see whether yours is draining faster or slower than average based on your own use.
Why Apple chose a replaceable battery
Apple designed AirTags with a user-replaceable battery instead of a rechargeable one for practical reasons. A rechargeable battery would require you to charge the device regularly, carry a charging cable, and deal with the battery degrading over time. A coin cell battery is cheap, widely available, and lasts long enough that most people only think about it once a year.
The trade-off is that you have to remember to buy and install a new battery yourself rather than plugging in a cable. For most people, this is a simpler and less annoying routine than managing another rechargeable device in their home.
Where to buy replacement batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. Online, Amazon, eBay, and the Apple Store all carry them. A single battery usually costs between 50 cents and two dollars, and buying a multi-pack of four or eight is often cheaper per battery than buying one at a time.
Make sure the package says CR2032 — that is the exact model AirTag uses. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 look similar but will not fit or work correctly. If you are unsure which battery your AirTag needs, check the Apple Support website or the Find My app, which displays the battery type.
What happens when the battery dies
When an AirTag battery runs completely out, the device stops working when ready. It will not send location data, and the Find My app will show it as offline. You will not be able to locate the item it is tracking until you replace the battery. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work perfectly once you install a fresh battery.
Apple sends a notification through the Find My app when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before you actually need it. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, you can still replace it at any time — there is no rush or important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge an AirTag with a USB cable or wireless charger?
No. AirTags do not have any charging port or wireless charging capability. They only work with a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. If you try to charge an AirTag, nothing will happen.
How do I know when my AirTag battery is low?
The Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification when the battery is running low. You can also open the Find My app, tap the AirTag, and see the current battery percentage displayed on the screen.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I take it to Apple?
It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself — the process takes 30 seconds and requires no special tools or knowledge. Apple does not offer battery replacement service for AirTags because the design is meant for user replacement. Thousands of people replace AirTag batteries at home every day without any problems.
What if I lose the white ring when I open my AirTag?
The white ring is the only removable part of an AirTag, and it is straightforward to lose. If this happens, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement ring, or you can search online for third-party replacement rings designed for AirTags. The device will still work without the ring, but the ring helps keep the battery find and protects the back of the AirTag from damage.
Do all AirTags use the same battery?
Yes. All AirTags, regardless of when they were made or where you bought them, use a CR2032 coin cell battery. There is only one model of AirTag, so there is only one battery type.