The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it yourself in under a minute

An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that helps you find lost items like keys, wallets, or bags. 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. You do not need to mail it anywhere or visit a store. You open the back, swap out the old battery for a new one, and you are done.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You will need one new CR2032 battery, which costs between $3 and $8 at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer. No tools required.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year before needing replacement, and your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low.
  • You need only a CR2032 coin cell battery, available at drugstores and supermarkets for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — no screwdriver or special tool is needed.
  • Once you replace the battery and close the back, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back near the edge. Press down firmly and twist counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it). The back will pop off after a quarter turn — you do not need to twist far.

Inside you will see a small round battery sitting in a metal holder. The side facing you (usually marked with a + sign) is the positive side. Lift the battery straight up and out. If it is stuck, try gently prying the edge with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle, but it should come free with light pressure.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is marked. The positive side (marked +) should face up, toward you. Drop the battery into the metal holder so it sits flat. You will hear or feel a small click as it settles into place.

Now twist the steel back clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until it clicks and sits flush with the white plastic. It should feel snug but you do not need to force it. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds — you may see a notification that the battery is now good.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used battery in the trash. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where it is. Some electronics stores like Best Buy also accept batteries for free. If you cannot find a local option, search "battery recycling near me" to find a drop-off location.

Batteries contain materials that can harm soil and water if they end up in a landfill, so taking 30 seconds to recycle is worth the effort.

How to know when the battery is running low

Your iPhone will send you a notification that says something like "AirTag battery low" or "Replace battery in [item name]." This usually happens when the battery has a few weeks of life left, so you have time to buy a replacement without the AirTag stopping work.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location updates. It will not damage the device — the battery straightforward will not power it anymore. As soon as you install a new battery, it will work again.

Troubleshooting if the AirTag does not reconnect

After you close the back, your AirTag should reconnect to your iPhone within 10 to 15 seconds. If it does not, open the back again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder. The positive side (the + marking) must face up. Close it again and wait another 15 seconds.

If it still does not reconnect, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different new CR2032 battery. If you have a second Apple device nearby (like an iPad or Mac), the AirTag may reconnect to that instead — check your other devices to see if it shows up there. If none of these steps work, the AirTag hardware may be damaged, and you would need to contact Apple Support.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any supermarket, drugstore chains like CVS or Walgreens, hardware stores, or big-box retailers like Target or Walmart. Online, Amazon and eBay sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper if you have multiple devices that use coin cell batteries.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers — they may not last as long or hold a full charge. Reputable brands include Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and Sony. A single battery from a drugstore usually costs $3 to $8. A pack of four or five online costs $5 to $12, so buying in bulk makes sense if you plan to replace batteries in watches, calculators, or other AirTags over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or may damage the device. Always use CR2032.

What if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is reversed. The positive side (marked +) must face up toward you. If you close the back and the AirTag does not reconnect, open it again and flip the battery over.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Most CR2032 batteries last about one year in an AirTag, though this depends on how often the AirTag sends location updates. If you use it daily to track something you move around frequently, the battery may drain faster.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. There are no sharp edges, no electrical shock risk, and no special tools needed. The battery is a standard consumer item designed for straightforward replacement. Millions of people replace coin cell batteries in watches and devices every day.

What happens if I lose an AirTag before the battery dies?

If you lose the AirTag itself, you can mark it as lost in the Find My app on your iPhone. Other Apple devices nearby will detect it and send you its location. The battery status does not matter for this feature — even a dead AirTag can still be detected by other devices in the Find My network.