The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year, and you replace it yourself by twisting off the back and swapping in a new CR2032 coin battery

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 — not a rechargeable one you plug in. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification, and you can swap it out in seconds without tools or a trip to a store.

The battery is a CR2032, a common coin-shaped battery about the size of a dime. You can buy a pack of them at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. Once you have a fresh battery, the whole replacement takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year before your iPhone alerts you to replace it.
  • You need a CR2032 coin battery, which costs a few dollars and is sold at most drugstores and supermarkets.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — no tools required — and the battery slides out and in.
  • After you insert the new battery, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. With your other hand, place your thumb on the metal back and press down while twisting counterclockwise. The back will pop off after a quarter turn or so — you do not need to force it.

Once the back is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal cup. It has a plastic tab sticking out from the edge. Pinch that tab and pull the battery straight out toward you. The old battery is now removed and can be recycled at most drugstores or electronics retailers.

Installing the new CR2032 battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side faces up. The side with writing and numbers on it should face toward you (the positive side). Slide the battery into the metal cup, making sure the plastic tab is on the same side as before. The battery will sit flat in the cup when it is seated correctly.

Once the battery is in place, pick up the metal back and align it with the white plastic body. Press down and twist clockwise until you hear or feel a small click. The back should sit flush with the rest of the AirTag — if there is a gap, untwist and reseat the battery, then try again.

What happens after you close it back up

Within a few seconds of closing the AirTag, it will reconnect to your iPhone. You will see a notification on your phone saying the AirTag is connected again, and the battery indicator in the Find My app will reset to show a full battery. The AirTag is now ready to use.

If your iPhone does not show the AirTag as connected after 30 seconds, open the Find My app and tap the AirTag. If it still does not appear, untwist the back, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. This resets the connection and usually solves the problem.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin batteries made, so you have many options. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets like Target and Walmart carry them as well. You can also order them online from Amazon or other retailers, though shipping takes a few days.

Batteries are inexpensive — a single CR2032 usually costs between one and three dollars, and multi-packs cost less per battery. Since AirTags last about a year on one battery, buying a small pack means you will have spares on hand when the next replacement is due.

Why the battery drains and how to make it last longer

An AirTag uses power every time it broadcasts its location to nearby Apple devices. The more often you check its location in the Find My app, or the more crowded the area around it, the faster the battery drains. A typical AirTag in normal use lasts 12 months, but one in a busy location or checked constantly may last 9 or 10 months.

You cannot extend the battery life much, but you can avoid draining it faster. Avoid opening the Find My app dozens of times a day just to check on the AirTag. If you have multiple AirTags, do not play sounds on them constantly — each sound uses a small amount of power. Beyond that, the battery will drain at its normal rate no matter what you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery instead of CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltages and will not work correctly. Stick with CR2032 to avoid damaging the AirTag or having it fail to connect.

What do I do with the old battery?

Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that should be recycled.

How do I know when the battery is getting low?

Your iPhone sends a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You will also see a low battery indicator in the Find My app next to the AirTag's name. This gives you time to buy a new battery before the AirTag stops working.

Does the AirTag stop working when ready when the battery dies?

Yes. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag cannot broadcast its location or connect to your iPhone. It will not work again until you replace the battery. This is why it is useful to replace it as soon as you get the low battery notification.