You can replace an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin battery that lasts roughly one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to visit an Apple Store or send the AirTag anywhere — you open the back, swap out the old battery for a new one, and you are done.

The entire process takes less than a minute. You need only the AirTag, a new CR2032 battery (available at any drugstore, supermarket, or online), and enough space to hold a small disc-shaped object. No tools required.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 batteries, which you can buy at drugstores, supermarkets, or online for a few dollars.
  • Your iPhone alerts you when the battery is low, giving you time to get a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by pressing and twisting the metal ring counterclockwise.
  • After you insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, the AirTag will play a sound to confirm the battery is working.

How to open the AirTag battery compartment

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. On the back, you will see a stainless steel ring around the edge. Place your thumb on the ring and press down firmly while twisting it counterclockwise — think of it like opening a jar lid, but in the opposite direction. The ring will rotate about a quarter turn before it stops.

Once the ring has twisted, lift it away from the plastic body. The white plastic disc will come out with it. Set both pieces aside on a clean surface where you will not lose them.

Removing the old battery and inserting the new one

Inside the plastic disc, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup. It is a thin, round, silver disc about the size of a dime. Tip the plastic disc so the battery slides out into your hand, or use your fingernail to pry it out gently if it is stuck.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) — this is the positive side. Place the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up, toward you. The negative side should face down into the cup. Press down gently until you hear or feel a small click.

Closing the AirTag and confirming it works

Slide the white plastic disc back into the metal ring, making sure the battery is still seated properly inside. Hold the AirTag with the ring facing you and align the disc so it sits flush with the ring. Press down and twist the ring clockwise — the opposite direction from when you opened it — until it stops. You should feel it click into place.

Within a few seconds, the AirTag will play a small chime or beep sound. This confirms the battery is installed correctly and the AirTag is working. If you do not hear a sound, open it again and check that the battery is sitting positive-side-up in the cup.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health section of any supermarket, drugstore, or big-box retailer like Target or Walmart. They are usually near the checkout counter or in the aisle with other batteries. A single battery costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or the websites of most retailers. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries at once is usually cheaper per battery than buying a single one, and you will have spares on hand for future replacements.

How often you need to replace the battery

Most AirTag batteries last about one year with typical use. The exact time depends on how often the AirTag is moving around and being tracked. An AirTag on your keys that you carry every day will drain the battery faster than one attached to a stationary item like a suitcase you use once a month.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it stops working completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery without the AirTag going offline. Once you replace the battery, the AirTag will resume working when ready.

What to do if the AirTag does not beep after you close it

If you do not hear a sound after closing the AirTag, open it again and check two things: first, make sure the battery is sitting in the metal cup with the positive side facing up. Second, confirm the battery is making contact with the metal cup by pressing down gently on the battery itself.

If the battery is positioned correctly and you still hear no sound, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different new battery from a different package or brand. If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you would need to contact Apple or replace the AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin battery sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use a CR2032.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work and will not beep. The battery needs the positive side facing up toward you. If you close it and hear no sound, open it and flip the battery over.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The CR2032 battery is not dangerous to handle. It is the same type used in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. Just wash your hands after handling it and keep it away from small children and pets who might swallow it.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Once you insert the new battery and close the AirTag, it will work when ready. Your iPhone will recognize it without any additional steps.

How long does the battery last if I do not use the AirTag?

Even if an AirTag is not actively being tracked, the battery will still drain slowly over time. An unused AirTag will typically last several months to a year before the battery is completely dead, depending on storage conditions.