Your AirTag uses a standard coin-cell battery that you can swap yourself in about 30 seconds

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, the same flat round battery you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When your AirTag stops showing up in the Find My app or the speaker sounds weak, the battery has drained and needs replacing. You do not need to send it anywhere — you can open it, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one at home.

The whole process takes less than a minute and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. Apple does not sell batteries separately, but CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin-cell batteries that you can replace yourself without tools or special equipment.
  • You will know the battery is dead when the AirTag stops appearing in Find My or when you hear no sound from the speaker.
  • CR2032 batteries cost a few dollars and are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers under many brand names.
  • After you insert the new battery, hold the AirTag near your iPhone or iPad and wait for the connection sound to confirm it is working.

How to open your AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. The steel back has a small notch or seam running around the edge where the two halves meet. Place your thumb on the steel back and press upward while holding the white plastic steady. The back will pop off — it takes a little pressure but not force.

Once the back is off, you will see the battery sitting flat inside a small metal holder. The battery is silver and round, about the size of a dime. Lift it straight out with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Do not use a metal tool, as it can scratch the inside of the AirTag. Set the old battery aside.

Installing the new CR2032 battery

Before you open the new battery package, check that it is a CR2032 — the number should be printed on the battery itself. Hold the new battery with the flat side facing up (the side with the + symbol printed on it). Drop it into the metal holder inside the AirTag, flat side up. It will sit flush with the holder and will not fall out.

Press the steel back onto the white plastic until you hear or feel a click. The two halves should fit snugly with no gap. If the back does not click into place, remove it and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder — a tilted battery can prevent the back from closing.

Confirming the battery is working

Hold the AirTag close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is signed into your Apple ID. Within a few seconds, you should hear a sound from the AirTag speaker and see a notification on your device saying the AirTag is connected. This confirms the battery is installed correctly and the AirTag is working.

If you do not hear a sound or see a notification after 30 seconds, remove the back again and check that the battery is sitting flat and the + side is facing up. Reinsert it and try again. If the AirTag still does not respond, the new battery may be defective — try a different one.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and most hardware stores. They are also sold online through Amazon, eBay, and battery specialty retailers. You will see them under many brand names — Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all make CR2032 batteries that work the same way.

A single battery usually costs $2 to $5, though buying a pack of four or eight can be cheaper per battery. Check the package to make sure it says CR2032 and not a different number like CR2025 or CR2016. The wrong size will not fit or will not work. If you are unsure which battery your AirTag uses, the number CR2032 is printed on the back of the AirTag itself.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used battery in the trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs at pharmacies, electronics stores, or municipal hazardous waste facilities. Many retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and Home Depot, accept used batteries for free recycling.

You can search for a local battery recycling drop-off location through Call2Recycle or your city or county website. Taking the old battery to a recycling center takes only a few minutes and keeps it out of landfills where it can leak chemicals into the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Apple says a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in normal use. The actual time depends on how often you use Find My to locate the AirTag and how often the AirTag is out of range from your devices. Heavy use shortens battery life; light use extends it.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist but are not recommended for AirTags. They have a lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with a standard single-use CR2032 battery.

What if my AirTag is still not working after I replace the battery?

Try a different new battery first to rule out a defective battery. If a second battery does not work, the AirTag itself may be damaged. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss repair or replacement options.

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

No. Once you insert the new battery and the AirTag connects to your device, it will resume working exactly as it did before. You do not need to remove it from Find My or set it up again.