The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year, then you open the back and swap in a new CR2032 coin battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.

You do not need tools, glue, or a trip to Apple. The back of the AirTag twists off by hand. Once it is open, you lift out the old battery, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back closed again. The whole process takes under a minute.

Your AirTag will tell you when the battery is running low. You will see a notification on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac saying the battery needs replacement. You can also check the battery status by opening the Find My app, tapping Items, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage at the top of the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year before you need to replace them.
  • You need only a CR2032 coin battery, which costs a few dollars at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — grip the metal side and turn the white plastic back counterclockwise.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you do not have to guess when replacement time is near.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag uses a CR2032 coin battery, a flat, round battery about the size of a dime. This is a standard battery type you can find at pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online. A pack of four or five CR2032 batteries costs between two and five dollars depending on where you buy them.

Do not buy the most expensive option. A basic CR2032 from any major brand works fine — Energizer, Duracell, Amazon Basics, and store brands all perform the same in an AirTag. The battery itself does not know it is inside an AirTag, so price differences reflect packaging and marketing, not performance.

How to open the AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the metal side facing up. Use your other hand to grip the white plastic back. Push down slightly with your thumb on the back while turning it counterclockwise — the direction opposite a clock's hands. You will feel it twist about a quarter turn before it stops.

The back will come free in your hand. Inside you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow cup. The battery has a silver side facing up and a flat side facing down. Do not worry about the small black sticker on top of the battery — that is normal and stays in place.

Removing and replacing the battery

Lift the old battery straight up and out of the cup. It comes out easily with your fingernail or a gentle push from the side. Set it aside — you do not need to keep it, though you can recycle it at most pharmacies and electronics stores.

Take your new CR2032 battery and place it into the cup with the silver side facing up, the same way the old one was sitting. Press down gently until you hear or feel a small click. The battery should sit flat and flush with the cup — if it is sticking up or tilted, lift it and try again.

Closing the AirTag

Hold the AirTag with the metal side up again. Line up the white plastic back with the body of the AirTag and press down while turning clockwise — the direction a clock's hands move. You will feel resistance as the threads catch, then the back will twist down snugly.

Stop when the back is tight. You do not need to force it — if you are straining, you have probably misaligned the threads. Lift the back off, check that the battery is still sitting flat, and try again. Once the back is closed, your AirTag is ready to use when ready. The battery does not need to charge or set up.

Checking battery status on your devices

To see your AirTag's battery level on an iPhone or iPad, open the Find My app and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select your AirTag from the list. At the top of the screen you will see the battery percentage. If it shows 100 percent after you just replaced the battery, the replacement worked.

On a Mac, open the Find My app from the Applications folder or Launchpad. Click Items in the sidebar, then select your AirTag. The battery status appears in the details panel on the right side of the window. The status updates within a few minutes of replacing the battery, so if it still shows low, wait a moment and check again.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain materials that should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies — CVS, Walgreens, and local chains — have battery recycling bins near the front counter or customer service desk. You can also take old batteries to electronics retailers like Best Buy, which accept batteries for free recycling.

If you have no recycling option nearby, storing the old battery in a safe place until you can recycle it is fine. Keep it away from metal objects and moisture. Do not throw it in a fire or try to take it apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?

Most AirTag batteries last about one year of normal use. The exact time depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates, which depends on how far it travels and how often you check its location. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you do not have to track the date yourself.

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

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin battery types — like CR2025 or CR2016 — are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or work correctly. Stick with CR2032.

What if my AirTag does not work after I replace the battery?

First, open the back again and check that the new battery is sitting flat in the cup with the silver side facing up. Make sure the battery is making contact with both the top and bottom of the cup. If the battery looks correct, close the AirTag and wait a few minutes for it to reconnect. If it still does not work, try a different new battery — the first one may have been defective.

Do I need to remove my AirTag from Find My before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to your account. The AirTag will disconnect briefly while the battery is out, then reconnect automatically once you close the back with the new battery inside.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary slightly, but grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers like Amazon usually have the lowest per-battery cost when you buy a pack of four or more. Dollar stores and convenience stores often charge more per battery. Compare the price per unit rather than the total pack price to find the best deal.