AirTag batteries last about a year, then you swap in a new CR2032 coin cell

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 battery — the same flat, round coin-sized battery in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. When your AirTag stops finding your keys or shows a low-battery warning in the Find My app, you open the white plastic back, pull out the old battery, and drop in a new one. The whole job takes 30 seconds. You do not need tools, glue, or a trip anywhere.

Apple rates the battery to last about a year with normal use, though some people get longer. The battery drains faster if your AirTag is in a metal container or if you use it in a place with heavy radio interference. When the battery gets low, your iPhone sends you a notification in the Find My app.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, which cost $3 to $8 for a pack and are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • You open the AirTag by pressing the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it clicks and pops free.
  • The battery sits in a small metal holder; you lift it out, drop the new battery in with the positive side facing up, and twist the back on again.
  • A new battery restores full range and tracking — there is no pairing step or app setup needed after you close it.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are everywhere because they power so many small devices. Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart all stock them in the watch and battery aisle, usually near the checkout. A single battery costs $3 to $5; a pack of four or eight costs $5 to $10 and is cheaper per battery. Amazon and other online retailers sell them the same way.

Do not buy the cheapest no-name brand if you can help it. Panasonic, Energizer, and Duracell CR2032 batteries are reliable and last the full year. Off-brand batteries sometimes drain faster or fail early. The difference in price is usually under $2 for a pack, and a dead battery in your AirTag is more annoying than the money saved.

How to open your AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. The stainless steel back is the part you grip. Press down on the steel back with your thumb and twist it counterclockwise — the direction opposite a clock's hands. You will feel it click and then pop free. The back comes off in your hand.

If it does not twist easily, you are turning the wrong direction or not pressing hard enough. Press down firmly and twist again. The back is not glued on; it is held by a straightforward clip, so it should come free with steady pressure and a quarter-turn.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

Inside the AirTag you will see a small metal holder with the old battery sitting in it. The battery is a flat silver disk. Lift the metal holder up and out — it comes free easily. The old battery will either stay in the holder or fall out into your hand.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the metal holder with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. The negative side goes down against the metal. Slide the holder back into the AirTag. It clicks into place and sits flush. Close the white plastic back by pressing it down and twisting clockwise until it clicks tight.

Testing your AirTag after battery replacement

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and look at your AirTag. Within a few seconds, it should show as connected and the battery level should read as full. If it still shows low battery or disconnected, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side up. A battery installed upside down will not work.

If the AirTag still does not respond after you reseat the battery, the battery itself may be dead. This is rare with new batteries from a reputable brand, but it happens. Try a different battery from the same pack. If a second battery does not work, the AirTag itself may have failed, though this is uncommon.

How often you will need to replace the battery

Most people replace an AirTag battery once a year. The exact timing depends on how often the AirTag is in range of your iPhone and whether it is in a metal case or bag. An AirTag in a leather keychain holder in your pocket will last longer than one in a metal box in your garage. Heavy use — checking its location multiple times a day — drains the battery faster than occasional checks.

You can see your AirTag's battery level anytime in the Find My app. Tap the AirTag, scroll down, and look for the battery percentage. When it drops below 10 percent, Apple sends a notification. You do not have to replace it when ready, but it is a good time to buy a new battery and have it on hand.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Batteries contain materials that should not go to landfills. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the customer service desk or in the pharmacy section. Drop the old battery there for free. Some electronics retailers like Best Buy also take batteries at the front counter.

If you cannot find a recycling bin nearby, you can mail batteries to a recycling center. Call your city or county waste management office to find the nearest drop-off location, or search for "battery recycling near me" online.

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 batteries like CR2025 or LR2032 are a different size or chemistry and will not fit properly or work correctly. Stick with CR2032.

Do I need to re-pair my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Once you close the AirTag, it reconnects automatically. There is no setup step, no app action needed. Open Find My and you should see it connected within seconds.

What if my AirTag is in a waterproof case — do I have to remove it to change the battery?

Yes. You have to open the AirTag itself to access the battery. If your case is sealed, you will need to open it first. Most waterproof cases for AirTags have a small opening or removable panel on the back for battery changes.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle. You do not need gloves. Just avoid touching the contacts with dirty hands, and wash your hands afterward if you prefer.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead or if the AirTag itself is broken?

Replace the battery first. If the AirTag still does not show up in Find My after a new battery, try a different battery from the same pack to rule out a defective battery. If two fresh batteries do not work, the AirTag itself may have failed, and you would need to contact Apple.