The battery in your 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 standard coin-cell battery that eventually runs out. When it does, you don't need to buy a new AirTag or take it anywhere — you straightforward open the back and swap in a fresh battery. The whole process takes less time than it takes to read these instructions.

Your iPhone will tell you when the battery is low. You'll see a notification on your phone saying the AirTag battery needs to be replaced. At that point, you have everything you need at home to fix it — you just need a new CR2032 battery, which costs a few dollars and is sold at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year before needing replacement, and your iPhone sends you a notification when the battery is running low.
  • You need only a CR2032 coin-cell battery, which you can buy at a pharmacy, grocery store, or online for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — no tools required — and the battery slides out and in within seconds.
  • Once you insert the new battery, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically and is ready to use.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag uses a CR2032 battery, which is a round, flat coin-cell battery about the size of a dime. This is one of the most common battery types in the world, used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Because it's so common, you can find it almost anywhere — drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers all stock them.

A single CR2032 battery costs between two and five dollars, depending on where you buy it and whether you buy one or a pack. You only need one battery per AirTag. If you have multiple AirTags, you might want to buy a pack of two or four so you have spares on hand when the next one runs low.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers on the white plastic top. Push down with your thumb and twist the white plastic top counterclockwise — the same direction you'd turn a jar lid to open it. You'll feel it loosen after a quarter turn.

Once it's loose, lift the white plastic ring away from the steel back. You'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder inside. The battery is round and silver-colored. Gently push it out from underneath with your finger or a fingernail — it will pop out easily. Set the old battery aside.

How to insert the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) and the other side is blank. The plus side should face up toward you when you insert it. Slide the battery into the metal holder inside the AirTag with the plus side facing up. You'll hear or feel a small click as it seats into place.

Once the battery is in, twist the white plastic ring back onto the steel back. Line up the two pieces and turn the plastic ring clockwise — the same direction you'd turn a jar lid to close it — until it's snug. Don't force it; it should tighten smoothly. You're done. The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds, and you'll see a notification confirming the battery is good.

What to do if the AirTag doesn't reconnect

In rare cases, an AirTag won't reconnect to your iPhone right away. First, make sure the battery is inserted correctly with the plus side facing up. Open the AirTag again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the metal holder and hasn't popped out.

If the battery is in correctly, restart your iPhone. Turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Once your phone is on, open the Find My app and look at your AirTags. The AirTag should show as connected within a minute. If it still doesn't connect after a restart, the battery itself may be defective — try a different CR2032 battery from a different package or brand.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag is being tracked and how far away it is from your iPhone. An AirTag you check on every day will drain the battery faster than one you check once a month.

Your iPhone tracks battery life and will send you a notification when it gets low — usually a few weeks before it's completely dead. This gives you time to pick up a new battery without the AirTag going offline. Once you replace the battery, the cycle starts over.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check your local pharmacy first — CVS, Walgreens, and similar stores keep them in the battery aisle or near the checkout counter. Grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and hardware stores like Home Depot also stock them. Online, you can order them from Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from Apple's website.

Buying a multi-pack is often cheaper per battery than buying a single one, and it's convenient to have spares. A pack of four CR2032 batteries usually costs five to eight dollars, which works out to about two dollars per battery. If you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, a multi-pack makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type or size could damage the device or cause it to malfunction. Always use a CR2032.

What do I do with the old battery?

Take it to a battery recycling program. Many retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery recycling bins near the entrance. You can also search for a local recycling center on Earth911.com or your city's waste management website.

Does Apple replace the battery for me?

Apple does not offer battery replacement for AirTags. The device is designed for you to replace the battery yourself at home. If your AirTag stops working even after you've replaced the battery, you can contact Apple Support to discuss repair or replacement options.

Will my AirTag still work while I'm changing the battery?

No. Once you open the AirTag and remove the battery, it won't track or communicate with your iPhone until you put a new battery in and close it back up. The whole process takes less than a minute, so the downtime is minimal.

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

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You don't need gloves or special precautions. Just avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme heat, and wash your hands afterward if you prefer.