AirTags use a replaceable coin-cell battery, not a rechargeable one

An AirTag does not charge like your phone or laptop. Instead, it holds a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery — the same flat, round battery you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery runs out, you replace it with a new one. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and costs a few dollars.

This design choice matters because it means you never plug an AirTag into power. You just swap the battery when the AirTag tells you it is low. Apple made this trade-off deliberately: a rechargeable battery would make the AirTag thicker and heavier, and you would have to charge it regularly. A replaceable battery keeps the AirTag small enough to slip into a wallet or attach to a keychain.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you replace yourself, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • A single battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag notifies you to replace it.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for two to five dollars each.
  • The AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before it dies completely.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. What counts as "normal" depends on how often the AirTag is actively searching for your item. If you use the Find My app frequently to locate the AirTag, the battery drains faster. If the AirTag sits in your bag most of the time and you rarely search for it, the battery lasts longer.

The actual lifespan also depends on how far away the AirTag is from your iPhone or other Apple devices. An AirTag that stays close to your devices uses less power than one that regularly connects to distant devices to report its location. In practice, most people see their battery last somewhere between 10 and 14 months before the low-battery warning appears.

What happens when the battery gets low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low. The notification appears in the Find My app and as a standard alert on your phone. You have time to replace the battery — the AirTag does not stop working when ready when the warning arrives. Most people have a few weeks to a month before the battery is completely dead.

If you ignore the warning and the battery dies, the AirTag stops reporting its location. You will not be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. The AirTag itself is not damaged; it straightforward becomes inert until you install a fresh battery.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing the battery takes less than a minute. Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing you. Press down on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it pops off. The CR2032 battery will be sitting in the plastic holder inside.

Remove the old battery and slide a new CR2032 battery into the holder with the positive side facing up. Press the battery down slightly until you hear a beep from the AirTag — this confirms the battery is making contact. Then twist the back cover clockwise until it clicks back into place. That is all there is to it.

Where to buy replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are among the most common batteries in the world, so you can find them almost anywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery section. Grocery stores usually carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have them in the electrical aisle.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Walmart, or any pharmacy website. A single battery costs between two and five dollars, though buying a pack of four or eight brings the per-battery cost down. Some people buy a spare pack and keep it at home so they always have a replacement ready when the notification arrives.

Why Apple chose a replaceable battery instead of a rechargeable one

A rechargeable battery would require a charging port, which would make the AirTag thicker and add weight. The current design is about the size of a large coin and weighs less than half an ounce, making it straightforward to slip into a wallet, attach to a keychain, or tuck into a small pocket. A rechargeable version would be noticeably bulkier.

Rechargeable batteries also need to be charged regularly — probably every few weeks or months depending on use. A replaceable battery that lasts a year means you think about it far less often. You get a notification, you buy a battery, you swap it, and you move on. There is no cable, no charging dock, and no risk of forgetting to charge it before a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Always use a fresh CR2032 battery from a reputable manufacturer.

What if I lose my AirTag before the battery dies?

If your AirTag is lost, you can mark it as lost in the Find My app. Other Apple devices in the network will continue to report its location even if the battery eventually dies. You can also play a sound on the AirTag to help locate it, as long as the battery still has some charge.

Does cold weather affect how long the battery lasts?

Yes, cold temperatures can temporarily reduce battery performance. A CR2032 battery in freezing conditions may drain faster or report lower capacity than it actually has. Once the AirTag warms up, the battery performance usually returns to normal. This is temporary and does not permanently damage the battery.

Can I recycle the old CR2032 battery?

Yes, CR2032 batteries should be recycled, not thrown in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling programs. Some will take old batteries for free when you buy new ones. Check with your local waste management facility for drop-off locations near you.