AirTags use a standard coin battery that you can swap out yourself in about a minute

An AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery — the same flat, round battery you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery dies, the AirTag stops working, but you do not need to buy a new one. You open the back, remove the old battery, and drop in a new CR2032. The whole process takes less time than it takes to find where you put the AirTag in the first place.

Apple will tell you when the battery is running low. Your iPhone sends you a notification saying the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it actually dies. That gives you time to grab a replacement battery from a drugstore, supermarket, or online before the AirTag goes silent.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for two to five dollars.
  • Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise until it stops, then lift the back off.
  • Remove the old battery, insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, and twist the back on clockwise until it clicks.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you several weeks to replace it before the AirTag stops working.

What you need to replace an AirTag battery

You need only one thing: a CR2032 battery. You can find these at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, supermarkets like Whole Foods or Kroger, drugstores, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single CR2032 costs between two and five dollars, depending on the brand and where you buy it. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer are more expensive than store brands, but they all work the same way in an AirTag.

You do not need any tools. The AirTag is designed to open by hand. If you have arthritis or weak grip strength, you might find it easier to use a coin or the edge of a butter knife to help you twist, but the AirTag itself requires nothing special.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Press down on the center of the back with your thumb or finger. While pressing, twist the back counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it — until you feel it stop. It usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Lift the back off. You will see the battery sitting in a shallow cup, with a white plastic ring around it. The battery is not glued down. Tip the AirTag gently or use your fingernail to pry the battery out. If it is stuck, you can use a coin to lever it up from the edge.

How to insert the new battery

Before you put the new battery in, look at it. One side is flat and shiny — that is the positive side. The other side is bumpy or ridged — that is the negative side. The positive side must face up, toward the white plastic ring.

Drop the new CR2032 into the cup with the positive side up. You will hear or feel a small click as it settles. That click means the battery is making contact with the metal inside the AirTag. If you do not hear a click, lift it out and try again, making sure the positive side is facing up.

How to close the AirTag

Place the stainless steel back on top of the AirTag, lining up the notch on the back with the notch on the body. Press down gently and twist clockwise — the same direction you would turn a jar lid to close it — until you feel it click. You will know it is closed when the back sits flush with the rest of the AirTag and does not wiggle.

Your AirTag is now ready to use. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds and update the battery status in the Find My app. If you do not see the update right away, open the Find My app and tap the AirTag to refresh.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 in the trash. Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the front of the store or at the customer service desk. Some hardware stores like Home Depot also accept batteries for recycling. You can also search for a recycling location near you on Call2Recycle.org.

If you cannot find a recycling bin nearby, you can store the old battery safely in a drawer until you have a chance to drop it off. Just make sure it is not touching other metal objects, which could cause it to discharge.

How often you will need to replace the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag usually lasts about a year, though it depends on how often the AirTag is moving and how often your iPhone checks on it. An AirTag in a backpack that you carry every day will drain the battery faster than an AirTag attached to your keys that sits in a drawer most of the time. Apple's estimate is one year, and most people find that matches their real experience.

You do not have to wait until the battery is completely dead. As soon as you get the low battery notification, you can replace it. Having a fresh battery means the AirTag will not stop working in the middle of something important.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage and capacity, and they will not work reliably in an AirTag. Stick with CR2032.

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

Make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up. Open the AirTag again, remove the battery, and look at it in good light. If you put it in upside down, flip it and close the AirTag again. If it still does not work, try a different new battery — the one you bought might be defective.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The AirTag is designed for you to open and close by hand. There are no small parts that can break, no glue to deal with, and no electrical shock risk. The CR2032 battery is the same one used in hearing aids and children's toys.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries, and the AirTag may not recognize them as having a full charge. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries.